How To Choose an ITSM Tool: Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

Posted on Tuesday 17 September 2024.

Hey there, ITSM buyers! So, you’re on the hunt for the perfect ITSM tool? Great!

But wait, before you start asking about ITIL compatibility and fancy integrations, let me introduce you to something magical: the PeopleCert ATV Programme. No, it’s not a programme for off-road vehicles in the wild world of ITSM (though that’d be fun). ATV stands for Accredited Tool Vendor, and it’s here to save you from ITSM tool paralysis. 

What’s the ATV Programme, You Ask? 

The PeopleCert ATV Programme is essentially like a golden seal of approval for ITSM tool vendors. Think of it as the Michelin Star for ITSM software.  As the IP owners of ITIL, PeopleCert provides the only official ITIL accreditation for tool vendors. If a vendor is ATV accredited, it means PeopleCert has thrown a party and given them a shiny badge. It tells you, the buyer, that the tool is aligned with ITIL principles and won’t wreak havoc on your IT infrastructure—or your sanity. In short, it’s a trusted way to ensure you’re choosing a tool that plays nicely with ITIL best practices. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I barely have time to understand ITIL 4 practices, and now there’s a whole certification for tools?!” Yes, my friend, but don’t worry—it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s here to simplify your life. Because if you’re going to invest in an ITSM tool, wouldn’t you rather know what it’s been through? The ATV Programme ensures that the tools you consider have met rigorous standards, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your choice. So take a deep breath, explore your options, and get ready to find the perfect fit for your needs! 

What Does It Take to Be an ITIL-Accredited Tool Vendor? 

For a tool vendor to become ITIL-accredited, they have to jump through some serious hoops. PeopleCert isn’t just handing out certifications like candy at Halloween. So, here’s the scoop: tools need to support ITIL management practices for accreditation, and there are different levels based on how many they cover. Think of it as a tiered badge system—more practices checked off means a higher honor! Plus, this is the only accreditation that also certifies the people working on the software tools. It’s a fun way to see how well a tool aligns with ITIL standards and who’s behind it! In other words, it’s not just about saying “we do incident management” or “we handle requests.” It’s about covering every base, from problem management to change enablement to the ever-elusive service desk wizardry. 

The vendors who pass the tests and gain accreditation get to wear their ATV badge ️with pride and are added to Accredited Tool Vendors directory . And honestly, that’s a good thing for you. Wouldn’t you rather buy a tool from someone who knows their change enablement from their continual improvement? 

A Real-World Example: Buying a Car vs. Buying an ITSM Tool 

Think of buying an ITSM tool like buying a car. You don’t just walk into the dealership and say, “Give me the one with wheels.” You want to know if it’s got safety features, a sunroof, maybe a seat that heats up during those cold winter outages. Now imagine the dealership has a big poster on the wall that says, “This car? It’s approved by The International Council of Safe and Stylish Cars.” That’s the ATV Programme in action, but for ITSM tools. 

The ATV Programme is like saying, “This tool not only has wheels, but it’s also got ITIL turbo-boosters, process alignment nitro, and governance airbags.” So instead of guessing whether your ITSM tool can handle a crisis, you can rest easy knowing it’s been put through the wringer by leading subject matter experts. 

The Accidental Tourist in ATV Land: ITSM Tool Shopping Without the Programme 

Let’s say, for argument’s sake, you’re a rebellious IT buyer, and you decide, “You know what, forget this ATV stuff—I’m going rogue.” And you pick up the first ITSM tool that catches your eye. Sure, the vendor says it’s “ITIL-compatible,” but without the official ITIL accreditation, how do you know they’re not just smooth-talking salesperson? You could find yourself knee-deep in a software swamp where incidents pile up like unread emails, changes go unapproved, and your CMDB turns into a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book. 

Suddenly, your IT department feels like it’s been transported to the ‘80s, complete with clunky interfaces and a whole lot of “I thought this feature worked?!” conversations. 

ITIL-Accredited Vendors: The Cool Kids in the ITSM World 

When you pick an Accredited Tool Vendor, it’s like joining the VIP club at the ITSM party. These vendors have been vetted, tested, and generally deemed worthy of your trust. They’ve demonstrated that their tool isn’t just a flashy dashboard with a cool logo—it’s a fully functional ITIL-compatible machine, ready to tackle your service management needs with gusto. 

And hey, let’s not forget that when you’re reporting back to your boss (who may or may not know the difference between an incident and a major outage), you get to drop that magic line: “Oh yeah, our new tool? It’s ITIL accredited.” That’s how you win at office politics, my friend. 

The Bottom Line: ATV or Bust 

In the wild world of ITSM tools, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But by keeping your eye out for that PeopleCert’s Tool Vendors accreditation, you can avoid the risky business of tool roulette and confidently pick a solution that’s ready to take on all practices you need. It’s like having a roadmap in a jungle of buzzwords. 

So, the next time a tool vendor slides into your inbox or shows up at a conference booth, don’t just ask for a demo or a free pen—ask if they have official ITIL accreditation. If they are, you know you’re in good hands. If they’re not, well… at least you got a free pen. 

Ready to Ride with the Best? Delve into the Directory to Find the Right ATV Tools for Your Needs! 

Don’t leave your ITSM tool choice to chance—make sure it’s up to the task!  To help streamline your decision-making process, visit the ATV website for access to the updated directory of accredited tools. With enhanced filtering capabilities, you can easily find ATV tools that support specific ITIL practices and languages, making it simpler than ever to locate the resources you need.  

 🔍CHECK IT OUT TODAY and start your journey to ITSM greatness today! 

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what Atilla Kücük, the CIO at LEONHARD WEISS, has to say about navigating the world of ITSM tools: 

#1 Choice Can Be Overwhelming 

“With so many tool vendors out there, picking the right one can feel like a full-time job! Thankfully, we have a shortcut: structured, objective information about manufacturers and their tools. It’s a real time-saver!” 

#2 Streamlining the Selection Process 

“Creating an evaluation catalog for tools is a big task. But why reinvent the wheel? With vendor accreditation covering basic ITIL processes, we can focus our time on our specific needs. After all, we use ITSM tools for more than just ITIL!” 

#3 ITIL Training is Key

 “As the CIO for 11 years, I’ve made ITIL training mandatory for all IT staff. Everyone needs to speak the same language, and that includes our ITSM tool vendors! We prefer not to teach them ourselves.” 

#4 Expectations for Vendor Expertise 

“I expect product managers and consultants to have a solid grasp of ITIL and how to apply it practically. While ITIL Foundation training is great for most employees, those in tool development and sales should know their stuff inside and out!” 

#5 Trust and Standards Matter 

“How can I trust a tool vendor long-term if they don’t pay attention to industry standards? I’m not interested in taking risks! Our IT team needs software for nearly every process, and while many aren’t standardized, IT service management has clear guidelines. I expect this accreditation to be the ticket for vendors to join the game!” 

 

Atilla’s insights highlight the importance of accreditation and shared understanding in choosing the right ITSM tools. So, if you’re in the market, remember it pays to check for those shiny badges of honor! 🎖️

SHARE:

Comments

MESSAGE US
close slider
  • Feel free to get in touch. To ask a question directly please submit your message using the form below.
  • Can we send you updates and offers to help you be brilliant?
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
X