Nearshore software development is extremely popular among businesses from all around the world. Basically, it involves delegating IT software development services to companies from other countries. The main peculiarity of software development nearshoring is that outsourcing teams are usually located in locations that are not very distant from the customers. Typically, good communication and neutral fit are presented as the main selling points of nearshore software development. However, to embrace nearshoring successfully, you should understand the dos and don’ts of this approach. Keep reading to explore the key aspects of nearshore software development and offer valuable insights into the dos and don’ts for an effective collaboration.
The Dos of Nearshore Software Development
Let’s start with the things you should do while searching for a nearshoring partner. And, surely, there are also some tips for the companies that have already managed to find a nearshoring team. These tips will help you organize your nearshoring cooperation properly.
Choosing the right nearshore software development company
The first and most crucial “do” in nearshore software development is selecting the right partner. Research the market for a team with an excellent reputation and the technology expertise you need. Also, make sure to embrace cultural fit. While nearshoring implies this fit, double-checking is never a bad option. A shared culture can foster better collaboration and understanding, leading to a more harmonious working relationship.
Clearly defining your expectations
Be sure to prepare a comprehensive list of the project’s objectives and expectations. Ensure that your nearshore development team comprehends the project’s scope, timeline, and key milestones. This prevents misunderstandings and misalignment later in the development process. A good option would be also asking a judiciary advisor to organize documentation properly. In this case, all nearshore software development services you receive and their conditions will be understandable and clearly defined.
Building trust and efficient communication
It is impossible to overestimate the value of communication in nearshore development projects. Be sure to schedule regular meetings and video conferences, as well as use collaboration tools. Use a rich arsenal of technologies and communication practices to build trust. This will help you foster a transparent and trustworthy relationship with your nearshore team. Surely, expect this transparency to be mutual. Such an approach leads to better problem-solving and collaborative decision-making.
Providing regular feedback
Insist on continuous auditing and provide your nearshoring team with feedback. Once you have any concerns, make sure to deliver it to your team. The key point is to provide all feedback on time. Late feedback can adversely impact your relationships with a nearshoring team. Besides, chances are high that it won’t have an intended impact.
Leveraging time zone similarities
One of the key points of nearshoring is time zone similarity. So, make sure that you fully harness this advantage. Insist on continuous communication and address your nearshore software development company once there are any questions. In some cases, it is also worth meeting your developers in person. The opportunity to visit your development team in a nearby country helps you build trust and gain more complete control over your project.
The Don’ts of Nearshore Software Development
Now, it is time to address common mistakes of nearshore software development. So, if you want to leverage all these benefits of this approach, consider the tips included in this chapter.
Rushing the selection process
Choosing the right nearshore software development company is critical. Rushing this decision can lead to unpleasant results. In most cases, it goes about choosing the wrong partner. However, there may also be issues with providing poorly defined requirements to a pretty decent software development team. So, take your time to evaluate potential partners. Ensure they align with your project’s goals and values. And everything about this part is positive, be sure to communicate your needs to the nearshoring team properly.
Overlooking security and legal aspects
Neglecting legal matters can lead to complications. Work with legal experts to draft solid contracts and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). You should define your data protection policies and clearly define secured intellectual property for your project. Also, be sure to define the terms of collaboration. At least, you should understand the extent of ownership over the project provided to your software development nearshoring team.
Micromanaging
It’s essential to maintain control of your project, micromanagement can be counterproductive. Trust your nearshore development team to execute their tasks efficiently. Surely, auditing and regular communication with your nearshoring team is vital. However, your involvement in the project should be limited. Ideally, you should offer guidance and support to the nearshoring team but avoid stifling their autonomy and creativity.
Underestimating cultural factors
Nearshoring grants you timezone similarities. Many business owners think that this, automatically, means the absence of cultural inconsistencies. However, people from neighboring countries can have completely different cultural customs on views. Make sure to consider this while opting for nearshoring. This means that the part in which you establish the cultural fit of your team should never be overlooked by an experienced manager.
Benefits of Nearshore Software Development Done Right
When you follow the dos and avoid the don’ts of nearshore software development, you obtain several benefits:
- Cost savings associated with competitive pricing of nearshoring.
- Fast time to market, which comes with time zone proximity and efficient communication.
- Access to a wider talent pool, which is one of the key benefits of most outsourcing cooperation formats.
- Convenience of cooperation, which is another essential benefit of geographical and time zone proximity.
- Scalability of nearshore teams that can be scaled up or down quickly on demand.
Conclusions
Nearshore software development is a strategic approach that can bring immense benefits to your projects when done right. Selecting the right partner, ensuring open communication, and adhering to best practices are critical for a successful collaboration. However, you should also avoid common nearshoring problems, such as rushing during the team selection, micromanaging, and ignorance towards cultural and security concerns. If you are feeling insecure about all these factors, be sure to rely on Nearshorefriends. We will help you organize nearshoring the right way with the right team.
