Are you looking to outsource your app development job? An efficient outsource team can not only help you to finish the task on time but also enhances your overall productivity with on time interventions. However, finding the right team for your venture is not an easy task and needs a lot of effort to make the best selection. A lot of factors need to be analyzed before taking the final call.

It is not advisable to rush with your choice. It is good to spend ample time before reaching a decision which can be beneficial for you in the long run. It would be wise to give a smaller portion of work at first and then analyze how things are going before entrusting them with a bigger responsibility.

Here are a few tips that might help you to find out the best outsourcing company for your app development:

1. Proper research:  This is the foremost step before outsourcing your venture to a new team. Invest some time to do proper research on all important factors that can make an impact. Depending on your business size, you may also appoint a consultant to do the research job for you. Don’t stuck with the first choice but interview at least a few companies before finalizing the deal

2. Shortlist using additional sources: It is not advisable to depend on a single source to make the selection of the outsourcing company. The prime and easiest option is to go for a Google Search. Shortlist the most relevant companies by looking into their online reviews. For offshore outsourcing teams, online marketplaces can be a good choice. Rather than going for a plain search, seek referrals through colleagues or friends. Directory listings are another good option to seek a good freelancer that can handle the role.

3. Requirements Analysis: When it comes to effective project management, proper consultation and requirements analysis is the key. This phase includes getting a clear view of the project deliverables and defining the scope of work. This makes a good impact on the optimal use of time and money. Before outsourcing the job, make a clear statement on the requirement analysis. Talk with them about how they have handled emergency situations during their previous experiences

4. Measure developer skills: Make sure that the team of developers there have enough skills and expertise to handle the job. Have a detailed analysis regarding their industry experience and the success rates. Their familiarities regarding the type of task you are providing are really important and evaluate their development process. Their working model should be checked before hand and see that their rate of pricing the job is reasonable

5. Operations flexibility: The flexibility in carrying out the job is very crucial when it comes to handing over the job to outsourcing team. The organizations that are rich with multiple talents would be apt for the role. This would be an added advantage to handle the unexpected emergencies if any. Ask for a proper documentation regarding the credentials of the company and the qualifications of the team that are going to handle the task

6. Ask for references: One of the important areas you should not skip is to ask for references. The relevant testimonials and references can give you a proper idea regarding whether the team can efficiently handle the role. You may also have a look at the company’s previous completed projects to get a better understanding of the team’s efficiency.

7. Delivery time frame: Keep it straight regarding the delivery deadline and make proper communication regarding your expected delivery time frame. Choose the team that can deliver quality work in minimal time frame. Ask them about the expected deadlines of their previous ventures and how they managed to finish the job on time. Above all, trustworthiness is the key for any business deals and they should be able to communicate it well

8. Check out the tools: Have a check on the tools they are using for app development. You can talk freely on any suggestions and go forward with the team only if you are convinced with their tools. Talk with them about their policies of adopting new tools if situation demands in the business process.

9. Track records: Don’t miss out on checking their track records before signing the deal. This would give you enough confidence to hand over the task without any second thoughts. Their previous projects history should offer anything in particular to emphasize their expertise and professionalism in the area. In addition, also check how they efficiently manage staff training and note about their financial stability too.

10. Asses cost effectiveness: It is good to do a cost effectiveness study to know if the chosen company can satisfy the particular goals. Know in advance if their training and infrastructure can be in harmony with yours. Also check to see if the system in which they are working is compatible and have a proper understanding regarding the associated non-financial costs in advance. Know if their estimate is transparent and make sure that there are no loop holes

11. Security measures: See that the short listed outsourcing company is trustworthy and is dedicated to meet the follow ups. In addition to checking their reputation in the market, be sure about what all security measures they take to meet the stringent quality and privacy. Learn from them about how they manage data security on a legal and business perspective. Also have a clear idea regarding their disaster recovery mechanisms. See if you are fine with their contract policies and confidentiality levels before starting to working with them

12. Ask relevant questions: Don’t hesitate to ask relevant questions to the company officials before signing the final deal. Share your doubts and concerns regarding their policy, work quality, deadlines, cost factors and more. A good outsourcing company would be ready to answer any of your relevant concerns and will be transparent with their agreement. Ask them about their implementation plans and their scope of growing up with your increase in demand in future

