You’ve Decided to Run Your Awards Program Online: Now What?
Choosing to move your awards program online can be one of the best decisions you make. Doing so doesn’t just allow you to automate the submission and evaluation process, but allows you to keep everything organized in one location. This means that the days of managing multiple binders and countless piles of paperwork is over. Hooray!
But, as you may have realized, your decision making isn’t over. There are still some things you have to consider:
How are you going to run your awards online? Do you want to purchase awards software, build your own awards management system, or just wing it with some organizational solutions you’re already using?
Today, we’re going to explore potential options to determine what’s right for your program and, ultimately, your success.
1. Putting Multiple Systems Together
For some awards programs, it might seem best to put together multiple systems already online, like combining email, a survey tool, and an upload tool. This option is often used by programs that are looking to avoid initial development costs and create a process that fulfills all necessary roles through the various systems.
However, while this is often easier than creating a custom system just for your program, it often offers an incomplete solution for all of your needs. Think about it: these systems weren’t designed to work together, so it’s unlikely that they’ll produce a comprehensive solution to your programs’ needs. As a result, you might find gaps in support and integration issues, all of which might affect your entrants’ and judges’ experiences in your program.
2. Creating a Custom System
Another option that many executives consider is creating a custom system for their needs. Upon initial consideration, this can seem like a great idea. You can custom-tailor the features to your unique program’s needs and not have to sacrifice anything you feel like you need by purchasing software already on the market.
However, costs, hassle, and problems can also come along with customized programs. Most often, this is because custom programs demand more money for up-front development, updates, support, and integration with your membership database and payment processors. It also becomes difficult to not only maintain the program, but develop improvements and additional features. But if you’re willing to devote significant time, energy, manpower, and money into your program, a custom solution can still be a viable option.
3. Purchase an Existing System
An existing system is often the simplest and best solution for most awards programs seeking a simple, comprehensive, and effective awards management system. Not only are development and updates already handled, but you won’t have to worry about common issues such as hosting, integration, support for your applicants and staff, or meeting industry standards either.
By looking around at all of the available awards software, you’re certain to find one that meets, and maybe even exceeds, what a custom system would. As a result, you’ll get a more reliable, complete solution designed to remove hassle from your program and allow you to enjoy the full range of benefits available by moving the process online.
Making the decision to move your awards program online is essential, but how you choose to do so is even more important.
Of course, you must ultimately decide what makes the most sense for your program. And, by downloading our Build vs. Buy Guide, you can get the information you need to help guide your decision.
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