Today, almost software working draft includes software testing. There are various software testing company that outsource the software testing work.
Outsourcing is generally defined as a business method of hiring another company that performs various testing tasks.
They are meant to provide services that are either usually executed or had previously been done by the company’s own workers. The trend of outsourcing testing services is very famous in the information technology world.
Aspects To Consider Before Outsourcing Testing Services
Consequently, the reliability to outsource your software to another software testing company can increase significant value to your end product.
However, if you are unable to select the right company, it may also cause troubles that will make you outguess your choice.
Moreover, the mid-spread between satisfaction and frustration lies in your due persistence. However, there are a few steps you should follow before you settle on a final decision; here are 10 things you should evaluate.
1. Team Location
Where is your team located? Since there is a considerable difference between dealing with outsources software testing companies and the team that’s based in abroad, therefore the question of team location is one of the most important to think about.
Generally, the idea of outsourcing software testing can be beneficial sometimes as you can get a high quality of work at a reasonable cost.
Despite that, offshore testing often has a larger risk due to the cultural differences, language issues and a conceptual barrier to effective communication.
Therefore, a consistent can only come about when your teammates can reach software testing company personnel in a timely fashion with the help of best means of communication.
On the other hand, if you choose to work within the same country; all these issues will be resolved certainly. But if you are working with outsource testing companies, make sure that they are able to bypass these barriers.
2. Flexibility
Flexibility is an essential operational element for any software testing companies. Offshore testing demands a degree of flexibility to ensure that the timeframe fluctuations are met.
The elasticity of testing should be decided by studying modifiability, new aptitude, strength, and ease to exit.
Therefore, having a proper knowledge of how the company sets ups and manages teams are important along with the method of adjustment to your company. Look for a company that is flexible enough to provide support for quick and lean progress environment.
3. True Cost
Once you have accessed the organization on another parameter, determining the true cost of working with them is very important.
You never know that working with an outsource company might seem to come with a cut-price tag but when you add all hidden expenses, it can cost your company a heavy amount. Therefore, your priority is to engage with such an outsourcing company that facilitates you with on-time delivery, maximum return on investment, high efficient work and all-inclusive value addition.
4. Responsiveness
The management of responsiveness emerges in various conditions when you deal with a software testing company.
For instance, how much time does it takes to gather the squad that will work with you? Or else, how much time does it take for the company to answer your queries? Try to engage with a company that has the experience, promptness and is proven best for its best delivery immediate results.
The company you choose should have the ability to understand all needs to respond to your queries, in the matter of assembling the team or delivering results
5. Engagement Models
One of the most important evaluation steps in outsource software testing is the engagements modes.
There are two types of outsourcing or externalization such as total outsourcing and incremental outsourcing that you can go with. But above all, you need to understand the model of business and its strategies.
Let’s look at these two types of outsourcing.
- Incremental Externalization: The entire task is divided into smaller parts, thus outsourcing each part to the service providers. In this case, you have the option to select numerous service providers. However, it is important for the client to give a great weight on the offshore provider for the work to be done correctly.
- Total Externalization: On the other hand, the entire risk is given to a single service provider in this model. As the supplier takes the risk here, it is a cost-efficient But, it needs a very thorough and detailed planning.
6. Service Level Agreement
SLA or service level agreement is a contract that is signed between the client and the service provider.
This agreement defines the output assumed from the service provider. Therefore, signing this agreement is crucial in order to make sure there is 100% alignment of goals between the service provider and the client.
The service level agreement should be related to the engagement model and types of testing. Some key points to have in your SLA are:
- Reporting & project management time
- Product quality measures
- Knowledge transfer
- Process Compliance
- Understanding core business
7. Communication
Bad Communication is considered as a major barrier between vendors and clients. These barriers create a barricade in the work to be done. Therefore, it is crucial to building an excellent communication channel between the two parties.
8. Intellectual Property Protection
Intellectual property protection is considered the most important aspect while outsourcing.
One of the disputes for an outsourcing company is to protect the businesses’ intellectual property.
To protect the personal data provided by the client should be the first priority of the vendor. Moreover, it should not be used for any other purpose apart from the planned business.
9. Change Management
During the process of testing, there may be frequent requirement changes from the client.
Thus, the QA testing cycle should be handled properly. In addition In order to get over these time, efforts and additional expenses; one should maintain a strong change management system.
10. Quality Improvement
One of the key tasks of outsourcing is to accomplish a considerable quality improvement and its ultimate goal is to bring about an overall improvement of the end product.
Therefore, the process of the testing cycle should be tried to improve continually.
In general, companies go for outsourcing whose core task is other than software testing. Software testing is considered the most important process in almost every software project.
The main goal of offshore software testing company is to get the best quality at a reasonable price and at the same time let the company focus on its key business areas.
Moreover, as there are numerous software testing company available in the market today to provide these service, you need to have a thoughtful consideration before selecting them.
Therefore, try to match your requirements with vendor’s profile so that you can select the best software testing company for testing.