October 22, 2014
Outsourcing web development can be a daunting process. There are a lot of moving parts: finding the right partner, ensuring consistent results, etc.
That’s why when looking for outsourced web developers, it’s important to work with an advisor who knows how to guide you through the process.
For any company wishing to outsource, there are 4 essential steps to follow:
Outsource for the Right Reason
You don’t want to outsource simply because all of your competitors are doing it. You want to outsource because it fits your business model and has the potential to help you realize real cost savings. Determine if your in-house development team or current business model is getting the results you want, and whether outsourcing web development can jumpstart your company.
Ultimately, outsourcing isn’t something you just want to dive into, but often requires a level of expertise that requires careful guidance from an outside advisor.
Creating an Outsourcing Plan
When you outsource without a plan, delays are almost certain to happen. If the delays occur too frequently, the total cost of the project could grow to be equal with what it would have been had you stayed local.
A proper outsourcing plan will include: the size and location of the dedicated team (i.e., in-house/outsourced mix, 100% outsourced, a foreign subsidiary, etc.). duration of project, budget, etc. It is also important to establish methodology, times for collaboration, and metrics for success.
Finding the Right Outsourcing Partner
Picking an outsourcing partner is one of the most important steps in the process. What programming languages will be used? What level of experience will you require? How much overlap will you need with you Partner during the business day? Will you need to expand your team at some point? What level of English fluency will you need? Are other languages needed? Is specific domain knowledge needed or general business knowledge? These are just a few of the important questions you should ask yourself.
Monitoring the Project and Collaborating with the Outsource Team
Anytime you outsource, it’s a good idea to start with a pilot project. This can help you assess the team’s skills and ensure the developers you’re working with can meet your standards. The best partner will be one that takes ownership of the project and gets emotional about It’s success. When engaging this way with your partner - your extended TEAM member- you will get creative insight into the project, based upon their understanding of current technologies and trends. You will find your project gets to market quicker and more efficiently, even if you’re working across time zone.
These factors will determine whether you’ll achieve success in a web development project. Outsourcing can often be the deciding factor, so it’s important to do it right the first time. Accelerance has the outsourcing experience to help you each step of the way.