The 10 Most Important Questions

To Ask When Purchasing Foodservice Software

Questions DM2K    
Is it easy to use?
  1. Can I learn to use it with minimal or no training?
  2. Is training provided at my facility? Cost?
  3. Is it intuitive? Natural? Consistent?
    
Is it comprehensive?
  1. Does it include clinical (weights, intake, nutritional assessment, labs, etc.)?
  2. Does it also include recipes & menus, inventory, production, etc.?
    
Is it flexible?
  1. Can I change meal names?
  2. Can I start the menu week on any day I choose?
  3. Can I use my own names for rooms, stations, dining rooms, diets, etc.?
    
Is it modular?
  1. Can I purchase a part of the program now and the rest later?
  2. Do all modules integrate seamlessly?
    
Is it inexpensive?
  1. How does the cost compare to others with comparable features?
  2. When I purchase it, is it mine forever?
  3. Can I make time payments?
  4. What are the monthly or annual charges?
  5. Is the cost dependent on my facility size or network?
    
What databases are included?
  1. Do I get already designed recipes? How many?
  2. Do I get already designed menus? How many?
  3. Do I get already designed foods with nutritional data? How many?
  4. Can I add my own menus, recipes and foods to the databases?
    
Can it manage inventory?
  1. Is it compatible with my vendor's product numbers?
  2. Will I be able to calculate menu costs?
  3. Can I enter my own food costs?
    
Is it backed up with good technical support?
  1. Is there a toll-free technical support number?
  2. Is it supported by PcAnywhere or other internet-based tools?
  3. How often is it updated?
    
Is it technically innovative?
  1. Does it support PDA usage?
  2. Does it support digital photography?
  3. Does it support networking without additional modules or costs?
  4. Does it support all current Windows OSes?
    
Is it up-to-date with current trends and federal requirements?
  1. Do all recipes include HACCP information?
  2. Is it fully HIPAA compliant?
  3. Can it support fluid intake tracking?
  4. Is the software continuing to add new features?
  5. Does it interface with other "front office" or medical records software?