If software development is hard, managing the remote software development team sitting in some other corner of the world can be even harder. While enterprises had an in-house option earlier, the recent blow of the pandemic has pushed the businesses further to follow the most cost-efficient trend of outsourcing software development projects by contacting the best from top software development companies.
What’s the problem in managing a remote software development team?
There are many risks and concerns that arise when you outsource your project to an offshore software development company. You have certainly fixed the deal with a software development outsourcing service provider in some other country to save a great chunk in your budget. But, you always, in the back of your mind, doubt the flow and process. Here are some common questions that hit your mind is that –
- software development team motivated to work with all dedication?
- Do they follow standard coding practices?
- Are they organized?
- Would they be regular in updating me with milestones?
- Will the final product be aligned with my business objectives?
- Will there be many escalations?
You will be surprised to know that outsourcing to a remote software company is not just your choice. Giants such as Alibaba, Github, Basecamp, and Skype too are sailing in the same boat. Managing a software development team is not a pretty big sum as it just requires some professional approach and practical management skills of yours as a leader.
In this write-up, we shall see the basic factors to build a successful remote team of software development service providers.
You are not doing everything
The best management mantra is to handle people smartly and not with hardship. Get the thought out of your mind that you are doing everything to manage remote team members of software project development requirements. Instead, you are just streamlining the process and appointing someone who is capable to invigilate or look after an organized process drafted by you.
If you are chiefly able to execute agile projects, thinking of building a strong bond with software developers sitting in the offshore company providing software solutions.
How to manage a software development team working remotely?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to any concern and managing a remote software development team is no exception. Nevertheless, the principles remain the same – you should handle the people remotely the exact way you do it at your office or with in-house employees.
The tactics are the same; however, the only threat here is when the management goes haywire which shall amplify the remote development team working dedicatedly on your software project and throw them into bad shape.
- Find the best helmsman – the Project Manager (PM)
- Find the choicest software developers
Managing a remote software development team’s core operation
Once you have dedicated resources in the proper place, it is time to think of core operation management. You need to set up the systems and assure the infrastructure that helps you supervise the entire team and associated personnel. You can collaborate with the best custom software development agency to provide you the detail of their workstations and infrastructure/structure.
Depending on the complexity of the project, the computer systems, and database servers vary. An obsolete system shall not work to build a contemporary software tool and, therefore, it is of paramount importance that you survey the systems and workstations they are likely to carry your project on. Here are the factors that make a big difference in managing a remote software development team:
- Sophisticated IT infrastructure
- Control over system access and privileges
- Powerful tool for JIT (just-in-time) communication
- Define and set standards for coding and project management
- Assure that agile management practice is in place
- Regular meetings and managing minutes of it
- Set the right metrics and measurements for the software development life cycle process
While you should try to settle the above-mentioned things, you should avoid micromanagement from your side since that may hinder your efforts to develop a dedicated team of remote software developers as they would feel like losing their freedom. Skilled software programmers always do their best when they have some free hand and empowering them with it means a smooth business.
Another important factor that you should consider while managing a remote team working dedicatedly on your software development project is to avoid process overheads, introducing more and more processes into an already smooth flowing procedure. Unnecessary meetings, reports, and meddling are aspects that have the potential to bring down the enthusiasm of your remotely working software project development team.
- Communication is the key
- Business objectives at the center
- Take it personally
