Purchasing the Right Software For Your Agency Amy Hance CalACT Spring Conference Newport Beach, California April 4, 2018

I have a staff of 55 people, 43 are pt and ft drivers I have a staff of 55 people, 43 are pt and ft drivers. The balance is made up of training and administrative support staff and bus washers.

Tech Predictions for the Future by Ian Pearson You will be able to ride the Hyperloop by 2025. Flying cars will exist. People will ride in driverless pods by 2025. It will be possible to ride in a hyperjet in the atmosphere by 2040. Super tall buildings will be spaceports by 2045. Engineer and fellow at the World Academy of Arts & Sciences

We needed technology for dispatching help

8 Steps to a Successful Software Purchase (Or, how to be a hero to your board/council, co-workers, employees, and riders )

Identify the problem you are trying to solve

Research the marketplace Identify the problem you are trying to solve Research the marketplace

Invite partners to the table Information Technology Employees Identify the problem you are trying to solve Research the marketplace Invite partners to the table Information Technology Employees Passengers Councils/Boards IT department

Pick your vendor, but first -

Vendors Due diligence

Vendors Due diligence

And….you guessed it, due diligence. Vendors Due diligence And….you guessed it, due diligence.

Vendor Selection

Questions for Potential Vendors Do they use forced ranking to evaluate their employees? How are technical problems & questions handled after the initial installation? Is their system homogenous or heterogeneous? Can they articulate your vision? Names of customers with similar systems? Provide a sample RFP or contract? Are they involved in the industry?

(or Amy’s List of Regrets….) Lessons Learned (or Amy’s List of Regrets….) Take your time. Read EVERYTHING. Consider spending $$ for technical expertise. If you don’t understand something, ask. Call all references. Utilize industry resources (transit people are notoriously helpful) Just because a product costs more doesn’t mean it’s better. Bundling of products or services may save you money, or not. Emails can become evidence so don’t type something you’ll regret Compare apples to apples. Be clear about your budget with the vendor. In case of a conflict, be patient. There’s usually a solution to the problem. Withholding final payment may or may not be useful.

Thank you!