Maximize your workflow with a Nearshore IT outsourcing team! From establishing clear communication channels and defining milestones to cultural synergy, ensure seamless collaboration for project success.
Working with a nearshore IT outsourcing team can seem a little daunting at first. After all, handing over control of your project to another party may not be something all business leaders are used to. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. Nearshore teams are one of the best IT outsourcing solutions for software development. Thanks to the advanced digital tools we have today, it almost feels like they are working in the next room.
However, outsourcing is not as simple as passing a list of needs to someone else and expecting excellent results. It requires the customer and supplier to work together toward common goals. This is why every development process must establish a clear workflow, which varies from organization to organization.
The 5 levels of communication
Any workflow comes down to how effectively you can communicate with your nearshore development team. Most of the time, companies will assign an in-house team that will be constantly available to communicate with the outsourced team. This team is led by the Product Owner, who will strive to stay as close to the project as possible and shorten feedback cycles. This person's role is:
- Make communication easier
- Drive product innovation and creativity
- Follow a product development roadmap
- Keep a detailed backlog
Knowing this, let's analyze the different levels of contact that companies should keep in mind when nearshoring and how they can increase their level of participation.
#1 Chat Tools
It's very likely that you're already familiar with productivity-focused chat apps like Slack, Wrike, or Stride. They work to establish easy, frequent and real-time communication channels. Being the simplest way to share information between parties, they are able to achieve remote, but not distant, cooperation.
#2: Daily Update Calls
Update calls are great for getting quick progress updates and discussing any pressing issues. Its extremely short duration (no more than 15 minutes) means that everyone will only cover what is relevant at the moment. As a client, you can confirm that the process is still on schedule and receive daily reminders about where the project should be.
#3 To-Do Meetings
Development teams work with Agile methodologies, which means they meet regularly to refine the product backlog, clarifying requirements, estimates, and blockers. Attending these backlog meetings will make it much easier to help your IT outsourcing team stay on track and set priorities.#
#4 Sprint Assessments
At the end of each sprint, the development team will meet and review the work delivered. This event is a must-see when outsourcing IT services. The Sprint Review is the moment where the team most needs feedback from the customer, as this is the only way to know whether the project is fulfilling the customer's vision.
#5 In-person meetings
Setting up in-person meetings with nearshore development teams is easier than you might think. By being time zone and culturally aligned, your outsourced team will require less planning to make things happen. This level of contact is great for building trust and relationships between both parties, which leads to smoother cooperation in the future.
Collaboration Hacks
Tips to help you with any type of Nearshore software outsourcing project
Exercise transparency
Transparency means keeping communication channels always open and at the same time being very clear about project objectives and deadlines, especially at the beginning of the relationship. Being very specific and getting everything in writing is a big boost.
Don't exploit urgency
Share a cloud workspace
In modern software development, this is a must. Bringing progress into cloud-based workspaces will help everyone stay up to date with progress and collaborate more easily, while keeping everything accountable in real time.
Use the same project management software
If both parties use the same project management software, it will be very easy to complete the backlog and prioritize tasks. If you don't have any experience with your outsourcing partner's software, remember that most of them are very similar and intuitive, so getting on board shouldn't be a problem.
Ask lots of questions
It's normal for companies to get a little lost throughout the development phases. Sometimes it may not be clear why something takes time or why something is done a certain way. Asking questions not only clears your doubts but also creates an atmosphere of free flow of ideas. Don't be afraid to speak your mind, suggest solutions or express concerns.
Simplify ideas
Both the customer and the supplier will have their own jargon and a wealth of knowledge of their industry. Speaking in a complex way and expecting the other person to understand will probably slow things down. Both sides should always try to use analogies and explain things in business terms.
The Benefits of Working with a Nearshore IT Outsourcing Team
As an IT outsourcing company, we provide solutions for all types of companies. We have a wide range of nearshore services, all led by the best talent in the area, using cutting-edge technology. Here is a quick list of the software outsourcing benefits we offer our clients on every project:
- Access to top technology talent: Our distributed, multi-location approach allows us to tap into diverse global and regional talent pools. We select the most qualified professionals and adapt them to the needs of our clients' projects.
- Rapid implementation and scalability: No matter the size of the company, we have dedicated teams of engineers ready to prioritize growth and results. Our software development services get any project up and running on day one.
- Guaranteed performance and reliability: At BairesDev, each development team is led by senior developers with 10+ years of practical experience. As IT partners, we are prepared to face any current or future issues.
- Reduced focus on IT management: BairesDev has an extensive range of specialized services and areas of activity. We help our clients focus on their core business rather than spending time and resources on other endeavors.
- Technical knowledge and know-how: We have invaluable experience in outsourced software development projects and full-cycle custom software solutions.
- Saving money and time on labor costs: We provide on-demand talent and technology solutions, helping companies navigate everything from talent sourcing to training hours to maintaining office supplies.
- Risk mitigation and crisis relief: Security is one of our top priorities. We guide our clients throughout the world of cybersecurity, neutralizing all possible threats as the project develops.
Getting started with software outsourcing
If you're considering working with an IT outsourcing company, it's essential to find the right option for you. As a starting point, consider your project timeline, identify your skills and available internal resources, set your budget, and establish clear goals and deliverables.
