Supercharge Your Outsourced Testing: Master 5 Proven Best Practices for Maximum Potential

In today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, outsourced testing has emerged as a strategic imperative for organisations aiming to ensure impeccable software quality. The power of outsourcing lies not only in the augmentation of testing capabilities but also in the implementation of well-defined best practices that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. This article delves into five proven best practices that, when embraced, can unlock the full potential of outsourced testing, delivering superior results and elevated customer experiences. From fostering clear communication to aligning objectives, these practices serve as a roadmap to harness the maximum benefits of outsourcing while maintaining the highest standards of quality assurance.

To answer this question and point you in the right direction for product testing, we’ll discuss the following:

• Why is software testing being outsourced?
• Pros and cons of outsourcing software testing
• 4 reasons to outsource your software testing
• Best Practices for outsourced software testing

Why is software testing being outsourced?

Software testing is often outsourced to gain access to a larger pool of qualified testers, leverage advanced technology and processes, improve the speed of delivery, and reduce costs. Outsourcing gives organisations the opportunity to focus on their core competencies while utilising third-party expertise for specialised services such as automation or performance testing. Additionally, outsourcing can provide access to a highly skilled labour force, which can be especially helpful for companies with limited internal resources.

By outsourcing certain elements of software testing, organisations can take advantage of an extensive talent pool and specialised tools to deliver quality results quickly and efficiently. This allows them to concentrate on the more complex aspects of product development while relying on trusted partners for the remainder of the process. Furthermore, when done right, outsourced testing can offer significant cost savings.

Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Software Testing

Pros of outsourcing software testing

1. Cost-effective: Outsourcing testing services saves organisations the cost of hiring and training in-house testers.
2. Access to a larger talent pool: Outsourcing allows organisations to draw on the expertise and experience of third-party firms with specialised skill sets.
3. Improved project efficiency: Outsourced testing provides access to advanced tools, technologies, and processes that can speed up the development process.
4. Superior test coverage: Third-party firms can provide comprehensive testing to ensure quality assurance across all aspects of the product.

Cons of outsourcing software testing

1. Loss of control: When partnering with a third-party firm, organisations must be wary of potential security risks and loss of control over certain processes such as data privacy.
2. Misaligned objectives: Without effective communication and collaboration, there is a risk of having misaligned objectives between the organisation and testing partner which can cause delays and budget overruns.
3. Inadequate coordination: Outsourcing can lead to inadequate coordination with internal teams if proper measures are not taken to ensure smooth integration between departments.

4 Reasons to Outsource Your Software Testing

Now that you know the pros and cons of outsourcing, we’ll go over some of the reasons you should outsource. From specialisation to fresh perspectives, there are many reasons you need to switch to outsourced testing

Your internal team lacks the skills and resources:

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s nearly impossible for a startup team to be proficient in all aspects of software development. This is where outsourcing comes in handy, particularly outsourcing QA services. By partnering with a team of experts, you can ensure that your application undergoes thorough testing with the latest and greatest technologies, methodologies, and best practices. This means a smoother launch and fewer bugs.

Outsourced QA testing also allows you to tap into the skills and knowledge of a specialised organisation or individual contractor. For example, if your development team lacks the necessary equipment, expertise, or experience to test a mobile banking app rigorously, you can outsource your QA testing to an organisation that specialises in the field and leverages the latest tools and technologies.

You need to hit a tight deadline:

Imagine your DevOps team has just worked hard on a new CRM application for six weeks. They’re approaching the testing phase, and you want to release the app as quickly as possible. Your team is burnt out and lacks the skills and resources to test quickly. You could postpone the launch, but you have investors that are expecting the application soon.

To meet this deadline, you turn to an outsourced QA testing service. Their expertise and efficient workflows mean that they can provide quality testing in a short time frame that means you can meet even the tightest of deadlines. Using an outsourced testing service allows you to get fast results without compromising on quality.

You’ve hit a wall and need an outsider perspective:

Developers often become so entrenched in their own work that they can’t think outside the box. This is especially true when it comes to software testing—it can be difficult for an internal team to approach a problem from a fresh perspective.

In this situation, you need an outsider with no vested interest in the project to identify and point out issues that your team may have overlooked. An outsourced QA testing service can provide you with the expertise and experience to take a step back and review your application from an unbiased angle. This helps identify any potential issues so they can be addressed before launch. GitLab, in their 2021 Global DevSecOps Survey, found that 68% of those surveyed believed that fewer than 50% of developers could spot vulnerable parts of their code.

