Align requirements and vendor references; vendors unaware of competitor's proposal details. Simulation Details: Pinnacle Systems is a mid-sized technology firm with 250 employees, specializing in workflow automation tools for industries like manufacturing, retail, and professional services. Their proprietary business-management platform has driven growth and client retention, supporting over 100 employees daily with workflow management and reporting. However, the platform’s outdated architecture is causing rising maintenance costs and compatibility issues with newer technologies. With Q4 being the busiest and most profitable season, and the software license expiring soon, the company faces urgent pressure to select and implement a new vendor within six weeks. The chosen solution must support cloud infrastructure, mobile access for field teams, and seamless API integrations with over 200 systems, while also being scalable for future growth. You must choose between two finalist vendors: TechForward Solutions and BusinessMax Systems. TechForward offers superior processing speed and security but comes with higher costs and upfront payment requirements. BusinessMax is more cost-efficient and flexible with payments but has lower technical performance and uptime guarantees. Both vendors are pushing for a quick decision with limited-time offers, and their sales representatives will use persuasive tactics to highlight strengths and downplay weaknesses. You’ll need to probe for evidence, negotiate terms, and balance performance, cost, and risk—all under significant time pressure and ambiguity. As Project Manager, your mission is to lead Pinnacle Systems through a high-stakes vendor selection. You’ll begin by chatting with Jennifer Kim, the Department Director, to clarify mandatory requirements and evaluation criteria. Next, you’ll conduct separate voice calls with Alex Thompson from TechForward Solutions and Maria Santos from BusinessMax Systems, challenging their claims, uncovering risks, and negotiating possible concessions. Finally, you’ll present your verbal recommendation to Jennifer Kim, ensuring your choice aligns with her criteria and is supported by a clear, evidence-based rationale. All interactions are strictly one-on-one and conducted in real time. - Clarify requirements and expectations with the Department Director. - Engage in probing conversations with each vendor representative to validate claims and negotiate terms. - Synthesize information and present a verbal recommendation that aligns with the established criteria. - Demonstrate negotiation and decision-making skills throughout the process.