5 problems of software outsourcing you have to solve
TRANSCRIPT
XSOLVE Best Outsourcing Practices
Meetup
5 Problems of Software Outsourcing
You Have to Solve
Piotr Majchrzak.
Amateur Radio Operator by heart>
XSolve CEO by passion
@piotrmajchrzak
.I like building antennas.
.…and companies.
.“Software is eating the world.”..Marc Andreessen.
Why?
We face 4 major problems with software development:
A severe shortage of talent.
Rising costs in all areas.
A global price war.
The rise of a freelance economy.
Outsourcing?
Solution:
Software Development tip:
Do not outsource. (If you can).
solve 5 problems
If you have to outsource then you need to
Problem #1
Nobody tells how to work with remote Dev TeamsThere are no courses, books or comprehensive articles that explain how to efficiently outsource your software needs. And you do not have time and money to work with amateurs.
An Experienced Organisation
so find
Stacey Matrix: Technology/ People/ Requirements
Look for:
● Professionals who mastered the technology
● Teams of developers who have worked with each other on other projects (pre-assembled teams)
● Great communication skills - your requirements understood along the way (lots of F2F meetings)
● A company, which is “big enough to scale but small enough to care”
● A company that works in agile methodology. Avoid a traditional Waterfall project management process (see the diagram on the previous slide)
Go SCRUM!
Problem #2
Bad communication & no transparencyThis can cost your business a lot of money!
Transparency & Frequent Communication
so fightfor
Look for:● A company that is willing to organise face-to-face meetings every quarter,
video confs as often as possible, that provides tools and apps for everyday communication.
● Trustworthy and open people. The team needs to be able to discuss problems, hurdles, and mistakes with you as the Product Owner.
Meet and discuss
Problem #3
Wrong perception of cooperationRemote hands and a “B-team”
A partnership built on trust not client-supplier relation
so find
Key Tips:● Do not “outsource” projects, do not “insource” people. Work with Your Dedicated
Remote Team. Treat them as you would treat people working in your office.
● Look for a company that can supply a team dedicated solely to your project so they can fully commit to your vision.
● Look for a team where every member will be able to communicate with you (advanced language competences; soft skills).
● Look for a pre-assembled team, with core members who have been working together for a long time.
Your product is in their hands
● It takes a long time to build a High-performing team (see the diagram).
● If you as the Product Owner join a pre-assembled team there is a good chance you’ll skip the Forming and Storming stage, speeding up the process (saving you time and money).
● Think long-term and get the most out of the collaboration
It’s a long way, baby!
Problem #4
Organisational culture mismatch & cultural gapSome organisations simply don’t match
Same cultureso find
Kay Tips:● Finding a partner company with a matching DNA is crucial for success.
● Organisational mismatch can be a major drawback for your project. Try finding a company that matches your side of the diagram (either competence + control OR cultivation + collaboration).
● Cultural differences can strongly influence your collaboration. Make sure your remote team is on the same page as you.
Is this your world?
Problem #5
No clear mutual goals and mixed processes
Aligned goals and adjusted processes
so fightfor
Key Tips:● There are no two organisations that have the same processes or
organisational culture but the DNA should be the same.
● Try to be open to a new process - if your remote development team proposes to work in Scrum do not cringe - they know what they are doing.
● It is very important to clearly visualise goals for both parties. Remote side should know business goals and it should be well cascaded and understood for their release / sprints.
Align your goals and process
How to make it work?