13. Proper communication: Even after signing the contract with the outsourcing company, the communication channel must be open between you and the outsourcing team. Have a confirmation regarding the same beforehand to avoid further confusions. Written communication is the best way if in case there is no option for a face to face talk. They must be ready to offer a follow up as and whenever needed. Have a know-how regarding their service record, customer philosophy, current clients or if they have any cultural differences

14. Oversee the relationship: The best way to get the most out of your decision of outsourcing the business is to have an internal control of the business elements you have outsourced. It would be good if you can allot a specialist person to oversee the relationship. By doing so, the outsourced activity can be monitored well and a skilled professional can even contribute to promoting a better corporate vision.

15. Transparency is the key: As outsourcing works take place out of your sight, it is important to make things transparent in any alternative ways. For that they must be willing to take up periodical meetings where the progress of the work should be discussed. Proper documentation of the completed work, the portions to complete as well as their plans to meet the deadline should be properly conveyed without any hesitation. The contract should be a solid one that covers all key areas such as work quality, deadlines, pricing, date of renewal and other miscellaneous items to avoid any discrepancy.

An estimate price for the outsourcing role can rely on crucial factors such as their experience, education and work quality. Even when saving cost is a prime agenda when outsourcing the app development job, it is not recommended to go for a cheaper option by compromising the work quality. In such cases, you can save cost in the initial phase but end up spending more in the long run.

Whenever you have a plan to outsource your venture, go through these tips that will help you to take a better decision. You can have a pleasing experience with your business goals, if you choose the right outsourcing company for the job. A good outsourcing company can play a key role in enhancing the overall performance, and partnering with you in the business growth. They can always be a helping hand in offering contributions positively and sharing the vision to prosper your business.

Why Do Companies Outsource Their Mobile App Development Activities?

It could be because you lack time, money, technical expertise, experience or resources to continue with in-house mobile app development. You may be prompted to rope in an external source to develop a mobile app for your company when you are driven by a desire to save money . You will scout for some cheap resources and strike a deal with the company that promises you “cheap and best” mobile app development services.

Given the fact that the market for mobile apps is growing by leaps and bounds with every financial year, it is for you to establish a working relationship with a technically-strong agency. Your outsourcing partner should guarantee you a professional working environment along with the delivery of quality products. But when you pick up one end of the stick, you are naturally lifting the other end too. Thus, choosing to tread the path of outsourcing a mobile app development team comes with a share of advantages and disadvantages to your business.

Let us now understand and contrast them under their respective heads.

Pros of Outsourcing a Mobile App Development Company

1. A Budget-Friendly Option

Topping the list of advantages of hiring an external mobile app development team is the evident cost savings that can boost your bottom line. When you outsource, you will be billed only for the work that is done by them; be it on an hourly or fixed payment. This provision will come into practice depending on the terms of your agreement with the external entity.

You can be sure of cutting down overhead costs which can work in your favor to bring down your overall operational and business expenditure. Hence, outsourcing comes as an affordable solution when you don’t have to incur additional expenditure to train your workforce. Simply sign up with a reputed mobile app development company and you don’t have to sweat over the constant improvement in the qualifications of your in-house technical team.

2. Technical Resources and Expertise At Your Disposal

When you sign up with an external mobile app development company, you can make the most of the established systems and tools that come with your mutual technical agreement. You can make the best use of their tools, licenses, software, certificates and many other resources that come handy in churning out state-of-the-art mobile apps. It is like all the essential technical and physical resources are offered to you under one roof.

Well-established mobile app development companies vouch for their dedicated teams which take care of your project right from the start till your mobile app comes up in the market. By roping in an external mobile app development company, you can avail the services of industry experts, designers, testers, project managers and marketers; all those professionals who are associated with the outsourced company. That means, through outsourcing, you will benefit from the expertise of skilled people across the globe who are adept at churning out mobile apps for clients like you and me.

