How Buying IT works

A Buying IT project has the following basic steps:

1. Gather & specify what is needed

This involves working with all your stakeholders (such as senior managers, customers, staff) to identify the requirements, their priorities and budget, etc. We will also ensure that you understand the technology and what can reasonably be expected of the project. Based on the requirements, we construct a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation to Tender (ITT) ready to go to a selection of suppliers.

2. Identify suppliers

This may be based on Clearsight Consulting’s roster of vetted suppliers, or by inviting expressions of interest from suppliers following a formal publication of the opportunity. The expression of interest may be informal or request the completion of a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) in order to undertake a preliminary short-listing. Suppliers may also be asked to complete and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Clearsight Consulting is completely independent of suppliers, and does not seek or accept finder’s fees, commission or any other form of recompense.

3. Invite formal responses

The remaining suppliers are invited to submit proposals and costs, based on the requirements. This stage may include a pre-quotation visit to allow suppliers to ask you about your requirements so that their responses are better informed and more likely to meet your needs. It also allows you to meet the suppliers in a relatively informal setting.

4. Assess suppliers

This is achieved by a variety of means, including customised scoresheets, calls to customers given as references, and formal presentations to you. Together with the pre-quotation visits, these activities are designed to ensure that you find out as much as possible about the candidate suppliers, their track record and whether or not you can work with them.

5. Select a supplier

This is subject to a review of contractual terms and conditions, preferably by a lawyer.

Of course, the steps can be adjusted to reflect the the size of the project and the budget. The actual process to be used for a specific project is agreed with you at the outset. If you would like to find out more about how Clearsight Consulting could help you to buy IT successfully, please contact us for a no-obligation discussion.