Systems Design > Software Selection

Ask a business owner about their biggest operational challenge, and you'll often hear:

"We need better project management software."

"We need a CRM."

"We need an automation platform."

The problem? They're jumping straight to the tool without understanding the system.

Design First, Tools Second

Here's what we mean by systems design:

A system is the flow of information, decisions, and actions that make your business run. It's:

Good systems design answers these questions before you ever open a software demo.

What Happens When You Skip Design

When you choose software first:

1. You inherit the vendor's assumptions about how your business should work

2. You force your team to adapt to the tool instead of the other way around

3. You create workarounds and "hacks" to make it fit

4. You end up with a Frankenstein stack of tools that don't talk to each other

When you design the system first:

1. You understand exactly what needs to happen

2. You can evaluate tools based on how well they serve your needs

3. You can build custom solutions for unique requirements

4. Your team operates with clarity and confidence

A Real Example

We worked with a law firm that was convinced they needed a new case management platform. They'd demoed six different options and couldn't decide.

When we mapped their actual workflow, we discovered the real problem wasn't the software. It was unclear handoffs between attorneys and paralegals.

The solution? A simple checklist and a shared Slack channel.

No new software. No training. No subscription fees.

The system was the problem. Once we designed it properly, the tools they already had worked fine.

How to Start

Before you shop for software, answer these questions:

Once you have clarity on the system, choosing tools becomes straightforward.

Systems Are Your Business's Superpower

Not software. Not hustle. Design.

The most powerful competitive advantage isn't better tools. It's better systems.