--- title: Blog | Team Northwoods | Buyer's Guide description: Buyer's Guide | Expert content, inspiring stories, and resources for human services from our technology, practice, and policy experts. --- - [Blog](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog) - [Careers](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/careers) - [Community](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/community) - [Company](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/company) - [Customer Portal](https://portal.teamnorthwoods.com) [![logo-northwoods](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image/logo-northwoods.png?width=229&height=49&name=logo-northwoods.png "logo-northwoods")](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/) - [Products](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Products) - [Traverse®](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Products/Traverse) - [Adult & Aging](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Products/Traverse/Adult-Aging) - [Child Support](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Products/Traverse/Child-Support) - [Child Welfare](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Products/Traverse/Child-Welfare) - [Economic Assistance](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Products/Traverse/Economic-Assistance) - [Services](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Services) - [Case Aide Services](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/services/case-aide-services) - [Project Services](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Services/Project-Services) - [Integration Services](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Services/Integration-Services) - [Consulting Services](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Services/Consulting-Services) - [Support Services](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Services/Support-Services) - [Customer Stories](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Resources/Customer-Stories) - Insights - [Buying Modern Technology](https://info.teamnorthwoods.com/human-services-technology-funding-resources) - [Change Management in Human Services](https://info.teamnorthwoods.com/change-management-in-human-services) - [Resources for Child Welfare](https://info.teamnorthwoods.com/state-resources-child-welfare) - [Social Work Burnout](https://info.teamnorthwoods.com/social-work-burnout) - [Resources](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/resources) - [Blog](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog) - [Blog Subscribe](https://info.teamnorthwoods.com/blog-subscription-center) - [Customer Stories](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Resources/Customer-Stories) - [eBooks](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Resources/eBooks) - [Infographics](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Resources/Infographics) - [Videos](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Resources/Videos) - [Webinars](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Resources/Webinars) - [Get In Touch](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Get-In-Touch-Contact) # Blog Our blog isn’t about us. It’s about you. We discuss business challenges and real issues human service agencies and caseworkers face everyday. You’ll find traditional human services software articles about things like document management for human services and social work technology. But you’ll also find inspirational stories to boost caseworkers’ spirits and tools to help agencies find and gain support for technology in human services. go [![Answering the Top 10 Questions on Buying Human Services Technology](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Blog/2024/02-06-2024%20Buying%20Technology%20Questions%20Feature.jpg)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/answering-top-questions-on-buying-human-services-technology) Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2024 by [Team Northwoods](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/team-northwoods) ## [Answering the Top 10 Questions on Buying Human Services Technology](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/answering-top-questions-on-buying-human-services-technology) #### “As directors, it is our sole responsibility to clear the path and move obstacles out of the way for people to stay in our agency. Any time you can give caseworkers more time with families, it helps with their morale and their balance. That ultimately has a positive impact on the work we’re doing.” – Joe Kellerby, Child Welfare Director, Mesa County Department of Human Services This quote from one of our customers underscores why technology has such a huge impact in human services. Technology allows workers more time to do the job they signed up to do—assisting clients in being healthy, safe, and successful—which is critical for supporting and sustaining the workforce. Yet, buying technology can still be incredibly difficult, especially for agencies who haven’t done it before. We know it’s overwhelming to navigate all the options available, so we created a [technology toolkit to help your human services agency](https://info.teamnorthwoods.com/technology-toolkit-an-essential-buyers-guide-for-human-services) navigate the journey—from defining the problem you want to solve, to evaluating the right partners, to implementing and optimizing your solution. Here’s a quick preview of the top questions we answer. [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/answering-top-questions-on-buying-human-services-technology) [![HSFO