Contents
There is no universal formula for success in technology. However, paying attention to particular aspects, especially in terms of cooperation with the outsourcing units, can bring the company closer to its goal. What to focus on?
There are various ways to develop a successful software product or an extended set of IT services. There are particular methodologies, such as Agile, that facilitate the flow of creativity by implementing the cross-functional model in the team. Others are more hierarchical and implement more formalities. In the field of content, customer relationship, communication, and documentation management, the enterprises also can choose within various options – from open-source and customizable software to custom one, tailored to their needs.
There is no magical formula in the IT business. Only testing various different project management models is what can bring the company closer to developing a strategy that fits its goals and needs. Some organizations will prefer to avoid using outsourcing services due to the level of confidentiality or quality control while others see a great opportunity in such a solution.
Outsourcing – benefits
If the enterprise decides to cooperate with an outsourcing unit, it may benefit in various ways: from reducing the costs tied to the project to gaining more time to focus on perfecting the product or marketing. However, outsourcing – whether nearshoring, offshoring, or hiring freelancers – can also generate some problems. You can avoid them – at least partially – by precisely specifying your expectations and needs before launching the cooperation.
What to expect from your IT partner?
We have prepared a list of 7 things to expect from your IT partner to make sure that the result of the cooperation is satisfactory for both sides.
#1 Transparent and effective communication
Cooperating with outsourcing units while working on a project requires fluent communication. Some companies prefer videoconferences, others – communicating only via mail. Use the variant that is suitable for both. Nearshoring is less risky in terms of communication due to the lack of time-zone related obstacles.
#2 Measuring the time spent on the project
Outsourcing enforces a lower level of control. To verify the real time spent on working on the project, you may want your IT partner to use time tracking apps. That applies especially to the projects paid per hour.
#3 Offering proactive approach
Performing work according to the guidelines is important. However, a proactive attitude is pure gold. If your partner is not only listening but also offering new solutions and improvements to consider, don’t ever let him go!
These are the most important requirements you can impose. The other four are:
#4 Constructive feedback
#5 Flexibility to
#6 Providing updates and maintenance
#7 Reporting the project progress
Of course, the set can differ depending on the project. However, these are universal tips that may be helpful in any type of cooperation.