The summary.
DOCUMENT YOUR PROCESSES BEFORE LOOKING AT PRODUCTS
Otherwise vendors define your requirements for you. And describe the outcome required rather than your current system, which selects for replicating its faults.
DEMAND A DEMONSTRATION OF YOUR SCENARIOS WITH YOUR DATA
Including your most awkward exception — systems handle the normal case and differ entirely on exceptions.
Evaluate only what exists today. Coming soon means not available, and possibly never.
THE IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER MATTERS MORE THAN THE PRODUCT
Most failures are implementation failures. Ask who specifically will do the work, and whether they remain available throughout.
Low quotes indicate underestimated scope, which returns as change requests.
RENEWAL TERMS MATTER MORE THAN INITIAL PRICING
Discounts disappear, and switching is expensive by then. Model cost at your size in three years, and ask how view-only and external users are charged.
TEST A DATA EXPORT DURING THE TRIAL
Exports frequently provide current balances rather than transaction history, and that is what makes leaving impossible.
