Establishing and managing a business that utilizes an offshore software development team as part of its operation is a complex challenge. Cultural differences, time differences, and a lack of face-to-face time all contribute to the intricate nature of the onshore/offshore model. But with the right approach, this model can yield extraordinary benefits for a business. 

We've learned many important lessons in our nearly fifteen years of offshoring. Here are a few tips to help you navigate your offshore software outsourcing venture.

Offshore Software Development Services: Why Taking the Time to Learn the Business Culture is Essential

This is essential. Effective collaboration with an offshore software development team has to be built on a foundation of mutual understanding. One of the challenges we faced in Jordan was changing how the employees interacted with management. 

In Jordan, it’s not common for employees to have a voice in the company. Management usually does not solicit feedback or encourage employees to give their opinions. But we find value in collaborating with our employees. We want them to speak up and participate. 

This is especially important when building software. If you give someone instructions to build something a specific way, but they find a problem with what you’ve asked for, or if they find a better solution, you’ll want them to bring it to your attention. Otherwise, if people do what you tell them, you end up with a much lower-quality result.

Utilize Those who have Experience in Both Countries for Your Offshore Software Outsourcing Needs

One of the first things we did when we opened our office in Jordan was hire someone local who had been educated in the U.S. Having this background of experience, he understood both cultures and was familiar with the regular business practices in both countries. 

He understood how to work with the local employees as well as our needs and expectations in the States. Having someone who can bridge the cultural differences in business practices, legal procedures, management, and so on is significant– especially when starting out.

Check out our onsite and offsite resources blog.

Offshore Software Outsourcing: Establish Your Time Zone Overlap for Smooth Communication

Maximizing time zone overlap is a high priority for us. We know the importance of teams communicating and being able to screen share in real-time. 

Our interview process includes identifying candidates who have experience and understand the need to work with colleagues in different time zones and are open to flexible and sustainable hours that will benefit the unique needs of each project. 

That being said, our teams are here for you when you need them to be, no matter your time zone. With our offshore software development teams, here is our typical availability that changes from client to client: 

• Teams are available Sunday-Thursday from 3 am to 12 pm PST. 

• Technical Project Leads (TPLs) are also available on Fridays as needed.  

• The TPL and teams continue development and Agile practices and ceremonies on Sundays. 

How to Build Trust for a Successful Partnership with Your Offshore Software Development Team

When you’re building an offshore software development team, it’s necessary to establish trust within and between the team and management. This will take time and consistency. The management must remain constant with their requirements and methods of operation so that the employees know what to expect.

Likewise, it’s essential to keep the same team members in place. When you replace someone, trust has to be rebuilt with the new team member. For any given project, there will be a tremendous amount of interaction between the onshore and offshore teams, so having a solid sense of trust is invaluable.

Be Strategic with Your Forms of Communication with Offshore Software Development Companies

Depending on where you set up your offshore office, there’s a good chance that you will be dealing with some degree of a language barrier. In light of this, it’s important to choose your methods of communication intuitively. 

For example, we use Skype a lot because it allows you to use a combination of both spoken and written communication. If something is confusing for someone who speaks English as a second language, it’s often helpful to type out what you’re saying. Similarly, if something is difficult for them to express/pronounce, they can type it to you.

Your Onsite and Offsite Leads from Your Offshore Software Development Team Should Build Strong Relationships in Both Countries

Naturally, an onsite lead has to be directly involved in the solution design process. They must learn the client’s business well to establish the system requirements. Then, they must accurately communicate these requirements to the offshore software development team. So, your onsite lead must spend some time getting to know the offshore team and their business culture. This will help ensure effective and accurate knowledge transfer. 

Conversely, the offsite lead should spend time at the client site during the initial analysis phase. This way, they can get to know the client and understand their business. Then, when they return to manage the offshore team, they can answer questions with a complete understanding of how the solution they’re building fits into the business. 

This first-hand knowledge is precious. And unfortunately, these types of things can’t be adequately communicated by email or phone. You have to be there in person.

Conclusion

Utilizing offshore software development teams can be a great way to save money, access a global talent pool, and accelerate your development timeline. However, it's important to be aware of the challenges involved and take steps to mitigate them.

Following the tips in this blog post can increase your chances of success with offshore software development services. But if you need more help, don't hesitate to contact a trusted partner.

Partner with the best offshore software development companies to overcome the challenges and achieve your business goals. Get your free consultation here.