Since IT companies are making the most of the advanced technologies to successfully run their business, outsourcing software development is becoming the mainstream phenomenon in the IT sector. However, challenges arise in the pursuit of finding not just an efficient software development team but an outsourcing agency or vendor who has the required expertise to meet your expectation and deliver work on time.
Today’s article will highlight some of the best practices to adhere to when you decide to outsource your software development project.
Be precise in your documentation:
Miscommunication is the greatest barrier that can prevent a project from attaining success. That is why, whenever you’re collaborating with outsourced vendors, make sure to utilize Scope of Work (SOW) where you can document everything about the project. Your documentation must also include a list of criteria that should be in sync with the specific requirements of your project. You may also document other important tasks including the roles and responsibilities to be fulfilled by the outsourced agency. Documenting the details will help define the timelines of how to execute the project.
Conduct thorough research:
Among the several IT outsourcing companies available in the market, choosing a perfect software development vendor can be overwhelming at times. Some of you may skip the necessity of researching the agency and doing a reference check. Before you confirm an outsourcing company, dive deeper to reevaluate your requirements and check whether they match perfectly with your business objectives.
Be sure of the fact that the outsourcing company you choose must offer the exact service you require. Most importantly, your selection should be based on how the company had performed in its previous projects other than the workforce. You may check the company’s case studies, portfolios, client feedback, and public reviews to determine the credibility of the chosen outsourcing vendor.
Communication and commitment is the key:
Share your vision and mission with the outsourcing agency to build a strong alliance with them. Encourage them to ask questions and seek clarification if anything goes unanswered or unclear. Use video calls besides chat apps and phone calls to discuss urgent matters. Effective communication is crucial at every stage of the project.
It is equally important to stay involved and committed throughout the development process. Being a proactive client will help in overcoming all the hindrances to project advancement. Streamline the decisions you take and help the software development team seamlessly move the project forward.
Select an engagement model that best fits your requirement:
The three engagement models – fixed price model, time & material model, and dedicated team model are different ways of charging for software development tasks. For instance, if you’re choosing the fixed time model, the fees will be negotiated and fixed in the beginning. The project under this engagement model has clear objectives and is short-term. If the project needs additional work, the fees are charged accordingly.
If you’re considering the time & material model the development work will be charged at hourly rates. However, if you need added features, the fees are charged for additional hours. This model offers more flexibility.
Last but not the least, choosing a dedicated model will allow you to delegate those projects which have no clear requirements and are long-term projects. There will be a dedicated team assigned to work solely on the development work with commitment and determination. The cost for this model is determined by the period of the contract and the workload.
Look for an agile outsourcing partner:
Companies are adopting an agile methodology that allows them to gradually change any delivery model or the final intent of a project. This modification-driven approach helps developers save time and provide more strategic benefits to the companies. The team that follows agile methodology is responsible for planning, estimating, and delivering work and making necessary changes as and when required. This increases the chances that the goals of the project will be clear and attainable.