3. Capitalize Technology-Specific Inputs

An external mobile app development team will demonstrate a high level of synergy coming from developers who are specialized in various technologies. Bringing to the table a host of technical suggestions, your idea of signing up with an outside party will help you understand the pros and cons of every technology. This way, you will be able to come up with a well-informed decision as to which technology or version suits your mobile app development requirements the best.

4. Do Away with Micromanagement – A Time-Saving Mechanism

Micromanagement, in today’s business-centric world drains a lot of operational time. It is indeed a time-consuming proposition to constantly keep a watch on what your employees are up to when your company is treading the path of in-house mobile app development.

When you partner with an external mobile app development company, you will be saving a great of time with regard to managing your project. It becomes the prime responsibility of the subcontracted company to ensure that your project meets the agreed deadline. It is then that you will benefit with time when you can concentrate better on your business or any other project that is waiting to be launched.

5. Avail the Benefits of a Round-The-Clock Support System

Most of the outsourced teams offer you 24/7 support. The agreement between you and your outsourced company handholds you to resolve any issues that might crop up at any point. Simply get in touch with the technical executives of the company and you are all covered. You will not be left groping in the dark when you are seeking technical guidance coming from the global talent pool that is ordained to fix your problems.

6. Transparency and Complete Control Over the Development Process

After signing the dotted line with an external mobile app development company, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of transparency in everything that the company engages in, coupled with exercising total control over the mobile app development process. There are many outsourcing companies that allow you to access various tracking tools that can become the yardsticks of progress with regard to the job assigned. This can pave the way for better understanding between both the parties, creating a congenial business relationship that is mutually beneficial to both the parties in question.

7. Tap Into the Knowledge Pool of Global Companies

Entrepreneurs always strive to build profitable business models. With this basic idea as the backdrop, they scout for external partners that will offer them an assembly of options that can be weighed against each other in building a competitive mobile app. In doing so, you will be able to tap into the organizational behaviors of various companies across the globe.

Your company will be able to assimilate invaluable information that comes in the form of multiple developmental processes, varied attitudes and lifestyles that are innate to a particular region. This could serve as a purposeful repository for you and your business when you start learning something new with every passing day. Thus, you can tag on to these professional setups to make your mobile app development dreams come true; the simple and profitable way.

Cons of Hiring an External Mobile App Development Company

Let us now move on to the subtopic of this discussion; the cons of signing up with an outside mobile app development team or company.

1. You Can Burn Your Fingers By Endangering Data Privacy

It is your prime responsibility to secure your data. However, when you choose to outsource your mobile app development activities to an external agency, you may run the risk of jeopardizing the confidentiality of your data. There are many freelancers who offer to develop your mobile apps without sparing a thought about maintaining the privacy of your data.

In this context, you can avoid this serious botch-up by having a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in place even before you assign the project to the agency.

2. Inability to Exercise Total Control Over the Mobile App Development Process

Signing up with an external app development company may lead to a situation when you begin to lose track of what is happening on the other side. When you are not personally overlooking every instance of your mobile app development, you will be compromising on the constant assessment of the day-to-day progress in your project. Remote operations do have their shortcomings.

To ensure that you are in the constant know of things that are taking place at the offshore location, you should hire the services of an adept project manager. He/she will act as a liaison between you and the external agency, paving the way for effective management. In the event you are unable to hire a project manager, you can check out and employ a project management tool that suits you best.

3. Time Zone Differences Cause Communication Gaps

There can be an instance when you and your outsourced team will be working under different time zones. This may lead to communication gaps between you and your outsourced workforce. This time-based challenge can be addressed by signing up with reputed mobile app development companies who will address your language-centric issues. Companies that provide upscale services hire the services of a project manager who will exclusively oversee and report all the happenings of your project to you; surpassing the boundaries of time and language.

Conclusion

After weighing the pros and cons of choosing to tie up with an outsourcing agency to develop your mobile app, it pays to steer clear of certain functional and operations flaws. These flaws can be done away with provided you conduct an in-depth analysis of the company, its reputation in the market and customer feedback that is published online in the form of relevant blogs and reviews. Asking the outsourced company for references is another way to pick the right one so that you can protect yourself from a company initially overpromises but under delivers.