While outsourcing certainly has its share of benefits, the stories of
software development projects going south are also abundant. This is
why it is imperative to choose the outsourcing provider carefully.
Here are a few things mistakes
to avoid outsourcing software development projects.
Language Disconnect: If you are planning to outsource the
software development project to an offshore location where your
language is not native or is not prominently in use, you may have a
hard time with communication. It is important for the client and the
vendor to be able to communicate clearly in a common language. With
the difference in languages, you may find it extremely difficult to
communicate your needs and project requirements. Therefore, choose an
outsourcing location where your native language is popular.
Difference in the Time Zone: If the outsourced location is in
a completely different time zone, collaboration, communication, and
interaction may become a challenge. Therefore, it is advisable to
hire the outsourcing team located in the time zone closer to your
own. This will make sure that the interactions and communications are
timely. On the other hand, some outsourcing companies align their
work hours according to your working schedule. If that is the case,
you can hire them easily for your job.
Differences in the Culture: The difference in the culture may
have impact on the timely completion of the project. For instance, if
the holidays in the country where you have outsourced your job fall
within the time line set for the completion of the project, you may
experience delays. Therefore, before choosing the outsourcing
location, work out the productivity and schedule details with the
vendor. Ask them how will they complete your project by the deadline
and still be able to accommodate their holidays.
Unreliable Technical Infrastructure: Large software
development projects require a reliable and stable technical
infrastructure. The vendor company to which you are outsourcing your
project must have the proper internet connectivity, power management
system, and a reliable networking setup. If all these requirements
are met, you will be more confident to outsource
software development project.
Poor Credential Management: The safety of your data and
business intelligence is of extreme importance. You will be sharing a
great deal of business information with the vendor when outsourcing
the software development project. This is the reason why it becomes
important to understand the credential management incorporated by the
company to keep your confidential information safe. Before finalizing
the deal with the vendor, ask them up front about the credential
management system they have in place.
Low Quality Workforce: Gauging the quality of the software
developers before handing your project over to the vendor is
important. Not only will you want your project to be of the desired
quality, you will also want it to get completed in time. The higher
the experience and expertise of the developers, the better will be
the results.
Low Workforce Strength: Aside from the quality and experience
of the developers, you also need to ascertain if the company has the
required headcount to ensure the timely completion of the project. If
the employee turnover is low, it is unlikely that your project will
conclude within the desired timeline.
Insufficient and Improper Analysis of the Operating Model:
Going for the outsourcing company offering the lowest cost and
promising the best quality may result in undesired results. While
cost remains to be the primary factor while choosing the vendor, you
cannot afford to compromise on the quality. You will need to strike a
balance between cost and quality. A close and detailed analysis of
the company’s operating model can help you determine whether it is
the right choice.
