Looking to enhance your software quality without expanding your in-house team or overspending?
Quality assurance outsourcing could be the answer you’re looking for.
This strategic approach not only opens doors to cutting-edge testing technologies and a global network of skilled testers but also cost savings.
Let’s explore QA outsourcing in detail, including the different ways to outsource QA, why you should outsource this activity, a few potential risks, and some practical tips to overcome them.
We’ll also tell you why Distillery is the best QA outsourcing partner you can work with.
| Further Reading: Check out this Detailed Comparison Between Nearshore and Offshore Outsourcing to help determine the right model for your business. Explore 7 Benefits of Custom Software Development and 9 Tips to Do it Successfully. |
This Article Contains:
- What Is QA Outsourcing?
- Join Hands With the Best QA Outsourcing Partner: Distillery
- Different Models and Approaches of QA Outsourcing
- 8 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Outsource QA
- 4 Common Risks of QA Outsourcing
- 7 Fool-Proof Steps to Overcome the Risks of QA Outsourcing & Make it a Success
What Is QA Outsourcing?
Unlike traditional testing services, outsourcing Quality Assurance (QA) involves delegating software testing and quality control tasks to specialized external firms.
These firms offer a suite of specialist testing services, including manual testing, usability testing, big data testing, load testing, and performance testing. They’re also equipped with the latest tools and technologies.
Why do businesses leverage QA outsourcing?
Businesses outsource QA testing services to a specialized QA expert team to reduce operational costs and scale testing efforts on demand. It can improve product quality, accelerate your product’s time-to-market, and enhance your company’s competitive edge.
Here’s an example:
A fintech company outsources QA for its new mobile payment app, leveraging an external firm’s advanced test automation tools. This collaboration reduces the testing time, enabling a swift market entry that outpaces rivals and captures a significant market share.
What are the six steps of the QA outsourcing services process?
- Define software requirements: Outline the specific functionalities, performance criteria, and user expectations your software must meet.
- Planning and preparing the test: Develop a strategy and framework for how testing will be conducted, including timelines, resources, and tools needed.
- Creating cases for manual and automated testing: Design detailed test scenarios to check the software’s performance, both manually and with automated tools.
- Test execution and reporting bugs: Run tests to identify any defects or issues in the software and document these findings for the development team to address.
- Regression testing: Re-test the software after fixes or changes to ensure the original functionality remains unaffected and new bugs haven’t crawled in.
- Release testing: Conduct final checks before releasing the software to confirm it meets all quality standards and is ready for user deployment.
Now, here’s the easiest way to outsource your QA testing:
Join Hands With the Best QA Outsourcing Partner: Distillery
At Distillery, we elevate quality assurance by rigorously testing software at each development stage, ensuring any issues are resolved before market release.
This approach not only boosts the efficiency and effectiveness of your software projects but also guarantees that the final products align perfectly with your needs.
To achieve that, we offer expert specialized QA engineers, QA test automation engineers, and Software Development Engineers in Test (SDNT).
Here are some QA services we offer:
- Automated testing: We develop customized automation frameworks that are tailored to your unique requirements
- Mobile testing: We provide comprehensive mobile testing, covering both functional and non-functional aspects, as well as manual and automated methods. Our testing ensures your app’s compatibility across various operating systems, screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware configurations.
- API testing: Our experienced QA professionals will work closely with you to ensure your API is thoroughly tested and integrates seamlessly.
- Managed testing services: We offer end-to-end software QA services with dedicated project management and Agile processes to provide high levels of visibility into your project
- QA consulting: Our expert consultants will build a transparent QA strategy and train your client’s team.
Get in touch with Distillery and take the first step towards enhanced software quality.
Now, there are various QA outsourcing models you can opt for, each tailored to meet your specific project needs and strategic goals.
Let’s take a look:
Different Models and Approaches of QA Outsourcing
Here are the different QA outsourcing models and approaches you can choose based on location and project scope:
A. Based on Location
There are three outsourcing models based on geographical locations:
- Nearshore QA outsourcing: Outsource QA tasks to a firm, like Distillery, in a nearby country (like Mexico and Argentina) and benefit from cultural alignment, compatible time zones with the US, and shorter travel times. This approach offers greater cost savings compared to onshore outsourcing.
- Onshore QA outsourcing: Hire a software testing company from the same country. The model ensures the best cultural and time zone alignment but at higher costs than offshoring and nearshoring.
- Offshore QA outsourcing: Hire a QA team from a distant country (India or China). Although you may enjoy significant cost savings, you may also face significant language and communication challenges.
B. Based on the Scope of the Project
You have the option to either delegate a part of your QA testing service or the entire process to an external provider:
- Full QA Outsourcing: Full QA outsourcing involves delegating all quality assurance tasks, from testing service planning and execution to bug tracking and reporting. This strategy allows the company to focus on core development while experts handle the QA process end-to-end.
