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It is no secret that US companies have had troublesome experiences when looking for an offshore rate for their software development . Either projects take longer than expected,  companies don’t get the solution they need, or they get ripped off or stuck with an unsatisfactory result while trying to save money, trouble and time.  

Offshore software development is an outsourcing strategy that can have a negative or positive impact on your project depending on the partner you choose. With increasing prices, the market is crowded with companies that offer software developments at low costs. Their offer is tempting but if they lack professionalism and experience things can go terribly wrong. Here are five strategies you can rely on for a successful outsourcing experience. 

Planning is Key

Ensure that the best developers are hired for the job and that there’s a project manager working closely with the officiating company. The development team should have access to every software development tool needed to complete their objective(s), they should be familiar with necessary communication tools, and the Project Manager should ensure that the developers and the client are connected throughout the entirety of the project.

Communicate Frequently

Communication and cultural differences are usually the toughest challenges you’ll face when outsourcing development. Adding time zone differences to the mix, the combination can be difficult to overcome. That said, make it your goal to have a fluent and transparent work method so that every member of the team is on the same page at all times.

A good communication strategy will ensure that you develop a positive relationship between your company and the outsourced vendor. Having a fluid, constant, and transparent dialogue from the moment you start planning to the final prototyping will help you achieve a positive experience. 

Align Expectations With Your Vendor

For a successful experience outsourcing software development, it is important to make sure that the dev team clearly understands your business needs and challenges. They should have the ability and experience to provide you with the solution that you require. 

The role of the Project Manager is, thus, essential; they have to align expectations between the objectives of the project, its deadline, budget and deliverables.

Prioritize Workflow and Project Management

The Project Manager needs to ensure a shared workflow and that each member of the team understands their roles and responsibilities. As the client, providing the development team with a thorough brief that details the purpose of and  characteristics of the software to be developed is pivotal to the project’s success.  The development team has the responsibility to make sure that everyone pushes towards the same goal, they understand the parameters, and are willing to communicate challenges to do their best within the expected timeline under the coordination of the Project Manager.

Choose the Project Manager Carefully

Despite being mostly behind the scenes in the software development process, the Project Manager has a vital and critical role. Managing an offshore team is particularly challenging; they need to coordinate efficiently the client with the development team, which can be half a world away. 

The project manager you choose needs to be flexible, aware of cultural differences and accountable for the outsourced team’s performance. 

Over the last several decades, it’s become increasingly easier to find skilled teams in foreign countries that can work on outsourced projects efficiently and at more affordable rates. There’s no reason why you can’t take advantage of them in such a dynamic and fast-paced world. But, in order to have a successful experience, it is important to rely on responsible project management, clear and constant communication, a shared workflow, a professional soft dev team and a detailed plan of what is needed.

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