Selecting the Right Fulfillment Software (766 words)

An initial list of six to eight contenders is a good number to whom to send the RFP. You should allow about four weeks to receive formal responses.

5. Evaluate responses. The RFP helps keep the vendors more or less honest (some vendors will be more "optimistic" than others). Once the formal responses are in hand, you should develop a quantitative method to score them, based on the stated ability of the vendor to meet your needs as is, or with modifications, and on other factors such as system cost or ability to meet your time frame.