The 9 Critical Steps
1.  Define the Project Vision
What Problems Require Solving?
Write up a Project Charter
Identify & Engage Stake Holders
2. Evaluate Existing Processes
Where is the weak cog?
3. Identify Business Requirements
Get a bunch of these guys --->
in a Room
Ask a lot of questions to capture, all events and tasks that happen to accomplish success
5. Short List the Vendors
Commercial Software Off the Shelf?
Build in House?
Bundle Several Solutions together?
6. Evaluate Vendors
Issue a request for proposal
or
Interview vendors from the top of 
your alternative(s) list
7. Select the Preferred Solution
8. Plan the Implementation
Project Plan:
Integration
Customization
Testing
Final Implementation
9. Evaluate the Project
What did you learn?
4. Research Alternatives
Determine selection criteria
Document your search