Before Purchasing

1.  Ideally it's wise to buy a readymade software with options to further customize it to suit your managerial functions. 
2.  A totally Custom-made software developed right from scratch would take a phenominal amount of development/testing time. 
3.  Try the demonstration copies of different kinds of software, each for a week or two, to find out what are its first-hand advantages and disadvantages. 
4.  Check for references from those who have used the program, and search the Internet for reviews of the software. 
5.  Look into upgradation costs and availability of the programmer/consultant. 
6.  Inquire about warranty aspects and annual maintenance charges. 
7.  Its very important to ensure that the company has developed the software and not merely marketing it. 
8.  Procure a users list of the software from the vendor and enquire from the existing users how satisfied they are regarding functionality, ease of its use and the after-sales service and maintanence record of the company.