The most important part of any software selection is seeing how it works. Here’s how to make sure you get the most out of the process when vendors give you a demonstration.

First and foremost you should get a live demonstration by a representative from the vendor - you can learn a lot more that way than by watching a pre-made video. The live demo can either be done in person, or via Web chat while you’re temporarily given access to the software.

Some other keys for the demo:

• Involve representatives from any department that will be impacted by the new system. Obvious people are HR and IT folks, but you’ll also want some employees, managers and anyone else who will use the software.
• Tell the representative what you want beforehand. If you give the demonstrator an idea of what’s most important to you, it’ll make the presentation easier and more valuable.
• Make sure you’re seeing software that’s currently available. Some vendors try to wow customers with unreleased prototypes or products that are still in beta form. They should mention that, but it’s better to be safe than surprised when you’re shipped a different product.

And of course, follow up with any questions you have, either at the end of the presentation, or later as you think of them.

Tags: demo, evaluations, HRIS, software vendors