5 Keys to Selecting Your Staff Augmentation Partner

Before outsourcing to a distributed team for software development, you need to find the right staffing partner. We've listed five ways to ensure you make the best choice.

1. Be specific

First things first: you need to be specific and clear about what you need. Vague expectations can lead to a horizontal mismatch between the augmented staff and the project for which you've hired them.

Do you require new project managers? Maybe your team managers need help with technical skills like software engineering? Whatever you require, you need to state the specifics so that your potential partner can confirm whether they can help or not. Don't rush in blind!

2. Check their level of experience

Once you know what you need, do some research. Your staff solution should be cost-effective, even if it's only for the short term. If the staffing partner has never worked in software development, and that's your niche, then it wouldn't be wise to pursue them.

3. Evaluate their communication skills

It can be difficult to get the full picture beforehand, but you will need to assess how successfully the staff augmentation vendor communicates. Communication is the number one issue that comes up with staff augmentation services. Don't go with the first option if their responses are vague or they take too long to respond. Poor communication can be ruinous.

4. Consider their security precautions

Is your staffing partner committed to data security? When working with remote team members, you need to know that your information is secure. This includes IP addresses, emails, passwords, among a number of other things. If they are lax on data protection, move on.

5. Look for cultural compatibility and a manageable time difference

If you are working with an offshore staff augmentation firm, consider the potential for communication failures due to different time zones or languages. Before committing to anything, ask yourself: Can our teams work effectively with one another? If you have any doubts, it's time to move on.

Choosing a Staff Augmentation Company

With the proper research and background checks, you can find a cost-effective solution. Or save yourself the time and money on research and call today to discuss our staff augmentation services.