Software development is a process that can take a while to complete. And when it is outsourced, it isn’t easy to just sit around, trying to be patient, waiting for the result. Rather, you actually shouldn’t sit around idly lest you risk your project being sidetracked.
Since you are enlisting outside help, you’ll want to collaborate closely with them to ensure they are well aware of your business’s particular needs.
On the other hand, you don’t want to micromanage – after all, that would put too much work on you and mitigate the benefits of outsourcing.
These 3 strategies will help you find the right balance between collaborating closely with your outsourcing partner without over-imposing.
And as an added benefit, you will always be updated with the progress and won’t have to deal with the anxiety of waiting for the result.
1. Break Down Large Projects Into Smaller Chunks
Although it sounds like a simple strategy, but it is a game-changer in software development. In fact, it is known as implementing agile methodologies.
Agile methodology is based on the idea of breaking down large projects into smaller tasks that are to be completed in short cycles – called sprints.
This allows the development team to get regular feedback from the users (you) and make changes as needed. This puts you and your outside hire on the same page and lets you come up with an MVP (minimum viable product) as soon as possible.
2. Plan Your Projects Precisely
Project planning is essential in software development to ensure the project is completed timely, with the best quality standards, and without sacrificing too much on the budget.
This is a proactive approach that predicts risks, so you can sidestep ‘em even before they arise. Careful planning of your software development project has the following benefits:
- Increases chances of success by predicting and then minimizing risks.
- Ensures project is completed on time.
- Avoids unnecessary costs because of inefficiencies and delays.
- Certifies quality by identifying and fixing defects early in the process.
- Promises customer satisfaction as the project is completed on time, within budget, and according to requirements.
Read also: https://www.petsonthego.com/choosing-the-right-outsourcing-partner-for-software-development/
How To Plan Projects In Software Development Outsourcing?
- Define project scope – considering goals, deliverables, budget, and target audience.
- Identify the risks and develop a mitigation plan.
- Create a project schedule (remember sprints).
- Keep everyone in the loop, including project managers, developers, and stakeholders.
- Monitor the project and adjust the plan accordingly.
3. Use Project Management Tools
To be on the same page with your outsourced software development team, you need to stay updated with their progress. This will help you, to not only keep the project on track but also, to plan fruitful regular discussions.
When you use these tools, you are not micromanaging. On the contrary, as this helps in keeping the team organized even when the nature of the project becomes complex – which it does in a typical software development environment, thanks to a vast majority of tasks linked to a project.
For example, when a frontend designer finishes their task, they can use the relevant management tool to update their progress. This lets the backend developer know it is their turn to start coding by acquiring the files from the frontend developers.
You can use applications such as Asana and Trello to manage calendars, tasks, and conversation threads for effective project management.
Wrapping Up With A Bonus Strategy
Software development goes beyond just the development phase – there’s a post-development strategy you need to hash out.
The top software outsourcing companies will set up a plan right at the beginning of the project, with the goal to phase out their team and make your own in-house team capable enough to keep the software on track indefinitely.
They would set up regular maintenance schedules, blueprints, document their code, and even set up tutorials if required.
Make sure to discuss these details with your outsourcing partner, ideally at the beginning of the project. And with these strategies, you’ll be on your way to successfully outsourcing software development.
