Considering new code enforcement software this year? It can be tempting to rush straight into demos and pricing conversations with vendors – but without laying down some internal groundwork, this expedited path can lead to bigger problems down the road: stalled projects, blown budgets, and timelines that fall apart the closer you get to your original goal.

The first step toward a successful software purchase doesn’t involve talking to vendors at all, but setting priorities, budget, and timelines internally before reaching out. Let’s take a look.

Start With Clear Priorities (and Be Honest About Them)

Smart software decisions begin with a shared understanding of what your team truly needs – and what it doesn’t. Before scheduling demos, gather your staff and document the challenges your team faces today. Are inspections slowed by current processes? Is case tracking inconsistent? Are notices difficult to create and send out?

From there, identify which features are non-negotiable versus simply “nice to have.” Most teams won’t find a solution that checks every box, so ranking priorities helps you evaluate tradeoffs and avoid getting distracted by flashy features that don’t solve real problems.

Understand Your Budget (and What Impacts It)

Budget clarity is essential, even if the numbers aren’t final yet. Knowing where funding will come from, which fiscal year it applies to, and who controls the budget will shape every other part of the process.

Many agencies also fail to understand different elements that may impact their budget, such as first-year implementation costs and integrations (connections with other internal programs your new system will need to share data with).

Timing Can Make or Break Your Rollout

Most teams want new software “as soon as possible,” but faster isn’t always better. Implementing new software requires focused attention, training, and decision-making: resources that may be in short supply during peak enforcement seasons.

Planning around your department’s busiest times can help ensure a smoother rollout and stronger adoption. It’s also important to understand vendor implementation timelines and queues, especially if you’re working toward a specific go-live date or fiscal deadline.

In short: the right timing can turn implementation into a productivity boost instead of an added burden.

The Bottom Line

Taking time to plan before you buy isn’t a delay – it’s an investment. Code teams that define their priorities, clarify budgets, and align timelines early are far more likely to choose the right solution, achieve internal buy-in, and see long-term value from their solution.

Looking for further guidance on how to rank priorities, fully evaluate your needs, and consider all the factors that may influence budget and timing? In Code Enforcement Software: The Buyer’s Guide, Comcate has compiled valuable insights from 20+ years in the code enforcement industry to walk agencies of all sizes through the nuances of the procurement process.

This is just the first phase of the journey. In the full Buyer’s Guide, we walk through what comes next: navigating approvals, evaluating vendors, and preparing for implementation with confidence. For a more in-depth look at each of these research and planning considerations – as well as other critical steps in the buying process – download the full ebook.

Schedule a Meeting with Comcate Today!

Learn how Comcate can help make government delivery simple, and offer a modern digital experience to help you increase transparency, efficiency, and performance across your departments. If you have any questions about implementing our software, please fill out the form below or call us directly at (415) 632-1248.