How do you choose the best WFM software for your small business?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start browsing for WFM software, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it. What are the main pain points or challenges that you face in managing your workforce? What are the key features or functions that you need to streamline your workflows and improve your outcomes? How do you measure your success and track your progress? Write down your specific goals and prioritize them according to their importance and urgency.

2 Compare different solutions

Once you have your goals in mind, you can start looking for WFM software that matches them. You can use online directories, reviews, or referrals to find potential vendors or platforms. You can also request demos, trials, or quotes to get a better sense of how each solution works and what it offers. As you compare different solutions, pay attention to factors such as functionality, usability, scalability, integration, customization, support, and pricing.

3 Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks

No WFM software is perfect, and you may have to compromise on some aspects or features. However, you should weigh the pros and cons of each solution carefully and see how they align with your goals and expectations. You should also consider the feedback and opinions of your employees, managers, and customers, as they are the ones who will use or benefit from the WFM software. You can use a scoring system or a SWOT analysis to help you evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each option.

4 Test the implementation and adoption

Before you make a final decision, you should test how the WFM software will fit into your existing processes and systems. You should also assess how easy or difficult it will be for your staff and clients to learn and use the new software. You can ask for a pilot or a proof of concept from the vendor or platform to see how the WFM software performs in real-life scenarios and how it affects your productivity and quality. You can also ask for training, documentation, or support materials to help you with the implementation and adoption.

5 Review the contract and terms

The last step is to review the contract and terms of the WFM software carefully and make sure you understand what you are signing up for. You should check for details such as the duration, renewal, cancellation, and termination of the agreement, as well as the payment, refund, and warranty policies. You should also look for any hidden fees, clauses, or limitations that may affect your usage or rights. If you have any questions or concerns, you should clarify them with the vendor or platform before you finalize the deal.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?