Proper Process is the Key to Success for Offshore Development

Offshore development is flourishing globally by facilitating adequate supply of proper skillsets and cost optimization. Though it is a common practice adapted by many organizations, still it may become expensive or failure story if there is no proper process in place. Successful offshoring is backed by cranking distinct facets which is not applicable for in-house software development. A proper process is a MUST to run offshore software development project.

Set the Goal

Every offshore initiative should have specific goals that you want to achieve.  It can be developing a customized software from the scratch, maintenance of an existing product, a new product development, testing and quality assurance services or development services as an extended IT department. It’s better not to move forward if you are not certain about your goals.

Identify the Process Definition

In business collaboration, you should not only consider different types of legal documents (NDA, Contract, SOW and other relevant administrative documents) but also a definition of Project Process which describes the project goals and how it can be achieved. This document will act as a primary guideline for a project manager or contact persons to run the project. This document may consist of following areas: 

• Overview – Project Top View, Scope & Goal, Terminology)
• Engagement Structure – Roles & Responsibility, Stakeholders & Their Involvement
• Processes – Lifecycle, Phases, Testing Approach, Acceptance Quality Level, Project Drivers, Reporting Process & Templates
• Project Control – Assumptions, Dependencies, Constraints, Deliverables, Timeline, Communication Plan & Guideline, Risk & Quality Management, Decision analysis & Resolution
• Resource Planning – Team Structure, Training, Hardware & Software Requirement, Budget

Build up Relationship

Impulse of a successful outsourcing venture is rooted in the shared relationship between the teams. Offshore team should feel like a part of your team resulting an intensified effort to achieve the combined goal. Such ambience increase ownership and heighten motivation within the team.

Key Contact Person Identification in Both Sides

Identifying the key contact persons from offshore team and your team is a key success factor. Co-ordinating with the Scrum Master/Project Manager is appropriate and productive rather than contacting other offshore team members. It scales down ambiguity and facilitate proper communication.

Proper Project Management Methodology Implementation

A proper project management methodology need to be active. Agile process attained enormous momentum these days for its delivery model and change management. You can also run any custom methodology which serve you the best.

Automated Process Integration (DevOps or Continuous Integration)

Integrated development environment under one hood for a global software development team is required to promote project change management, release management and operations. DevOps, Automated Build, Continuous Integration whichever you follow should be properly maintained from development to maintenance.

There is no single process recipe to secure offshore software development success. Depending upon the situation and requirements the process may differ.

“Raise the sail with your stronger hand and you will sail through.”