Technology: How to Assess Catalog Systems

- Investigate systems options. Now that you’re properly prepared, you’re ready to start looking at systems and determine which vendors should get the RFP. An initial list of six to eight contenders is a good number to whom to send the RFP. Allow about four weeks to get back formal responses.

- Evaluate responses. The RFP helps keep vendors honest (some vendors will be more optimistic than others). Once you have the formal responses, 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 factors such as system cost or ability to meet your time frame.