Looking for ideas on how you can improve productivity and efficiency in your workplace? Software development may be the answer. You just need to make sure that a good software development company does it. There’s a lot of them out there, so how do you know which software developer is best for your needs?
Don’t rush into a decision or you may end up with low-quality software, or worse, pay a lot of money for software that fails to meet your needs. The key is to know what mistakes to avoid when selecting a custom software development company to hire:
Mistake #1: Not doing research into off the shelf solutions
Business problems are hardly unique, every problem probably has several off the shelf solutions. Be sure to see if an off the shelf solution can work for you before you decide to choose a custom software development company. Often off the shelf software supports APIs that can be used to fill in the gaps.
When you Google software development companies, you might be inclined to choose the first result, assuming that they are the best. This is not true. You have to do some research on the company, particularly their overall experience, their team of software developers, and their specific experience in working on the type of software you need.
It’s also essential to ensure that the software development company is always up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in their industry. Will they be able to communicate effectively with you throughout the project’s duration? You will get a feel for how responsive they are while interviewing them, and you can also do some background checks yourself by reading reviews left by previous clients and by exploring their portfolio. If you have any questions, ask. Hire them only when you’re completely confident in their capabilities.
Mistake #2: Failing to learn about the technology options
Software development is an industry that keeps on innovating, so it’s important for the custom software development company to be consistently on top of those trends. It’s hard to trust them if they use outdated methods, tools, and technologies.
Ask about options, learn the pros and cons. Often companies are familiar with a certain technology and might use the same in spite of it being obsolete.
Keep in mind that this industry is not just about app design and development; it also covers AI, the Internet of Things, the blockchain, mixed reality, and machine learning. Ensure that the team is skilled in different software development areas relevant to your future needs.
Mistake#3: Failing to grasp your own contribution
When you outsource, remember that the software development company should be working WITH you. Look for clear collaboration methods that should help prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication between you and the developers.
Your contribution can be more or less depending on the methodology in use, Agile scrum methodology which is very common now can give you complete control over the development process if you so choose.
Mistake #4: Working with a part time team
Some software development companies do not have enough manpower to provide dedicated teams to specific projects, and you often find out about that after signing your contract.
Make sure that the company can provide a dedicated team of experts on your project. They include developers, analysts, and QA testers. That way, you can count on the timely delivery of high-quality software.
Mistake #5: Trying to do it quickly by cutting corners
If there is one advice you should know about choosing a custom software development company, don’t settle for less.
Deloitte’s Global Outsourcing Survey in 2018 revealed that 59 percent of companies outsource to reduce expenses. That’s certainly a good reason to outsource your software development requirements. But be careful. Being too cost conscious can make you spend more in the long run.
Don’t make the mistake of hiring a company that promises to provide the cheapest service, only to disappoint with low-quality software that fails to meet your objectives.
That said, the most expensive software development service is always better. You want to make sure that you can get the best value for your money regardless of the price. Do your homework and compare prices, but focus on the quality and how it fares with the software development cost.
Custom Software Lab is an experienced, reputable, trustworthy, and reliable software development company. It specializes in designing and developing custom software applications that deliver smooth user experiences and flawless functionality for ecommerce, mobile apps, and web applications. Get in touch for a quote or to schedule a consultation.