Check whether it solves the whole problem
List the workflows, integrations and support expectations that matter. A tool that looks similar in a demo may require custom work or operational skills you do not have.
Read the licence and the project health
Understand how the licence applies to your use, changes and distribution. Look at release activity, documentation, issue handling, security advisories and the number of people able to maintain the project. Open source does not mean every use has identical obligations.
Know who owns updates and recovery
Decide who monitors updates, tests them and restores service if a change breaks something. Keep a backup and a clear configuration record. Budget for the real cost of running and supporting the software.
Keep the exit door visible
Prefer documented formats and interfaces where practical. Know how to export data and replace the tool if the project or your needs change. Independence is more than the absence of a licence bill.