Outsourcing provides access to a large pool of personnel and significant cost savings, often reducing labor costs by 70-90%. Also, 90% of small businesses use outsourcing to drive growth by working with experts.
Despite these benefits, managing outsourced software development teams takes time and effort. How can you ensure that your outsource dev team effectively contributes to your goals? Let’s dive into the basics of managing outsourced software development teams.
What is a Outsource Software Development Team?
An outsourcing software development team comprises professionals from an outsourcing company working on specific software projects. These worldwide teams offer a wide range of skills and experience that are only sometimes available in-house.
Companies bring in external teams to tackle complex projects with streamlined costs. These teams offer fresh perspectives and expertise, operate independently under the direction of the client, and use their own development tools and methodologies.
3 Models of Outsourcing Software Development Teams
Understanding the various outsourcing models is critical before hiring and managing an outsourced software development team. Each model has certain advantages that meet different project needs:
Increase in IT staff
Increasing your IT staff involves integrating external specialists into your existing team. Experts bridge internal team skill deficiencies, boosting capabilities for specific projects. This model enables flexible staffing and supports your company’s culture and processes.
Dedicated teams
A dedicated team works only on your long-term projects, providing a complete and focused solution. This team works alone but stays close to you. It includes roles like project managers, developers, and QA engineers. Agile methodologies drive this model, offering flexibility and reducing customer management costs.
External development services
External development services are ideal for large-scale projects with clearly defined requirements. This model involves outsourcing the entire project life cycle—from planning to deployment—to an external vendor. This approach lets you focus on core business activities while the outsourced dev team manages the technical parts. It also offers big economic benefits.
How to Choose the Right Outsourcing Partner
Effective outsourcing software development management begins with selecting the right team. Consider these factors:
Clearly define your needs
Understand your project requirements. This includes business goals, expectations, needed skills, project scope, tech stack, timeline, and budget. This clarity will help you communicate your needs to potential partners and gauge their suitability.
Evaluate potential partners
Look for companies with a proven track record in software development. Check out their portfolios, customer reviews, and case studies. A partner with experience in your industry will offer valuable insights and innovative solutions. Make sure they have the capacity and resources to complete your project.
Assess reputation and cultural fit
Research a company’s market reputation through customer reviews, industry rankings, and awards. Cultural compatibility is crucial for smooth interaction; collaboration with partners with similar work ethics and communication styles is also important.
Consider the compatibility of time zones and communication protocols
Time zone differences can affect project management. Determine the time difference’s impact on your workflow and plan a schedule. Establish clear communication protocols, including preferred tools and expected responses, to ensure efficient information flow.
How to Effectively Manage Outsourcing Software Development Teams
To successfully manage outsourcing software development teams, follow these steps:
Establish clear communication
Set up reliable communication channels and regular check-ins to create a collaborative environment. Use tools like Slack, Zoom, and Gmail for various communication needs. Develop a communication plan outlining the frequency of meetings, parties involved, and tools to be used.
Provide comprehensive training materials
Develop detailed manuals covering project workflows, coding standards, and quality assurance practices. Make sure materials are easy to understand and provide tutorials or training sessions for new team members. Please update these resources regularly to reflect any project or technology changes.
Improve collaboration between internal and external teams
Promote collaborative meetings and use tools like Jira, Microsoft Teams, and Google Drive to ease teamwork. Involve outsourced dev team members in decisions. Could you encourage them to do tasks together? This will use their diverse views and build trust.
Install unified processes
Align outsourcing teams with your company’s methodologies and processes to ensure consistency. Standardize tools and technologies and provide clear guidance on coding standards, quality assurance practices, and deployment processes.
Get regular feedback from your internal team
Encourage your internal team to provide feedback on the performance of the outsourced work. Conduct regular review meetings to discuss the quality of work, adherence to deadlines, and effective communication. Address issues immediately to prevent potential problems.
Offer constructive feedback and support
Share specific, actionable feedback with your outsourcing team, recognizing both strengths and areas for improvement. Provide more resources, training, or guidance as needed. Encourage open communication and address any cultural or competency issues.
Finally
Managing outsourced software teams well requires clear communication, an understanding of project requirements, and strategic collaboration. By using the right tools and maintaining regular feedback loops, you can optimize the benefits of outsourcing, such as access to diverse skills and innovative solutions, while ensuring project success.