The 10 critical success factors for system selection projects 

 1.     Have a business case

       What are the motivations or benefits anticipated? What is the return on investment?

2.     Get the right approvals

       If you do not know what or who is required to approve this, find out very quickly.

3.     Develop an appropriate project structure

       No matter what others say, spend time on this, it will be worth it in the long run.

4.     Get buy-in from relevant stakeholders

       They will be waiting for the earliest opportunity to say, "Ï told you so".

5.     Involve key internal and external stakeholders

       Involve these people to ensure a successful outcome is in their best interests.

6.     Follow a proven methodology

       Akin to having a roadmap in a foreign city.

7.     Understand and define your business requirements well

       These will determine the success or otherwise of the entire exercise.

8.     Know what, when and how to negotiate

       There are significant cost savings to be made and traps to avoid when you negotiate right.

9.     Get a fair contract

       The vendor needs to make some profit to, or you will rapidly slide sown the priority scale.

10.   Ensure proper signoff

       Project governance is important. Never more so than during future project reviews