7 STRATEGIES TO ENSURE SOFTWARE PERFORMANCE WHEN OUTSOURCING IT SERVICES
As companies start looking for an IT outsourcing service provider to develop technology projects, the first and most crucial factor considered is whether the technical expertise meets the set requirements. Other considerations include budget, market reputation, and infrastructure.
The list of tools used to ensure software quality, the technologies and programming languages they are experienced in, along with the security protocols of the IT outsourcing company, are all critical criteria for partner selection.
The challenge for many businesses is to ensure software quality when using IT outsourcing services. Without appropriate processes, many businesses unintentionally sacrifice product quality to save costs or time.
Let's explore 7 tips with Jung Talents that can be applied to ensure software quality in IT outsourcing.
1. Software Quality Testing Process
Before starting with any kind of verification or validation of the work done by the IT outsourcing service provider, it's important to set expected quality standards for your software right from the beginning of the project. These standards may include functional and non-functional requirements, code standards, software development methodologies, security standards, etc.
In the software development stages, the quality testing process directly helps you ensure the end product you receive operates smoothly and includes all the necessary features. Therefore, we'll first examine the different types of tests in this process.
1.1. Functional Testing of Software
Verify that the software complies with all specified functions. Broad testing should be carried out to ensure that all key features work correctly and produce expected results. This will be assessed based on the initial plan; construct a clear and detailed roadmap, knowing that various issues will arise during project implementation, but clear direction will help guide the work appropriately.
1.2. Usability Assessment
Evaluate the ease of use and ensure software quality by examining the user interface, navigation, layout of elements, and system response to user actions. Consider running usability tests with actual users for additional feedback.
1.3. Performance and Scalability Testing
Evaluate the software's performance under various conditions and workloads by measuring response times, data processing capabilities, and system scalability. Ensure the software operates optimally and efficiently.
1.4. Verifying Stability and Reliability
Assess the stability of the software through stress tests and resilience tests. Verify that the software is not prone to errors, abrupt exits, or serious glitches. Also, consider the software's robustness against unwanted situations and ensure that it will recover accurately after faults.
1.5. Security Testing
Verify that the software complies with established security standards. Conduct penetration tests to identify potential vulnerabilities and evaluate on-site security measures to protect data and system integrity.
2. 7 Tips to Ensure Software Quality
In addition to ensuring the software testing process is executed correctly, other steps such as partner selection and training are also crucial.
2.1. Focus on the Recruitment Process
One of the first and most important steps in your software development process is selecting and hiring the right provider for your company. The effective way to do this is to choose potential partners who can meet your software development needs. Then, you can work to send each of them a Request For Proposal (RFP). Check if your RFP is detailed enough for your potential partners to clearly outline the product/service they need to provide. Detailed and accurate job descriptions will help you narrow down the range of candidates and speed up this process.
2.2. Thoroughly Understand Potential Partners
To determine if an IT outsourcing company has the appropriate staff to meet your work requirements, the best approach is to propose direct human resource interviews, instead of just communicating through the partner's sales team. This not only helps you find suitable staff but also saves both parties time and effort in the collaboration process. You need to know if they are comfortable with the work and whether they can adapt to your company's culture. Whenever you feel a candidate won't fit, don't compromise; go back to the drawing board.
2.3. Invest in Audits
Auditing can be a useful solution for companies wishing to hire the most suitable third-party contractor for software development. First, find an appropriate independent auditing company. Then, hire them to thoroughly examine the contractor’s capabilities and quality control strategies. This way, you can easily assess the risks involved in the software development process. Auditors typically examine factors like quality control methods, development plans, and product testing.
2.4. Evaluate the Infrastructure of the IT Outsourcing Company
In addition to thoroughly checking your IT outsourcing service provider, also consider their infrastructure, as a successful project requires adequate facilities and equipment. Separate inspections or detailed reports about the contractor’s facilities can help ensure a safe working environment.
2.5. Pay Attention to Initial Training
Employees participating in software development will need time to adapt. Be patient and invest time and effort into building a strong relationship and communication to ensure that employees clearly understand what you require. Give them enough time to feel comfortable in their roles and maintain an uninterrupted line of communication with them.
2.6. Clearly Define Project Requirements
Before searching for an IT outsourcing partner, clearly establish your company's goals and needs. Break down tasks to ensure new staff understand what you expect. While setting your expectations, be proactive in addressing different issues that may arise. Encourage new staff to ask more questions about the product to resolve issues efficiently.
2.7. Build Relationships with Your Employees
Understanding your employees is the key to any good and long-term business relationship. Even if you are using IT outsourcing services, make sure that your company and your remote employees understand each other. An appropriate communication line must be set up between both parties. Retain your remote employees by assigning them ongoing tasks to facilitate more comfortable communication with you.
Conclusion
Although IT outsourcing was initially considered a means to reduce operational costs and improve work productivity, it has gradually become a strategic move for companies. Businesses have begun to understand that outsourcing one or more business processes can give them a competitive edge in today's market.
