Successful System Selection

A successful IT system selection is more than a checklist — it’s where strategy meets execution.

The most successful selections have four things in common:

• Clear business requirements — Not just functional and technical specs, but well-defined outcomes, with each requirement clearly categorized as Critical, Mandatory, or Desirable.
• Leadership alignment — Executive sponsors engaged early and aligned on overall goals.
• Vendor guidance — Shaping demos, use cases, and roadmaps with the vendor.
• The right systems integration partner — One that fits not just the tech stack, but the organization’s culture and pace, and is willing to go the extra mile — not focused on change requests to increase scope.

We’ve also seen the key risk: rushing the process or letting it become IT-led without business ownership.
This often leads to over-customization, poor adoption, and missed value.

But when done right, system selection becomes a catalyst — not just for new technology, but for true business transformation.

At ARDENT, we’ve supported multiple clients through their system selection journey — ERP, GRC, and beyond. Across industries and program sizes, we’ve seen what makes the difference.

We help our clients approach system selection strategically — balancing speed, structure, and stakeholder input to get it right the first time.