Software Audit Checklist

What Is A Software Audit?

A software audit is a consulting service to evaluate an existing software solution. It includes a full inventory, data analysis, identification of underlying technology, a cybersecurity review, and code analysis. At the end of the audit, the client should get a full report of findings and recommendations.

A software audit can be part of the due diligence when acquiring software through a business merger or acquisition. It helps the acquiring company understand the state of the software, including bugs, errors, licenses, and users, as well as the ability to integrate with existing software.

The Software Audit Checklist

Here is a simple checklist for a software audit.

Software Audit Scope and Process

1. Identify business needs, goals, and objectives.
2. Create a scope for the audit.
3. Identify the people that will participate in the audit.
4. Allocate budget and other resources to the audit.

Data

1. Do a complete backup of all data.
2. Verify consistency and accuracy of data.
3. Analyze security of the data.
4. Review data compatibility with existing, 3rd-party software.

Conduct The Audit

1. Inventory users, admins, licenses, and portal access.
2. Map the underlying technology stack and infrastructure.
3. Create a history of maintenance, updates, and upgrades.
4. Do a complete audit of the source code, looking for bugs, errors, technical debt, and the ability to scale and grow with the business.
5. Assess the accuracy of what was promised in terms of functions and features.
6. Survey existing users (internal and external) for feedback on user experience and usage.

Create Reports

1. Document findings.
2. Create a list of recommendations.
3. Write a simple summary review.

Now that you have the software audit checklist complete and the report ready to go, what comes next?

Post-Audit: What Now?

The audit is done. What now? Suppose you’re looking to acquire this software. In that case, you now have the information to make that decision and what additional resources (time, budget, etc.) it will take to merge the software into your business.

You will also have a list of actionable items which may include:

1. Eliminating unused licenses or users.
2. Updating software and its infrastructure.
3. Fixing bugs and errors.
4. Adding new features and functionality.
5. Updates or changes to 3rd-party software integrations.
6. Installing security patches.
7. Scheduling training with users, including cybersecurity best practices.

As you complete these post-audit tasks, document them. Keep updated records of this entire process.

Once you complete your software audit checklist, you’ll discover how valuable this process is. Making a software audit part of your technology strategy will help you keep your software aligned with your goals and growth, keep it secure, and help your business stay ahead of the competition.

Get your software audit started today with Sol Minion Development. Contact us now to begin your project.