How using awards judging software simplifies the evaluation process

Managing an awards program can be challenging from beginning to end, not just during the judging phase. From handling entries to running the evaluation process, complexity and errors can easily slow you down. But here’s the good news: with the right awards judging software, you can skip the chaos and focus on recognizing excellence the way you intended.

Let’s walk you through how you can make judging your awards program easy, transparent, and, dare we say, enjoyable.

The importance of a structured judging process

A clear evaluation process is what separates a professional awards program from a less structured, vote-based competition. That’s where awards software comes in — packed with powerful judging features, it lets you not only organize awards but also stay in control.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Manage entry approval and shortlisting before judging begins
• Set up as many evaluation rounds as you need
• Choose from different voting methods, and add public voting to the mix
• Assign judges by category or round
• Track evaluation progress in real time
• Automate reminders for pending votes

Structure doesn’t just make your job easier — it also adds credibility to your program.

Types of award judging methods

Different programs call for different voting methods, and the right judging software makes them all easy to set up and manage.

Evalato comes with six built-in judging modes to fit any kind of awards format:

• Score voting — ideal for complex programs with multiple criteria. Judges rate entries using weighted scorecards, and Evalato calculates the final result.
  
  
• Popularity voting — everyone gets one (or more) equal votes. The entry with the most wins. Think People’s Choice Awards, but smarter.
  
  
• Simple review voting — one-click approve/reject makes this perfect for early shortlisting rounds.
  
  
• Points voting — judges distribute a set number of points across entries based on preference.
  
  
• Single transferable vote (STV) — great for consensus-based voting. Preferences are ranked, and votes are transferred if needed.
  
  
• Positional voting — entries are ranked and scored based on position — perfect for programs with large entry pools.
  
  

With Evalato awards judging software, you’re not limited to one method — you can combine modes across different rounds or categories. Whether you’re creating a powerlist, a juried competition, or opening things up to the public, Evalato gives you the flexibility and control to do it your way.

How awards judging software improves transparency & objectivity

Let’s be real — bias happens, and all judges have different perspectives. That's why Evalato offers score normalization — a powerful setting that ensures transparent scoring and objectivity when judges evaluate different sets of entries. No math required. Evalato does the calculations for you.

Evalato takes the guesswork out of the equation for bias-free judging:

• Score normalization — keeps judging fair, especially when judges are reviewing different entry groups.
  
  
• Abstention options — judges can skip entries they feel unqualified to evaluate.
  
  
• Judge feedback — collect comments and insights from judges for better transparency and applicant value.
  
  
• Voter activity tracking — see who voted, when, and how many entries are left.

Evalato turns subjective judging into a process you and your applicants can trust. It also takes transparency seriously, giving you the option to make all results, scores, and judge feedback public, depending on type of awards program you run.

How Evalato stands out as more than awards judging software

Beyond the evaluation functionalities we’ve already covered, Evalato gives you everything you need to manage your entire awards program — not just the judging, but the whole process from start to finish.

You’ll also find:

• Pre-made templates — launch faster with customizable templates tailored to popular awards formats — no need to start from scratch.
  
  
• Embeddable registration form — applicants stay on your site, creating a smooth user experience and better conversion rates.
  
  
• Fast Apply™ applicant portal — provides applicants a seamless experience when they start, save, edit, and submit entries. They can do all of that at their own pace.
  
  
• Mobile-friendly judging — judges can review and vote from any device.
  
  
• Real-time evaluation tracking — know exactly who voted, how many entries are left, and when reminders go out.
  
  
• Embeddable winner lists — showcase winners, finalists, or any group of entries on a public page or directly on your website with ready-to-use layouts.
  
  
• One-click program cloning — reuse your setup in seconds by duplicating a past program and adjusting only what’s new.

From public voting to jury-based awards, the Evalato judging software simplifies every step of the evaluation phase, as well as everything else. It takes care of the “how,” so you can focus fully on your awards program. Try Evalato for free and see how simple judging can be.

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