It’s a short term project

Sometimes, organisations need to test a specific feature or component without adding more internal resources. In these cases, outsourcing can be the perfect solution.

For one-off projects or short-term needs, such as testing the security of a brand new website, it makes sense to outsource these tasks and minimise the impact on your team’s workflow. Outsourcing also allows you to leverage specialised tools and techniques that may not be available to your team, such as automated testing and performance-based testing. This can provide invaluable insights into the user experience and overall performance of your product.

5 Proven Best Practices for Successfully Outsourcing Testing

Now that you know why you should outsource your software testing services, let’s go over some of the best practices for successful outsourcing.

Check the credibility of your outsourced team:

When it comes to software testing, choosing the right company can make all the difference in the world. It can be tempting to go with the first company you find, especially if they seem to have a low price tag. But just like you wouldn’t hire a random person to handle your accounting, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a reputable and credible testing service. Take the time to verify their track record and request references if necessary.

Additionally, make sure they are equipped with the expertise needed to handle your specific project. Trustworthy testing services will typically provide templates of their test artefacts and have thorough documentation. Remember, the right testing company will not only save you time and money, but also ensure the quality of your software and peace of mind. 9NEXUS is an outstaffing solution provider that offers software testing and other development services.

Understand their resources and limitations:

When it comes to outsourcing your testing needs to an external team, it’s essential to consider the limitations of their resources. Even if a testing company has an excellent reputation, they might not have all the latest tools necessary to complete a complex job that requires a wide range of automated and manual testing. Understanding the tools that they have and their limitations is crucial when choosing the best outsourcing service for your software.

For instance, if you’re creating a simple mobile app game and need your changes tested, you can opt for a trusted independent contractor. The contractor might have limitations, but they will complete all the testing you need at an affordable rate. Ultimately, choosing the right outsourcing service requires in-depth consideration of your testing needs and the tools and limitations of the service provider.

Seek out specialised niches if need be:

As mentioned before, outsourcing your software testing needs may require specific expertise. Be sure to seek out a niche service provider if you need specialised knowledge and experience. For example, if you’re developing an enterprise-level application with complex security requirements, you should look for a team that specialises in secure software development life cycles (SDLCs).

In addition, specialised service providers can often provide solutions tailored to fit your specific project needs. For instance, a specialised provider may be able to offer automated testing that’s customised for a particular software platform. This allows you to get the most out of your outsourcing budget and have all the necessary tests performed quickly and accurately. 9NEXUS provides specialised software testing and other development services.

Check how transparent and communicative their process is:

When outsourcing your software testing needs, it’s important to make sure that the process is transparent and communicative. This means having a clear understanding of how the tests are conducted and when results will be delivered. It also means having access to all test artefacts, so you can review them at any time during the development process.

The best way to ensure transparency and communication is by having a clear workflow in place. This should include key milestones, such as the expected timescale for test results, so you can track progress at each stage. Additionally, it’s important that your testing service provider is willing to answer all of your questions and provide any additional information you may need. At 9NEXUS, we provide complete transparency with our testing services and are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Set strong KPIs before working with them:

In order to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your outsourced testing services, it’s important to set KPIs before embarking on a project. This means having a specific list of goals and objectives that must be met in order for the project to be deemed successful. The KPIs should cover all aspects of performance such as accuracy, speed, and cost.

These KPIs should be established early on in the project to ensure that everyone is on the same page. They should also be revisited and adjusted as needed throughout the development process. 9NEXUS provides detailed reporting on our testing services so you can easily track KPIs and measure the success of your outsourced project. Setting reasonable yet challenging goals can help keep your team motivated and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your outsourced testing services.

Conclusion

Outsourcing your software testing services can be a great way to save time and resources. By following these five best practices you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your outsourcing budget and maximising the potential of your project. Remember, choosing the right team is just as important as understanding their capabilities and limitations. With proper research, planning, and communication, you can rest assured that your testing needs will be met with the highest quality standards. 9NEXUS is a reliable outstaffing solution provider that offers software testing and other development services. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help streamline your software testing process.

Bonus Tip: Regularly review and assess your outsourcing service provider. This will help you stay on top of the latest developments in software testing and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your services. This regular assessment can also help identify areas where improvements can be made to better serve your team’s needs. 9NEXUS provides detailed reports on our services so you can keep track of progress and adjust your KPIs to ensure optimal results. Contact us today to learn more about our software testing services.