Are you thinking of outsourcing some software development project? Then you’ve come to the right place. The need for software outsourcing is massively growing and you shouldn’t be left behind.
According to statistics, about 64% of companies are choosing to outsource. It’s one of the wallet-friendly options to get your operations running as required.
That said, the process of choosing the best partner for outsourcing can be draining and confusing. But with the use of below tips, you’ll find the process simpler and quicker.
Read to the end to learn more.
Establish the project scope and goals
For the success of any project to be realized, there must be clearly outlined goals and scope. Goals and scope highlight what one wants to achieve or accomplish with the project and entail the responsibilities, roles, and expectations. They are the project’s short-term and long-term requirements.
With a clear scope, one can identify what needs outsourcing and what doesn’t. It’s easy to identify the skills lacking in a business hence the need to outsourcing.
Without goals, the project may deviate from the intended plan. When outlining these requirements, you should also include the expected deliverables to impact the project’s overall outcome.
Choose the right partner
When choosing the right partner or agency for outsourcing, it’d be best not to rush. A little wait may go a long way in helping you identify the right partner.
Carry out some comprehensive research on some promising agencies. Analyze their project portfolio, their level of expertise, and the domain they work with. Also, it would help if you looked at some of the feedback and reviews from different clients who each agency has served.
With the right agency or partner, it’s easy to meet the project goals and requirements, saving your future challenges such as the need to hire a new agency to clear the mess.
Prepare an in-house team
With outsourcing, it doesn’t mean one leaves the agency to work on its own. There’s a need to have in-house teamwork with the agency—one that’s fully conversant with the project goals, scope, and requirements.
It’s best to first inform the team of the new management and organizational structure changes that’ll occur due to the outsourcing operations.
Ensure the team is fully aware of how they’re supposed to work with the outsourced unit and what communication models will be used in the process. They should also have tools for collaborative project management.
Create a communication model
Good communication is an essential pillar for any project’s success.
It involves a good flow of information from the top management to the junior employee engaged in the software development project. Without it, information might be distorted, leading to delays and project failure.
For this, you should establish proper and credible communication channels to be used during this process. Channels such as regular meetings and video conferencing with the outsourcing agency and in-house team are good examples.
This way, if there’re changes in the project’s goals and requirements, one can communicate them to all.
Go for value over cost
As stated, outsourcing is one of the wallet-friendly options to get software development projects done. However, this isn’t the primary reason for outsourcing.
The approach is embraced because it saves the company or further business costs that would’ve been incurred in the future, such as time lags and drawbacks. Outsourcing allows a business to work on its strategic plans by offloading the software operations.
That said, one shouldn’t choose an agency because their services are of low cost. Instead, one should select a vendor whose cost matches their value and quality of work.
Start with a trial project
Before signing off that contract, get the agency to do a trial project. Break down the main project into smaller modules and assign one to the agency. Their performance and functionality will help you decide whether or not the chosen vendor is the right one to work with.
During this process, check on the agency’s flow of communication; are they trustworthy and honest with their work? Are they meeting their side of the bargain? What of their quality of work and ability to meet deadlines?
This process may require some extra time and resources, but it’ll help you understand how the project will run with the chosen agency.
Takeaway
When outsourcing, you should focus on the growth and strategic plans of your company. Take a minute and choose the right agency for outsourcing. Have a clear definition of the scope and goals of the projects. Ensure a flow of information and a well-informed in-house team. Lastly, assigning a trial project to the ideal agency will help in achieving value over cost.