Highlights: All Things Finance and Funding in Human Services](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Blog/2023/10-25-2023%20HSFO%20Highlights%20Feature.png)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/hsfo-highlights-all-things-finance-and-funding-in-human-services) Posted Wednesday, October 25, 2023 by [Amy Drapcho](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/amy-drapcho) ## [HSFO Highlights: All Things Finance and Funding in Human Services](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/hsfo-highlights-all-things-finance-and-funding-in-human-services) *Amy Drapcho, Northwoods’ fiscal advocate, helps human services agencies of all sizes navigate the complexities of budgeting, planning, and all things finance. Amy recently attended the Human Services Finance Officers (HSFO) Conference in Nashville and brought back a ton of insight on hot topics and opportunities impacting agencies today. Here’s a recap of her favorite sessions and resources.* [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/hsfo-highlights-all-things-finance-and-funding-in-human-services) [![Is Any Money Out There? A Quick Guide to Grants for Human Services](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Blog/2023/01-19-2023%20Grants%20101%20Feature.png)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/is-any-money-out-there-a-quick-guide-to-grants-for-human-services) Posted Thursday, January 19, 2023 by [Amy Drapcho](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/amy-drapcho) ## [Is Any Money Out There? A Quick Guide to Grants for Human Services](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/is-any-money-out-there-a-quick-guide-to-grants-for-human-services) As your human services agency navigates the complex technology buying process, you may find yourself wondering what external funding streams are available, outside of your agency’s budget, and how to access them to support or enhance your upcoming project. Local, state, and national grant opportunities are a resource you can strategically leverage to support innovation, modernization, and workforce initiatives. [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/is-any-money-out-there-a-quick-guide-to-grants-for-human-services) [![Build vs. Buy: Why COTS is the Smarter Choice for Human Services](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Blog/2021/08-18-2021%20Build-Buy%20Feature-1.jfif)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/build-vs.-buy-why-cots-is-the-smarter-choice-for-human-services) Posted Monday, August 23, 2021 by [Team Northwoods](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/team-northwoods) ## [Build vs. Buy: Why COTS is the Smarter Choice for Human Services](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/build-vs.-buy-why-cots-is-the-smarter-choice-for-human-services) Many human services agencies falsely believe their technology needs are so unique to justify building their own custom solution. In the long run, however, this could be a very costly mistake. A commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product that can be configured to meet your needs and evolve over time can almost always do the job—with a considerably smaller strain on resources and faster time to value. [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/build-vs.-buy-why-cots-is-the-smarter-choice-for-human-services) [![Think You're Ready to Buy Human Services Technology? Think Again.](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Blog/2021/03-24-21%20Ready%20to%20Buy%20Feature.png)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/think-youre-ready-to-buy-human-services-technology-think-again) Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2021 by [Michael Drabek](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/michael-drabek) ## [Think You're Ready to Buy Human Services Technology? Think Again.](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/think-youre-ready-to-buy-human-services-technology-think-again) “It’s easy to make things hard. It’s hard to make things easy.” This adage rings true for human services in many ways, especially when it comes to purchasing and implementing technology. The process can be complicated for anyone, but if your agency overlooks certain key steps or considerations along the way, it becomes that much harder. [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/think-youre-ready-to-buy-human-services-technology-think-again) [![Mitigate Risk, Maximize Results with New Human Services Technology](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Blog/2020/12-07-20%20Maximize%20Results%20Feature.jpg)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/how-to-mitigate-risk-maximize-results-with-new-human-services-technology) Posted Monday, December 14, 2020 by [Team Northwoods](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/team-northwoods) ## [Mitigate Risk, Maximize Results with New Human Services Technology](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/how-to-mitigate-risk-maximize-results-with-new-human-services-technology) Technology for health and human services has gone from a nice to have to a must have. Agencies want to [modernize their technology to manage the ripple effects of COVID-19](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/prioritizing-technology-in-human-services-and-preparing-for-whats-next-lessons-from-covid-19), but struggle to figure out how. Revenue hits. Budget cuts. Furloughs. All of these make it increasingly difficult for agencies to fund new projects. The good news? Getting new tools in place is not only