8 questions to ask yourself before evaluating new research technology [Free downloadable template]

Are you considering a new research technology solution for your business? If so, it's important to ask yourself a few key questions before you begin your search for the perfect product. By taking the time to answer these questions, you'll be in a better position to evaluate whether the new technology is right for you. Let's face it - you wouldn't run a research project without first understanding the brief.

Let's take a look at eight of the most important questions to ask yourself.

1. What is the objective?
2. What does success look like?
3. Who does the technology impact?
4. What is the stakeholder's view of the objective?
5. What budget is available?
6. How much time do you have to find a solution?
7. What does the ideal solution look like?
8. What is the internal sign-off process?

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Enter your details to receive the "New Technology Brief" downloadable template

1. What is the objective?

When considering a new technology solution for your business, it's important to take a step back and ask yourself what business objectives you're trying to achieve. Do you want to increase efficiency? Improve customer service? Boost sales? Once you know what goals you're hoping to accomplish, you can start evaluating different solutions to see which one is the best fit for your needs. By taking the time to understand your business objectives, you'll be in a much better position to find a solution that will help your business succeed.

2. What does success look like?

Now you have a good understanding of what it is you are trying to achieve, take some time to think about how you will know whether the solution is working. For example, let’s say your objective is to reduce time spent on reporting - how much time do you need to be saving in order to consider the solution a success?

3. Who does the technology impact?

Great! You have a good understanding of the objectives that the new research technology solution should fulfill. At this stage, it is important to consider who will be using it and how they'll benefit from its use. The process of understanding who the stakeholders are for a particular project, and what their interests and concerns are is known as stakeholder analysis. Researchers will have different needs than end clients, for example. By understanding the specific interests of the stakeholders, you can create a plan and look for a solution that is far more likely to be a success.

4. What is the stakeholder's view of the objective?

Now that you know who the stakeholders are, it's time to get to know them. To ensure that all parties are satisfied with the final solution, it is essential to take the time to understand their view of the final objectives and how it fits with their needs. Jump on the phone with a few clients, or run informal focus groups with your employees. By taking the time to understand the stakeholders' needs, you can produce a solution that meets their expectations and achieves your desired results.

5. What budget is available?

Budgetary constraints are always an important consideration when evaluating new technology solutions. Regardless of how great a solution may be, it won't do you any good if it's outside of your price range. When looking at new research technology solutions, consider not only the initial cost but also the long-term costs of ownership. Make sure to factor in things like training, support, and upgrades. By taking the time to understand the full cost of a solution, you can make sure that it's within your budget and won't break the bank.

6. How much time do you have to find a solution?

If you're up against a tight deadline, you may not have the luxury of taking your time to find the perfect solution. In these cases, it's important to focus on finding a technology that can be implemented quickly and easily. Consider solutions that are cloud-based or have short implementation timelines. By understanding your timeline constraints, you can make sure that you're not sacrificing quality for speed.

7. What does the ideal solution look like?

When it comes to new research technology solutions, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to find the right solution for your business is to have a clear understanding of what you're looking for. To do this, consider what features are most important to you and your business. Then, make a list of must-have features and nice-to-have features. This will help you narrow down your options and find a solution that is the best fit for your needs.

8. What is the internal sign-off process?

Once you've found a new research technology solution that you think is a good fit for your business, it's time to get sign-off from the relevant internal stakeholders. To avoid any last-minute surprises like having to jump on a call with your CFO to justify the spend or being presented with a stack of new supplier forms to share with your new vendor, make sure you fully understand the process before you get started. You will find that this allows you to work much more efficiently and keep all of the relevant people informed at the right stages.

Key takeaway

New research technology solutions can help your business to improve its efficiency, productivity, and client offering. Before you begin to review the available options, ask yourself these eight questions so that you can be sure to find the best solution for your business and everyone involved.

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Enter your details to receive the "New Technology Brief" downloadable template

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Have you already found a solution that you think will help you to meet your business objectives? Read our post on "How to get the most out of your new research technology trial" and download the free trial plan before you get started.