The Complete Guide to QA Outsourcing: Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices QA outsourcing

Outsourcing Quality Assurance enhances efficiency and saves time of companies. Have a streamline software development process without juggling with testing duties. Whether you are a start up or large size company, Quality assurance outsourcing is a profitable deal in terms of cost, efforts and outcomes.
From initial development phase to final deployment of software, testing plays a major role in setting performance standards. Meanwhile, proactive step towards software functionality and performance helps in having high grade software which further helps in achieving customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

What is Quality Assurance (QA) Testing?

Quality Assurance Testing refers to delegating of quality assurance testing assistance to Third Party Company or agency instead of getting the work done in- house. Without incurring any overhead expenses the companies can switch to quality assurance testing service. Likely, pay dedicated time and attention to core business activities.

Benefits of Outsourcing Quality Assurance

Associating with QA outsourcing companies is fruitful. As QA company can mitigate risk by identifying core defects of software at early stage. This way, any organization can protect their market reputation and have high ROI.

Cost Effective:

Outsourcing QA is a cost effective as company avoids significant expenses in hiring and training an in-house team. Additionally, company saves cost related to infrastructure, software licenses, etc.

Access to Specialized Skill:

Outsourcing QA opens the scope of getting the work done from industry experts and specialized individuals. One can find highly experienced team having knowledge of best tools and technology.

Flexibility:

You get the choice of outsourcing QA at the comfort of your personalized needs. Share your expectation and project requirement and get the assistance within the defined timeline. Furthermore, according to the changing requirements of project you can flexibly share your concerns and get the work done.

Concise Insights:

Going for QA outsourcing is worthwhile as one gets the access to detailed insightful reports. The analytical report guides the clients about the areas of improvement with guided suggestions and actionable measures. Moreover, data driven insights shared by the QA Company helps in making informed business decision.

Faster Execution:

The dedicated QA outsourcing team executes the service timely. With effective resource allocation, the company can dedicatedly execute software testing steps in quick turnarounds.

Challenges of QA Outsourcing

Apart from several benefits Software testing outsourcing tends to create several challenges. Thereby, we highlight the challenges so that organizations can keep in mind vital points before availing top notched quality testing services.

Communication Barrier:

Working with an outsourcing team can be difficult in case of cultural and language barrier. Communication gap and misinterpretation of information shared by the client to software testing company will eventually lead to dissatisfying QA as a service.

Security Concerns:

Exposing highly sensitive data to outsourcing agency is a potential risk. Sharing confidential data of a project with a third party QA service provider can be challenging as it can lead to breaches and fraud.

Quality Control:

Determining the quality standard of software testing processes is complex in case of a company which is off shore. The external team might not provide expected results as stated.

Dependency:

QA outsourcing can lead to dependency on Third Party Company. The vendor dependency can be risky and the client becomes over reliant.

Time Zone:

Coordinating with team meetings can be a hassle if the time zone of client and outsourcing QA team varies. The timing conflict makes it difficult to collaborate.

Types of QA Outsourcing Model

Frequent testing cycles speeds up software development process. Whether, you require software testing service for temporary or long term basis, outsourcing serves your purpose perfectly.
There are typically three QA outsourcing model and they include Onshore outsourcing model, Nearshore outsourcing model and Offshore outsourcing model.
Onshore outsourcing model refers to availing service from QA partner that is situated your country. Whereas Nearshore outsourcing model refers to seeking service from QA team which resides in neighboring country and Offshore outsourcing model is having service from the country which is far away from client’s country and this type of model might create issues with different time zones and cultural barrier.

Best Practices of QA Outsourcing

While choosing the right QA Outsourcing Company maintain balance between quality and pricing. Review the company’s rating and testimonials and then make the final call. Moreover, company having several satisfied clients is a remarkable benchmark for selecting the outsourcing firm. Get your software thoroughly tested and meet the excellent quality standards.

Have Defined Goals, Objectives & Expectations

Define your testing goals, objectives and expectations to your QA partner. Sketch the testing plan and expected outcomes. Determine the scope of work by deciding upon the type of software testing you wish to go for. Likely, set the frameworks and define the timeline for project completion. Make sure that service provider shares regular feedback and areas of improvement.

Ensure Transparency & Clear Communication

Ensure that the company is scheduling regular meeting and sharing updates about the work status. Prioritize open and prompt communication. While do the check hidden and potential cost if any in the pricing structure. Clear and transparent quotes are always appreciated instead of distorted pricing model. Additionally, compare the pricing structure of different vendors and then make the final call.

Set Key Performance Indicators

Detailed service agreements with achievable outcomes must be the primary criteria. Define the key performance indicators which review metrics such as defect rates, test coverage, etc. Likewise, track the KPIs regularly to assess the continuous progress. The metrics must showcase the areas of improvement.

Know about Resources & Limitation

QA Outsourcing Company must be equipped with advanced tools and technology. The upgraded tools help in achieving satisfying testing results. With the right talent pool, systematic testing methodologies, industry specific team, and experience, achieve high grade QA goals. Additionally, look for the AI powered automated testing tools for enhanced and upgraded service experience.

Summing Up

Associating with right software testing outsourcing company guarantees quality. As smooth collaboration benefits company with seamless workflow and ultimately serve the objective of software development.