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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. We needed technology for dispatching help

5. 8 Steps to a Successful Software Purchase
(Or, how to be a hero to your board/council, co-workers, employees, and riders )

6. Identify the problem you are trying to solve

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

9. 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

11. Pick your vendor, but first -

12. Vendors
Due diligence

14. Vendors
Due diligence

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

17. Vendor Selection

19. 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?

20. (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.
s 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.

21. Thank you!