There are questions that should be asked during every sales demo for healthcare staffing software and these questions are missed almost every time I do a demo. There are some basic questions that I think NEED TO BE ASKED that people just DON’T ASK. 

Shhhh... It’s my secret

So listen up if you are searching for new healthcare staffing software, because I am going to tell you my secret.  Everything that you need to be asking my competition and me before buying.    

If you don’t know me you are probably thinking, “Who is this girl and what gives her the authority to tell me the questions I am forgetting to ask.”  I have been in IT related sales for almost 10 years serving as the Director of Sales four of the last six years at BlueSky.  And I can tell you after working the help desk and as an implementation specialist at BlueSky the software you choose needs to be a good fit.  Period.

Here are 7 questions that you can’t forget to ask when choosing a healthcare staffing software.

1.  List of references with at least one that is no longer a client

My guess is you are asking for references but taking references to the next level is so important. Talk to a client that has left the software and what forced them to move systems.  If you cannot get this type of reference then this is an immediate red flag.

2.  The cost may not seem what it really is kind of like Amy in Gone Girl (ha ha)

Hidden Costs.. they are everywhere. I call it the cell phone company affect. Does the company charge for integrating systems already in place like Facebook and Twitter? How are these charges applied?  Are they upfront about their costs and is there price protection for the future? You don’t want a huge bill the first month and not sure where it came from or find out that you cannot do half the items the salesperson demoed to you because there will be a significant increase in cost.

3.  100% Rule BEWARE!

A very wise CIO of a public staffing agency once told me that if you can get your software to cover 80% of what you need out of the box then you are doing great.  If a salesperson says that their amazing software can do everything they are lying – it’s just not true.  There is not one staffing agency I have come across in my tenure that staffs the same way as the other guy.  Each healthcare staffing agency is unique and has unique scenarios. Insist the salesperson show you how to do your job by teaching the salesperson about your processes so they can show you how to business in the new system.  This is crucial because you don’t want to stick a square peg in a round hole.  

4.  What is the SLA and does the software have a strong history of SLA Performance?

Your staffing software will be running your business and if this software has downtime then you could have some serious side affects and costs associated it such as payroll not getting out on time or worse your business comes to a complete halt.  So this is so important to ask and again while you are talking to the references ask this question too. 

5.  Can you demonstrate successful similar deployments?

I cannot begin to explain how important the rollout process is for a successful adoption of the new software. The salesperson should be able to explain or demonstrate a successful deployment and how they see the implementation working.  Oh, and while you are at it... ask the references in detail about the deployment process and overall adoption from your staff. 

6.  Can I configure the system and put controls in place through the interface without development costs?

There are things that a system should be able to do without a huge development fee.  In BlueSky we have over 1200 permissions that can be turned on and off without the need of developers.  This is huge because you do not want to be paying development costs every time you need a small change done.  I always say BlueSky is configurable to a fault as most SAAS systems should be!

7.  If I choose to leave, how easy is it to get my data and files?

This is a problem I run across time and time again.  Companies want to leave a certain staffing software but they are unable to do anything because there data and files are being held hostage.  This is a wrong approach on so many levels because the data is technically yours and you should be able to have a backup at anytime.  We have worked around this problem when converting clients into BlueSky and if you leave we are not holding your data hostage. It is yours and you should have a backup of data as often as you need. 

Take my warning...

I always say at the end of the day if I do not feel if the customer is a good fit for BlueSky then I don’t want their business.  I am not trying to be harsh but why would I want to put you and my team through a forced sale.  It never works out well. 

So please heed my warning and take my final advice: Buying staffing software is like buying a house – it’s a HUGE decision and you wouldn’t move into a house that has two bedrooms when you need four.  Don’t rush the process and make sure that you are a good fit for the software. Ask the tough questions and make sure that you are not just being sold into something that isn’t what it seems to be.