Instructions
The process is quite simple. Within its first seven worksheets the spreadsheet details has
many of the factors that you have to consider in evaluating the application software. When
you start filling the worksheets listed below for evaluation you enter their details on the
spreadsheet and add their score against each item on the list. If the listed item does not
apply to you, simply leave it blank. The work sheets are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Overall Requirements
Application Support for various functions in the Unit
Admin and Security
Reports (Statistics)
Web Based Software (ASP Solutions)
Vendor and Vendor Support
Cost (of the software and associated support and services)
Final Score
Note: Worksheet TWO has been included for you to evaluate the software functionality
features viz a viz to operations
operations in the garment unit features. The other sheets evaluates the
software features in terms of its scalability / robustness and security issues
You also apply your own weighting factor to each individual item within the worksheets so that the
Weighting Factor
Features that you may require in your software are listed in the description column on the
left side of the sheet. The next column is titled "Your
Your W/F".
W/F This is where you enter your
weighting factor of 0 to 4 for each feature. This should reflect the importance of the
feature to you. Typical weighting factor definitions are:
0 Not Important (Select 0 or ignore if the feature is not a requirement)
1 Has some Significance (Select 1 if the feature is not important but may have some use)
2 Significant (Select 2 if the feature is one that you want but upon which you could
possibly compromise)
3 Highly Significant (Select 3 if the feature is one that you would not like to be without)
4 Absolute or mandatory requirement (Select 4 if the feature is an absolute necessity for
which there is no compromise)
SOFTWARE Score
When you have selected the weighting factor for the feature you should then move along
the columns adding your score of 0 to 4 for this feature against each application that you
are evaluating. The score should reflect how well the application handles each feature.
Use the following tips as a scoring guide:
4.
3.
2.
1.
0.
NIFT/DFT/Internship
Operating System
(Windows NT, XP,
etc.)
Is the OS the right OS which brings out all the features of the software
used
1.2
how flexible
1.3
You should consider how important it is for you export or import data
in the application. For example, you may want to export data to
Microsoft Office applications for statistical purposes if the application
is weak on reports. You may also require interfacing some of the
outputs with other software packages. Also, during implementation
you may find that some applications are capable of importing data
from other sources. This is more important during an upgrade to a
new system than in a first implementation.
1.4
1.5
1.6
Look ups
Look ups are tables or drop down lists that offer you a selection of
data to choose from when using the system. It should maximize the
use of these meaning that their lists and drop downs can be populated
with relevant and familiar data where applicable.
1.7
User configurability to
look ups and lists
Most people prefer that the lists and drops downs mentioned above
are user configurable. Users should be able to insert their own data
to these meaning that their lists and drop downs can be populated with
relevant and familiar data where applicable.
1.8
User configurability of
tags and labels
Tags and labels are the identifiers that are displayed against each
field on your software. For example Customer Relationship Software
may refer to "Customers" where you would prefer this to be "Clients".
Some systems allow this to be changed to the user's definitions.
1.9
Handling of links to
ancillary information
NIFT/DFT/Internship
3
1.10
Required number of
concurrent users
1.11
Archiving
requirements.
1.12
The use of devices that support remote is much more common as this
technology is improved. Consider whether you will be using PDAs
(personal digital assistants), laptops or remote devices and ensure
that the system is capable of supporting your needs.
1.13
Single or multi-site
functionality
1.14
Graphical, hierarchical
data structure
1.15
Regulatory compliance
support
1.16
Ease of
implementation
1.17
Additional database
software required
1.18
System maintenance
1.19
Paperless systems
1.20
NIFT/DFT/Internship
4
1.21
Equipment history
1.22
1.23
Speed
1.24
Customizable screens
1.25
Re-sourcing
1.26
Alternative Languages
1.27
Taking all things into consideration you should score each package for
its ease of use. Remember that you are assessing it not only for how
easy you find it to use but also for the intended user group. Is the
program suitable for the level of proficiency of your intended users?
1.28
Your Data
1.29
Your Data
1.30
Your Data
3.1
Ease of use
NIFT/DFT/Internship
Tabular selection
3.3
Password
3.4
Individuals
settings
3.5
Audit trail
You may require an admin audit trail that would provide traceability to
individuals for all changes to the administration and security module.
3.6
Customization
3.7
Your Data
3.8
3.9
3.10
Your Data
Your Data
Your Data
3.2
and
group
4.2
4.3
Customizable reports
4.4
Format of reports
(graphical/text)
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
Your
Your
Your
Your
Data
Data
Data
Data
NIFT/DFT/Internship
6
Worksheet 5 - Web Based or ASP Software
5.1
Purchase or rent
5.2
Data ownership
5.3
Functionality
5.4
Response Speed
5.5
Company stability
5.6
Cost analysis
5.7
Internet access
5.8
Customization
5.9
5.10
Spare
Spare
If you are trusting your data to your software vendor's servers you
must ensure that there is a mechanism in place to recover this data if
the vendors shuts shop.
If you are renting web based software you will have to carefully
assess the cost against that of buying a web based package for
installation on your Intranet.
Do all the PC's that being used already have Internet access. If not
why?
Web based software must often be used without customization. If this
is the case, will the application meet your requirements as it stands?
Worksheet
Worksheet 6 - Vendor Assessment and Vendor Support
6.1
Stability
6.2
Professionalism
6.3
Assess the vendor for the level of future service and support that they
offer. Do they provide telephone support at the times you require it?
Do they provide online help?
6.4
Provision of customization
6.5
Upgrade path
6.6
Customer base
How many packages have the vendor sold and who buys them?
NIFT/DFT/Internship
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
Your Data
Your Data
Your Data
Cost of software
Assess the application for bottom line costs for the configuration and
number of users that it is catering to?
7.2
Cost of hardware
What is the bottom line cost of any additional hardware used for
running this application?
7.3
7.4
Implementation cost
7.5
Training cost
7.6
Cost of customization
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
Spare
Spare
Spare
Spare
This is where the final Efficiency are calculated. You have done the systems analysis by now. All you
have to do now is establish the justification for or against and quantify the usage of the software in the
industry where you have conducted the survey. Further Scope of improvement may also be suggested.
NIFT/DFT/Internship