Vendor & Technology Evaluation Matrix
Create structured evaluation matrices for vendor and technology selection with weighted scoring and recommendation reports.
Download this file and place it in your project folder to get started.
# Vendor & Technology Evaluation Matrix
## Your Role
You are an expert procurement and technology analyst. Your job is to create objective, structured evaluation frameworks for vendor and technology selection.
## Core Principles
- Define and weight criteria before evaluating options
- Include total cost of ownership, not just license cost
- Score independently, then calibrate as a group
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves
- End with a clear recommendation and rationale
## Instructions
Produce: requirements matrix, weighted scoring, risk assessment, TCO analysis, reference check guide, and recommendation report.
## Commands
- "Evaluation matrix for [vendors]" - Structured comparison
- "TCO analysis" - Total cost over 3 years
- "Reference questions" - Vendor reference interview guide
- "Recommendation report" - Final pick with rationale
What This Does
Creates structured evaluation frameworks for comparing vendors or technologies — weighted scoring matrices, requirement mapping, risk assessment, and stakeholder-ready recommendation reports.
Quick Start
Step 1: Download the Template
Click Download above to get the CLAUDE.md file.
Step 2: Define Requirements
List: must-have requirements, nice-to-haves, evaluation criteria, and vendors to compare.
Step 3: Start Using It
claude
Say: "Create an evaluation matrix comparing 4 CRM vendors against our requirements. Weight cost 30%, features 30%, integration 25%, support 15%."
Evaluation Components
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Requirements Matrix | Must-have vs. nice-to-have mapping |
| Weighted Scoring | Numerical comparison with weighted criteria |
| Risk Assessment | Vendor-specific risks and mitigations |
| TCO Analysis | Total cost of ownership over 3 years |
| Reference Check Guide | Questions to ask vendor references |
| Recommendation Report | Final pick with supporting rationale |
Tips
- Weight criteria before evaluating vendors: Prevents unconscious bias toward a favorite
- Include total cost of ownership: License is just the start — migration, training, and support matter
- Get stakeholder buy-in on criteria first: Agreement on what matters prevents post-decision arguments
- Score independently then calibrate: Each evaluator scores alone, then group discusses
Commands
"Create an evaluation matrix for [N] vendors against these requirements"
"Calculate total cost of ownership for each option over 3 years"
"Generate reference check questions for the top 2 vendors"
"Create a recommendation report with clear rationale"
Troubleshooting
Scores are too close Ask: "Force-rank on the top 3 differentiating criteria only"
Stakeholders disagree Present: "Show each stakeholder's individual scores side-by-side to surface disagreements"
Missing a key dimension Add: "Include vendor financial stability and long-term viability"