Class of solution dilemma: selecting business relevant software solutions

Businesses face many challenges when automating their key business processes. The product producing software company organizes itself around the key needs of these businesses that require automation. Some processes are fairly easy to automate when the requirements are clearly defined and shared amongst a wider customer base. The reality around differentiation is that no two organisations should be the same when it comes to the key value proposition of their offerings. Differentiation might be achieved through better pricing, more innovative customer facing processes and quality of products, for example. Business and technology groups have different drivers when selecting commercial, of-the-shelf (COTS) based products versus the development of software products from the ground up. This paper presents a model that can assist with the classification criteria needed when dealing with the dilemma of selecting automation solutions.