The Tangram process strives to immediately create a requirements matrix, which is then sent out to prospective vendors. From that, we create a shortlist, have tailored demonstrations, move on to more focused sessions before, finally selecting the best product.
In the first instance, we ask agencies to create a list of functional objectives. That is to say, what do you need the system to do. Scopes of work and timelines, manage resources and scheduling, forecast and recognize revenue? Also, will there be any secondary objectives such as handling retainers or collaborating with a third party.
Strategic objectives are more precise in their requirements. For example, matching revenue forecasting to actuals. This all needs to be considered. Finally, there are problem-solving objectives, these are usually tied to functional and strategic objectives. A good example is if the agency is billing weekend work at a different rate to weekday work. The agency management system required has to have the ability to automatically recognize and cost this.