SMART TIPS TO EVALUATE YOUR IT OUTSOURCING CONSULTANT

To keep pace with the constantly evolving IT environments, companies outsource their projects to achieve their business goals on time and in a cost-effective way. As marketplace is populated with so many vendors, it becomes a daunting task to select the right one, which has specialized skills and is reliable as well. Here are few guidelines to help you select a suitable vendor.

1. Performance based Pricing – Outsourcing companies that offer a balance of good value and superior results are a good option. Evaluate whether the services offered are compatible to your business needs. Instead of looking for low priced services, companies providing performance-based pricing ensure that company values their client’s budget and time and are a safer option.

2. Expertise – While selecting a service provider, ensure that they have verifiable experience and expertise required for the successful completion of the project. For instance, if you are outsourcing a complex technical project, make sure they have previously completed such projects on same platforms.

3. Start Small – When you are dealing first time with a service provider, initially start with a comparatively simple project with less scope, and if you are satisfied with the services and outcome of the project then consider entrust them with more technical and inclusive projects. Similarly, when planning to outsource your services, start by moving few services at the first instance. So, that in case you don’t feel satisfied with the results, you experience minimal losses.

4. Clearly defined Project Targets – When dealing with vendors, a good guideline is pay only 20 to 30% of the total project in advance and tie vendors rest of the payment with defined targets. This ensures that outcome meets your expectations, as they will make every effort to achieve defined targets in order to get rest of the payment.

5. Support after Project is Complete – Select a vendor who is willing to provide support at a reasonable price even after the project is completed successfully. Sometimes on feedback you may realize later, that a specific change is required in the project, so a support clause can be a great help and will save your money and time whenever any modifications in the future is required.

6. Company Reputation and Credibility – It is wise and essential to make a background check of the company with whom you are thinking of a working association. Every company claims to be the best, but if they have relevant evidences or success stories to back that up then they are surely an ideal choice. Get acquainted about their previous projects and clients they have worked with, get referrals and feedback from them.

7. Review Portfolios and Samples – By examining a vendor’s previous work, you get a better idea of their work quality and capability. You can even ask for a mock plan for your project before you consider them for any services or projects. Mock-plan will give you fair idea about their level of competence, and understanding of the concept.