Evaluate CTMS software like an IT pro – blog series: part 6
One of the most common concerns we’ve heard is the deep angst from our clinical partners about feeling very exposed for their lack of knowledge in the IT arena, and therefore their ability to effectively evaluate a CTMS solution.
It is an important consideration, and one of the motivating factors for writing this blog series is that our potential customer/partners just don’t know where to start – and once they do get started there is strong concern that they won’t know the right questions to ask.
They’re right to feel that way.
Yes, you read that right. Many vendors are happy to keep you in that safe space where they know more than you do. That way you won’t ask the really tough question – and those are often the questions which would allow you to really see through the bold marketing claims. (Remember – integrated, intuitive, flexible…?”)

You don’t need an IT background to conduct a thorough CTMS evaluation
If you’ve followed along to this point and have gone through all of the questions we suggest you ask in the beginning of your search, you will now be at the point where you may have two, or at most three vendors left to examine in depth.
We’re about to outline a process that, when followed, will lead you to the best CTMS solution for your organization. This process will break the components down and leave nothing left to guessing. You’ll be able to see through the marketing claims straight through to the actual product. And you won’t need a degree in software engineering to evaluate CTMS solutions – just pull up a chair, grab another cup of coffee and follow along. We are about to help you to decode it all!
It’s only four steps and well worth it, but it will take you some time and effort. We will focus on:
- Request for Proposal: Critical steps in creating an effective dialogue with your chosen vendors
- Live Demo: What you should watch for, red flags, and who to invite
- Proof of Concept: Why try before you buy is a best practice
- Engagement / Contract: Still in love? How to evaluate a contract
Up next: Secrets to getting the most out of the request for proposal process
All articles in the blog series
- Part 1: How to become a CTMS evaluation hero
- Part 2: The killer criterion that immediately narrow down your list
- Part 3: Are they going to march to your beat or will you have to march to theirs?
- Part 4: Bells and whistles, the monitor visiting process, and how to evaluate the user interface
- Part 5: The nuts and bolts of the pricing game
- Part 6: Conduct a thorough CTMS evaluation – no IT background required!

Next Best Action:
BSI Life Sciences
Jan Nielsen,
Community Manager Life Sciences
+41 58 255 96 22
jan.nielsen@bsi-software.com