Software Selection Scorecard
Compare software against actual workflow requirements, cost, integration, adoption and ownership rather than feature count alone.
Working record
| Check | What to do | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Describe what the user must accomplish and the condition under which the result is acceptable. Separate an essential outcome from a preferred feature. | Observable acceptance criteria and a test case. |
| Workflow fit | Describe the trigger, inputs, sequence, handoffs and exceptions. Check the current process before specifying a replacement. | One real source record, process steps and an exception case. |
| Cost | Separate one-off implementation, recurring operation and exit costs. Check each billing unit against the source quotation. | Cost line, source, currency, period and exclusions. |
| Integration | Confirm the data direction, field mapping, authentication owner and retry behaviour. Test a failure case as well as the successful handoff. | Mapping, source and destination samples, retry and recovery rules. |
| Ownership | Name the person who can approve the decision and the person who carries out the next action. A team name alone can leave the handoff unclear. | Named decision owner, action owner and review date. |
Review the decision
Compare software against actual workflow requirements, cost, integration, adoption and ownership rather than feature count alone. Keep requirements, workflow fit, cost attached to the conclusion so the next owner can challenge the assumptions. Resolve missing evidence before treating this record as approval.
Continue the decision
How to Compare Software Without Turning the Page Into a Feature List · How to Choose Business Software Without Buying by Feature Count.
Calculation and source notes
Keep the displayed formula, input units and model scope with the result. Corrections or questions can be sent through the request section on this page.
Content updated: October 11, 2026