It's Okay To Be Subjective During Vendor Selection

Vyom Bhuta - May 14, 2001

Okay, I know I have some eyebrows raised! While a formal quantitative selection process that includes the evaluation of vendor demos, technical and functional requirements validation, contract negotiations, etc., are important, sometimes in the end it all comes down to a subjective decision. Let me clarify something before I lose you: I am not in any way implying that a formal evaluation process or a quantitative ranking of vendor capabilities and functional and technical requirements is not necessary. Yes, you must be objective about your decisions, however, while the point could be open for debate, I recommend that the subjective opinions formed should be considered equal to the results of the quantitative analysis of an evaluation. Here’s why.

The subjective analysis mainly deals with the relationship aspects of the vendor; in addition it deals with the business aspects of the product. Ultimately, subjective areas may be used to eliminate some vendors from contention, or to make the final decision assuming all else is relatively even. These are difficult to score. However they do form an impression or opinion about the product or vendor. Don’t discount this! Subjective opinions mean something, and you feel the way you do for a reason. Whether included in your evaluation matrix or not, here are some factors that could help form your “…

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It's Okay To Be Subjective During Vendor Selection

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