Collaborate seamlessly with a Nearshore software outsourcing team! Benefit from cultural affinity, cost savings and aligned time zones. Gain efficiency and knowledge without borders.
When organizations need to create, customize and manage software solutions for their own companies or for their customers, it is not uncommon for them to lack the manpower, time and/or skills needed to get the job done. For these reasons, many organizations choose to work with a nearshore software outsourcing company for all of their software development needs.
Nearshore development outsourcing is a very beneficial tool for businesses – when done correctly. Every contracting company must follow the best practices listed above to work as effectively and positively with their nearshore partners as they will help build lasting partnerships and high-quality products for mutual success.
What is Nearshore Software Outsourcing?
Working with an outsourced software development team has become common, if not practical, practice for companies of all sizes and industries for several additional reasons.
Nearshore software development or outsourcing is the practice of delegating software development or certain tasks related to it to companies located in a nearby country or geographical proximity to the contracting company.
When hiring a nearshore company, it is normal for the time difference to be between 1 and 3 hours in relation to the hiring company's time zone. This minimum time zone helps remove communication barriers with the outsourced team.
This is a similar practice to offshore outsourcing (or hiring a third-party company in a country in another part of the world), but offers benefits such as cultural proximity, convenient time zones and locations, and (usually) a similar language. Many companies choose this option when outsourcing to enable better collaboration between their in-house employees and the nearshore team while saving money.
Tips for Working with a Nearshore Development Outsourcing Team
Hiring an outsourcing company to handle your software development goals is not as simple as simply handing over a draft of the project and checking in from time to time. For a fruitful and successful partnership, the contracting companies' internal employees must work closely with the outsourced team to meet goals and complete projects successfully.
Nearshore development teams hire experts and experienced professionals who have the necessary infrastructure to deliver high-quality products. However, this does not mean they are mind readers – they need the client to play their part so they can better understand the project objectives and ensure better results.
Below are some tips and guidelines for establishing a relationship and coordinating with a nearshoring provider:
#1 Fully discuss project goals
Simply assigning a project to a nearshore team without explaining the objectives behind it puts companies in a difficult situation. If the internal team doesn't communicate the full product vision, target users, and ideal goals, the nearshore team won't have a clear picture of what they're building. Although the development team has the necessary skills to develop the software in a technical sense, it may not satisfy all the project objectives set by the hiring company.
Nearshore developers need a complete view of the project before starting any work. Hiring companies must explain why they want the product, what functions they want to include, the general and unique specifications, and when they want it to be fully developed and ready for deployment. This allows the nearshore team to think about the best approaches to development in the most innovative and efficient way.
#2: Communicate Often Through Easily Understandable Language
It's easy to communicate within an internal team as team members are typically just a few steps away. With nearshore teams, companies should strive to communicate even more frequently than they would with their in-house employees. This helps ensure that everything is clear and that there is no confusion despite the distance between internal and outsourced employees.
This communication and collaboration depends on the power of technology. There are many different tools and means available to facilitate these needs as well. Instant messaging-type tools like Slack and Skype are great ways to get quick answers to questions. They also offer video and audio calling on their platforms. Zoom meetings and “traditional” conference calls also help connect teams. Project management software is a great help in keeping teams organized and on track, especially when working with international teams. Popular project management tools include Jira, Asana, Trello, and Basecamp.
Although it is more common with offshore suppliers, nearshore team members may not be native speakers of the same language as the hiring company. To avoid any confusion, language and communication should be as clear and simple as possible for both parties.
#3 Avoid micromanagement
It's understandably difficult to hand a project off to another team and expect it to be completed. However, if the hiring company tries to micromanage the work of the nearshoring team to compensate for this, this will only generate frustration and annoyance among the external team. Micromanagement is a negative practice that breaks trust between employees and employer. This cost translates into lost time and lower productivity.
While communication is extremely important in the nearshoring process, it is also essential for software development hiring companies to be confident in the fact that they have hired the best possible team of professionals to achieve their goals. One way to avoid micromanagement is to appoint designated points of contact and project managers responsible for communicating with these teams. These professionals know how to deal with teams and management practices to achieve the company's objectives.
#4 Treat the Nearshore Team as a Partner
Each hiring organization must treat the hired nearshore outsourcing company as its business partner. Treating these team members as trusted equals and true partners in the process will not only make them feel part of the team, but it will also boost morale and make them want to work harder.
Before any project begins, hiring organizations need to take time to get to know their nearshore team members. This helps build rapport and rapport with them while creating a happy and positive work environment. Their achievements should also not go unnoticed or unrecognized. By cultivating a supportive atmosphere and happy employees, companies achieve better results as well as higher quality products.
