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If you’re going to outsource a number of complex business processes to a custom software development company, there are a few things you absolutely must know before you jump into an engagement.
These suggestions are “evergreen” and intended to be timelessly relevant, so read on to learn about how to outsource the lifeblood of your business to a third-party software company –your repetitive office tasks and processes.
And of course, if you have anything to add we would love to hear from you in the comments.
3 Things You Must Understand Before You Outsource Your Business Processes to a Custom Software Development Company
- Software Development Plan
Aside from understanding how to select the right vendor, you’re going to need a plan. More specifically, you’re going to need a “Software Development Plan”.
And I pull no punches when I suggest it; a software development plan isn’t a blue-sky, make-it-up-as-we-go-along document. It’s a standardised software creation process that the best custom software development companies adhere to.
- Come Prepared
If you’re going to break bread with a software development company it is also a terrific idea to have a clear idea of what needs to be done from your side of the table. A meeting or two prior to engaging with your custom software development company with all key stakeholders is a must. And on top of that, you’re going to have to hear from your low-level employees, too.
Let’s face it. Most managers aren’t aware of every single challenge or inefficiency that plagues the staff they manage. Staff typically aim to please and they’re not going to raise ire every time they come across an inefficiency. They’re going to deal with problems they encounter, and even make some of their own little hacks to mitigate it on their own. And if a department or business process in particular is held together with glue and home brewed hacks, what happens when a staff member leaves?
If you’re investing in custom software, hearing from your entire team is indispensable. This way you can bake in a clean methodology from the get-go. It’s easy to increase employee engagement with Corporate Interactive’s help.
- Decide on a Budget
It is not uncommon for companies to try don a poker face with their custom software development budget during initial meetings. The truth of the matter is that this is detrimental to any software creation process. And no, I am not being biased here.
One way or another, you are going to get a custom software solution if you need one. And that solution is going to meet key objectives you need met. However, if your software development company is going to craft a solution on paper, they are going to need to know what sort of budget they’re working with. It’s a waste of everyone’s time if you are unable to have an honest discussion about your budget.
Your software development company is going to be able to “paint to a number” when you provide one. If your budget is too low to get all the items on your wish list, they can craft phases in an order that makes sense for everyone.
In some cases, a solution can generate income; and phases that don’t generate income can be left for after the initial build allowing the project to become profitable before you put more money on the table. But if you think you can poker face your way through your initial discussions, prepare to waste a lot of time (money) and be disappointed –so much so that you might shop around (more money) because your custom software development company of choice wasn’t clairvoyant.
Don’t be that company; it’s a small mindset and one that will only serve to shoot you in the foot. Transparency becomes speed and accuracy, and speed and accuracy save company time, and saving company time means saving money –and saving money means more budget. Capiche?
In Conclusion
While these are only the top 3 things to consider when approaching a custom software development project, they’re probably the most important. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!