Evaluating New Functionality Requests in SaaS: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of evaluating new functionality requests in Software as a Service (SaaS) is crucial for the growth and success of any SaaS business. In this article, we will explore the thought process that should be generated when a client requests a new functionality in your SaaS product.

Understanding the Client's Request

Understanding the client's request is the first step in evaluating new functionality requests When a client sits you down and says they need a specific functionality in your software, it is essential to understand the request completely. This involves identifying the client's request, contextualizing it in their operation, and understanding all the operating frameworks of that request.

Evaluating the Request

Evaluating the request is critical to determine if it makes sense for your SaaS product The next step is to evaluate how the request fits into the definition of your solution. This involves understanding the business process that your SaaS product serves and determining if the request makes sense in that context.

Considering the Vertical and Industry

Considering the vertical and industry is essential to ensure the request aligns with your SaaS product's target market It is crucial to consider the vertical or specific business verticals that your SaaS product serves. The request must make sense in the context of the industry and the business process that your product serves.

Evaluating Costs and Development Time

Evaluating costs and development time is essential to determine the feasibility of the request The next step is to evaluate the costs and development time required to implement the new functionality. This involves understanding the resources needed and the resources available.

Considering the Impact on Infrastructure

Considering the impact on infrastructure is critical to ensure the request does not compromise the stability of your SaaS product It is essential to evaluate the impact of the new functionality on your infrastructure, including security, scalability, and maintenance.

Evaluating the Business Model

Evaluating the business model is critical to ensure the request aligns with your SaaS product's revenue streams The next step is to evaluate the business model and determine if the new functionality can be sold as a separate component, create a new plan, or be included in the existing contract.

Avoiding Workshop Blindness

Avoiding workshop blindness is essential to ensure that the request is evaluated objectively It is crucial to avoid workshop blindness by evaluating the request with the product team, commercial team, and other stakeholders to ensure that the request is evaluated objectively.

Validating the Impact on Onboarding and Support

Validating the impact on onboarding and support is essential to ensure the request does not compromise the customer success The next step is to validate the impact of the new functionality on onboarding and support. This involves measuring the impact on customer success and determining if the request makes sense in the context of the customer success level.

Evaluating the UX and UI

Evaluating the UX and UI is essential to ensure the request aligns with the user experience It is crucial to evaluate the UX and UI of the new functionality to ensure that it is coherent with the user experience.

Anticipating Technical Debt

Anticipating technical debt is essential to ensure the request does not compromise the stability of your SaaS product The next step is to anticipate the technical debt that the new functionality may generate. This involves understanding the learning curve for new team members, the specialization required, and the potential hidden costs.

Conclusion

Evaluating new functionality requests in SaaS is a crucial process that requires careful consideration of various factors. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you make informed decisions about whether to include a new functionality in your SaaS product. Remember to avoid workshop blindness, validate the impact on onboarding and support, and anticipate technical debt to ensure the request aligns with your SaaS product's goals and objectives.