possible but can be done in a way that provides both quick results and footing for better outcomes in the future. It just takes a bit of strategic planning, creative thinking, and business savvy. [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/how-to-mitigate-risk-maximize-results-with-new-human-services-technology) [![Getting the Green Light: Justify Spending on Human Services Technology](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Blog/2020/21-01-2020%20Getting%20the%20Green%20Light%20Feature.jpg)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/getting-the-green-light-how-to-justify-spending-on-technology-for-human-services) Posted Wednesday, December 2, 2020 by [Team Northwoods](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/team-northwoods) ## [Getting the Green Light: Justify Spending on Human Services Technology](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/getting-the-green-light-how-to-justify-spending-on-technology-for-human-services) Is your human services agency planning to purchase new technology in 2021? In today’s world, agency leaders struggle to justify the need for new technology amid budget crises while IT leaders have been forced to cut many planned expenses in order to focus on the few that directly support COVID-19-related initiatives and precautions. A comprehensive and compelling business case that presents three critical components—hard return on investment (ROI), non-quantifiable benefits, and the social/community impact of your purchase—may be a determining factor in whether your request gets the green light. [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/getting-the-green-light-how-to-justify-spending-on-technology-for-human-services) [![12 Resources to Reboot Your Human Services Technology in 2021](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Research-Library/ResearchLibrary-11.png)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/12-resources-to-reboot-your-human-services-technology-in-2021) Posted Wednesday, November 4, 2020 by [Rupam Chokshi](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/rupam-chokshi) ## [12 Resources to Reboot Your Human Services Technology in 2021](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/12-resources-to-reboot-your-human-services-technology-in-2021) Human services leaders were put to the test in 2020. Now, it’s time to think about what’s next. As you look ahead to 2021, you may be considering several different technology-related options: investing in new tools, optimizing existing ones, or taking a step back to rethink what you really need before making any big decisions. Wherever you are in this journey, we’re here to help. [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/12-resources-to-reboot-your-human-services-technology-in-2021) [![The Cost of Doing Nothing: How Inaction Can Hurt Human Services](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/hubfs/Blog/2020/09-11-2020%20Cost%20of%20Doing%20Nothing%20Feature.jpg)](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/how-inaction-can-hurt-human-services) Posted Friday, September 11, 2020 by [Team Northwoods](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/author/team-northwoods) ## [The Cost of Doing Nothing: How Inaction Can Hurt Human Services](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/how-inaction-can-hurt-human-services) Convincing administrators, board members, legislators, and general stakeholders that your human services agency needs to purchase new technology is hard, no matter how essential. You’re up against several roadblocks—finite budgets, shrinking revenues, and competing priorities, to name a few. How can you make a compelling case to get support and overcome these roadblocks? [Read More](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/how-inaction-can-hurt-human-services) Pages: Prev [1](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/topic/buyers-guide/page/1) Next [Return Top](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog/topic/buyers-guide#first-post) - [Products](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Products) - [Services](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Services) - [Customer Stories](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Customer-Stories) - [Resources](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Resources) - [Community](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Community) - [Company](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Company) - [Careers](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/careers) - [Customer Portal](https://portal.teamnorthwoods.com/?__hstc=102083102.ff13bfbc795ffd9ff295caa61ce7dfce.1650473119683.1650481552054.1650558108798.4&__hssc=102083102.1.1650558108798&__hsfp=1912299359) - [Blog](https://blog.teamnorthwoods.com/resources/blog?__hstc=102083102.ff13bfbc795ffd9ff295caa61ce7dfce.1650473119683.1650481552054.1650558108798.4&__hssc=102083102.1.1650558108798&__hsfp=1912299359) - [Get In Touch](https://www.teamnorthwoods.com/Get-In-Touch-Contact) ## Northwoods Corporate Office **5200 Rings Road** Dublin, OH 43017 Phone: 614.781.7800 - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/northwoods) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheTeamNorthwoods) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/teamnorthwoods/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/teamnorthwoods) Copyright © 2024, Northwoods Consulting Partners, Inc., All Rights Reserved All content is owned by Northwoods unless otherwise indicated. 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