Posted On 11/04/2016 By admin

Increasing profit margins through cost saving has brought about the popularity of outsourcing. The rise in demand for these services has created opportunities for other areas such as IT and software development to move offshore as well. Those utilizing offshore development enjoy benefits such as increased ROI and this shift has opened new areas of business to countries around the world. With these advances come unique complications. To combat these challenges, Profi Solutions has developed techniques to strengthen these areas and maintain a fluid work environment.

1. IT or Software project requirements are not always static (fixed or stationary). The product is often intangible and typically has never been seen or done before. This is unlike max producing a commonly used utensil such as a fork. There is no model to work off of and it cannot be examined and shared in the same fashion. A client has an idea or vision of what they would like, but is seeking development as they are unable to actualize this idea or vision themselves. Non-technical clients are unable to relay requirements in a detailed manner that would answer programming questions, as they do not know how to write programs and would like a program written for them. This often means that the explained idea or vision does not align directly from client to programmer.
2. Programmers do not all use the same process, meaning that not all processes are created equal. Bad development could mean poor execution of the popular agile or iterative approaches. This approach is based on the idea that not every feature or detail is included initially to assist with speedier development. While sectors can be improved over time, this only means that there is improvement, not that the program is functioning as expected or desired. This approach could also mean that important key points can be overlooked and those smaller details or features left out in the beginning may never be added.
3. Communication breakdowns that result from lack of procedure including an effective and well documented software development process. On top of these breakdowns there can be language-barriers, differences in communication styles, cultural variances, and workplace culture. The end result is a bogged down development process plagued with frustration due to differentiating communication expectations.

Solutions

1. Requirements and Specification: An experienced on-site team is used to make sure that the client’s vision is fully understood. The team documents this and quickly develops a proof of concept or prototype to present to the client and set expectation. During this time each iteration (two to three week period), milestones, and goals are clearly explained (documented), and met.
2. Development Process: A hybrid team approach is used – no us versus them – as offshore staff are employees. Onsite tech lead, located in the United States, openly communicates with client and contacts them during hours convenient for them (we focus on working around the client and client’s needs), then contacts offsite tech lead. All client issues, doubts, and questions are clarified immediately by the onsite tech lead – no waiting for the offsite team. When not working directly with the client, the onsite tech lead works with the offsite team during their working hours to be as cost effective as possible while maintaining development momentum.
3. Communication: Utilizing all forms of communication – instant messaging, WIKI place, VOIP, telephone, Skype, etc. – we maintain a tightly scheduled rhythm of daily and weekly meetings both within the team and with the client. We also use a solid online project management tool to keep the hybrid team functioning smoothly. Any change/requirements are shared instantly to all team members and the onsite tech lead and offsite tech lead are in continuous communication with the offsite tech lead empowered to make some decisions. To foster this, we maintain an open chat 24/7 and encourage skype face-to-face interactions. Keeping constant and open communication assists with ensuring that the client and all members are on the same page and any new or updated ideas and expectations are shared in a timely fashion.

Would you like more info?

Contact info@zgworldwide.com

Author: Andy Aiyer, ZG Worldwide Consultant

Source: http://profisolutions.com/common-issues-with-offshore-development/