Your Guide to Outsourced Software Testing: Tips and Best Practices

The quest for flawless, efficient, and scalable applications has become paramount for companies worldwide. To accomplish this, a growing number of businesses are turning to outsourcing software testing. The rationale behind this shift is multifaceted and pragmatic, driven by a desire for cost-efficiency, access to specialized skills, accelerated time-to-market, and the ability to focus on core competencies. The decision to outsource software testing has evolved beyond mere cost-cutting measures; it’s now a strategic move allowing companies to harness global expertise, innovation, and flexibility to ensure their products meet the highest standards. 

Let’s delve deeper into why outsourced software testing solutions have become pivotal tools for modern businesses aiming to stay ahead in the competitive market landscape.

The Benefits of Outsourced Software Testing

Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing software testing can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house testing team. Companies can save on hiring and training costs, as well as sunk costs associated with idle capacity. Additionally, if location and time-zone alignment isn’t a factor, companies can outsource to regions with lower labor costs. 

Access to Specialized Skills: Outsourcing allows companies to access specialized skills and expertise that might not be available internally. Testing companies often have experienced professionals who specialize in various testing methodologies, tools, and technologies. Combine this with the growing need for localization and payments testing and often outsourcing is the only practical answer. 

Focus on Core Competencies: By outsourcing non-core activities like software testing, companies can focus more on their core business functions and strategic initiatives. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity in their primary areas of expertise.

Flexibility and Scalability: Outsourcing provides flexibility in scaling the testing team up or down based on project requirements. Often this is referred to burstable capacity that can be available at key moments to ensure project timelines are maintained. This scalability can be challenging to achieve with an in-house team, especially during fluctuating workloads.

Globalization and 24/7 Operations: Outsourcing testing to different time zones enables round-the-clock testing and faster turnaround times, as work can continue even when the primary team is offline.

The Challenges of Outsourced Software Testing

While outsourcing software testing offers various benefits, it’s essential to consider potential challenges like communication barriers, data security concerns, quality control, and the need for effective coordination between the in-house team and the outsourced provider.

Communication Barriers: There are several potential barriers to effective communication when outsourcing software testing. Cultural differences, lack of time zone alignment, technical jargon (acronyms), and lack of face-to-face interaction can all impede effective communication. To overcome these it is important to establish clear communication channels, have comprehensive documentation, and bridge cultural differences early in the partnership

Data Security: Sharing sensitive information, such as proprietary code, customer data or intellectual property with an outsourced testing team naturally increases risk. It is important to understand a potential partner’s security protocol and use additional projections like non-disclosure agreement, and regular security assessments to ensure protection. 

Quality Concerns: Many companies worry about the old saying ‘if you want it done right, do it yourself’ when it comes to handing off their software testing to a partner. Trusting that the new partner’s work will meet your standards can be a daunting task. To ensure that you select the right partner, it’s important to reach out to their existing customers, read their reviews, and set mutual KPIs that are measured at standard intervals.

Effective Coordination: As with any team changes, the phases of team development: forming, storming, norming will have to be traversed to reach the performing stage. This journey can be eased through effective coordination strategies such as defining clear points of contacts and roles & responsibilities. 

How to Select the Right QA Outsourcing Company?

Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to outsource your software testing needs, it is time to choose the right partner. Let’s explore the most important qualities to look for in a QA outsourced testing company.

• Expertise and Experience: Look for a testing partner with a proven track record and extensive experience in software testing. Assess their expertise in various testing solutions (quality assurance, quality engineering, digital experience), testing techniques (regression testing, exploratory testing, automated testing) and coverage areas (payments, localization, functional testing) relevant to your specific industry. 
• Quality of Services: Evaluate the quality of their testing services by examining their methodologies, processes, and tools they use. Check if they follow industry best practices and standards. Consider the vetting process as you would an interview process for hiring an internal team.
• Team Competency: Assess the skills and capabilities of the testing team. Consider factors such as certifications, training, technical expertise, and domain knowledge.
• Reputation and References: Check the reputation of the testing partner by reviewing client testimonials, case studies, or seeking references from their previous clients. This provides insights into their performance and reliability.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Ensure that the testing partner can scale their services according to your project requirements. Do you require testers in a variety of geographic locations to support localization testing? Do you need access to varied payment methods to support extensive payments testing? Do they have the ability to provide burstable resources when and as needed?
• Cost and Value: Consider the cost-effectiveness of their services. Compare pricing models and ensure that the cost aligns with the value and quality of services provided.
• Cultural Fit and Compatibility: Consider cultural compatibility and alignment with your company’s values, work culture, and expectations. This is often overlooked but it a key consideration for a successful long-term partnership.

By carefully evaluating these factors and conducting thorough due diligence, you can select a software testing partner that best fits your project requirements and contributes to its success.

Outsourcing your software testing is a significant decision for many companies navigating the complexities of software development. There are a multitude of factors, such as resource optimization, access to diverse skill sets, and the desire to enhance efficiency without compromising quality that must be evaluated. Yet, by tapping into external expertise and leveraging the strengths of global talent, organizations can potentially streamline their testing processes, accelerate their time to market, and maintain a sharper focus on their core competencies.