You don't need a technical spec to request a proposal. But a little preparation gets you a more accurate scope, timeline, and price — and a shorter path to a working tool.
1. Describe the Problem, Not the Solution
Start with what's going wrong: "We re-type every work order into our billing software," or "Customers call five times to ask if their repair is done." Leave room for us to suggest the best fix.
2. Map How It Works Today
List the steps from start to finish, who does each one, and which tools they use. A photo of a whiteboard sketch is fine.
3. Gather Examples
Collect the spreadsheets, forms, reports, and screenshots your team uses now. Real examples answer questions a description can't.
4. List the Tools You Want to Keep
Accounting, payments, email, scheduling — note what's staying, so the new software can connect to it.
5. Decide What "Done" Looks Like
How will you know it worked? Fewer phone calls, faster invoices, no double entry, a report you can run in one click. Pick one or two measures.
6. Know Your Timing
Is there a busy season, a deadline, or a contract driving the timeline? Tell us up front.
What Happens Next
Request a proposal with whatever you have — rough notes are fine. Brian will reach out to talk it through, and you'll get a written proposal before any work starts.
