An outsourcing partner can provide the technical know-how and cultural fit you're looking for while being flexible and cooperative.Successful IT projects share one thing in common: they have a thoughtful strategy for managing an outsourced development team.
In a productive cooperation relationship, you (the client) and the software delivery manager must guarantee the appropriate allocation of resources, and delivery times, among other fundamental aspects for which organizations decide to outsource.
Assuming that you have chosen to outsource the development of your software project to an external team, it is crucial to establish a good working relationship with them to ensure the project’s success.
In this article, we will provide some tips and techniques for managing your outsourced development team effectively.
5 Tips to Successfully Manage an Outsourced Development Team
At Alto, we have built a successful outsourcing business and partnerships with clients worldwide.
The following are some of the numerous lessons we've learned about managing external software development teams throughout the years:
1. Define the roles and responsibilities of each member of your Outsourced Development Team from the outset
One of the most critical aspects of managing an outsourced development team effectively is defining each team member's roles and responsibilities from the outset.
This will ensure that everyone is clear about their role in the project and will help to avoid misunderstandings and conflict further down the line.
It is also a good idea to establish clear lines of communication between the different team members so that everyone knows who to go to with any questions or concerns.
2. Keep track of milestones and deliverables
Another essential aspect of managing an outsourced development team is keeping track of milestones and deliverables.
You should agree on a schedule with your team at the beginning of the project and make sure that everyone knows the deadlines for each milestone.
It is also a good idea to keep regular check-ins with the team to ensure that everyone is on track and to address any issues as soon as they arise.
3. Encourage transparency and communication
Transparency and communication are vital to managing an outsourced development team effectively.
It would help if you encouraged your team to be open and honest about any challenges or issues they face so that you can work together to find solutions.
It is also essential to keep the lines of communication open between you and the team to give feedback and direction as needed.
4. Ensure that quality standards are met
Quality is of the utmost importance in any software development project, especially when working with an outsourced team.
You should ensure that you have agreed on a set of quality standards with the team at the beginning of the project and that everyone is aware of what is expected.
Regular check-ins and reviews are an excellent way to ensure that the team meets your quality standards and addresses any issues.
5. Be prepared to resolve conflict constructively
Conflict is inevitable in any project, but it is imperative to resolve conflict constructively when working with an outsourced team.
You should ensure that you have a good relationship with the team and that everyone is clear about their roles and responsibilities.
If a conflict does arise, it is very important to address it immediately so that it doesn't impact the project negatively.
Manage Your Outsourced Development Team With Alto
With the above strategies, you can easily manage any outsourced development team. Just remember to define the type of talent you require and the operational role they need to play.
Outsourced software development management shouldn't divert your company's time and attention from critical tasks. Your business has essential matters to take care of. That is why you must find a partner that allows you to generate and measure the results of your outsourced teams.