- Partial QA Outsourcing: Partial QA outsourcing involves assigning specific QA tasks, like usability testing, security, or performance testing, to an external software testing company giving you focused expertise while supporting the in-house team.
There are three ways you can hire QA testers – independent testing (freelance testers for short-term projects), crowdsourced testing (leveraging a global pool for broad insights but requires HR management), and testing organizations (providing pre-vetted experts for short- and long-term projects).
As you can see, external QA outsourcing or testing organizations offer the perfect balance between expertise and flexibility.
Still, wondering if you should outsource your QA process?
8 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Outsource QA (to a Competent Partner Like Distillery)
Discover how QA outsourcing can transform your project’s efficiency, quality, and overall success:
1. Cost-Effectiveness
By outsourcing QA services, you won’t need to invest in and maintain internal infrastructure, like office space and testing servers, as well as specialized tools like JMeter.
It also reduces the overhead costs of employing a full-time QA team, including salaries, benefits, and training.
2. Shorter Time-to-Market
As mentioned above, outsourcing quality assurance means you won’t need to set up internal infrastructures. This significantly speeds up defect identification and resolution and ensures your product meets quality standards swiftly.
Additionally, outsourced QA teams can work in parallel with your in-house development team, completing the development and testing phases simultaneously, significantly accelerating the release cycle.
But that’s not all.
Outsourcing can also provide round-the-clock testing efforts due to global time zone differences, further expediting your product’s time-to-market.
3. Access to Advanced Expertise and Technology
Quality assurance outsourcing connects companies with specialists with expertise in the latest testing methodologies and quality standards — which might not be readily available when traditional testing services are done in-house.
Plus, these external teams often use advanced testing tools, offering a level of precision and efficiency that you may not achieve internally.
5. Better Compliance with Industry Regulations and Security
Outsourced QA partners will be on top of the latest compliance and security testing standards, ensuring your software doesn’t just meet, but exceeds, industry protocols like BASEL III and HIPAA.
This secures sensitive data and builds customer trust.
Their knack for swiftly adapting to regulatory changes keeps your product compliant, which is crucial in ever-evolving fields like finance and healthcare.
6. External Unbiased Perspective
Outsourcing QA testing services to an external firm introduces an unbiased perspective that’s invaluable for product quality.
Consider this:
An in-house QA team working on a mobile application might overlook certain usability issues or security vulnerabilities due to familiarity bias.
An outsourced QA team, on the other hand, brings fresh eyes and objectivity to the mobile app testing process. They can spot overlooked defects or suggest improvements that enhance the application’s usability, security, and overall quality.
7. Scalability and Flexibility
Outsourcing quality assurance offers the flexibility to scale testing efforts up or down based on project needs and market demands — without the overhead of hiring or training additional staff.
Take a tech startup, for instance — it would have minimal QA testing or software testing service needs at the start but as launch approaches, the complexity spikes, demanding more specialist testing services, like functional testing. This ensures thorough testing when it matters most, without the burden of a permanent, large QA team.
8. Access to Global Markets
Outsourcing QA testing services, like exploratory testing and accessibility testing, to firms in your target market lets you tap into local expertise. This ensures your product is tailored to meet the specific demands of local users.
For example, outsourcing game testing to specialists in Argentina helps you gain insights into the nuances of Argentina’s gaming culture and preferences. This lets you incorporate locally popular game themes, like soccer, that resonate with Argentine players and enhance your app’s relevance in the local market.
However, QA outsourcing also comes with a few drawbacks.
Let’s find out:
4 Common Risks of QA Outsourcing
Here are a few potential hurdles you could face when outsourcing QA tasks:
- Loss of control over the QA processes: Outsourcing QA may lower your oversight of testing procedures, potentially creating gaps between company expectations and the actual testing carried out by external teams. This can make it challenging for companies to enforce specific QA standards or implement changes quickly.
- Security issues: When you outsource quality assurance tasks, you will have to share sensitive data with the external team. This heightens the risk of data breaches and non-compliance with strict data protection regulations, especially if the firm’s security measures are not robust.
- Miscommunication: You may face significant language barriers when outsourcing to teams in different countries, especially in offshore models. This can lead to project delays, costly errors, and a product that fails to meet specified standards and regulations.
- Hidden costs: Hidden costs in QA outsourcing services can stem from various sources, including miscommunication, extra testing rounds not covered in the initial contract, fees for using specialized tools or testing environments, and unforeseen project delays.
So, how can you mitigate these QA outsourcing service risks and outsource your processes successfully?
7 Fool-Proof Steps to Overcome the Risks of QA Outsourcing & Make it a Success
Here are some top best practices to maximize value and optimize your QA outsourcing experience:
1. Select Your Outsourcing Partner Carefully
Start by evaluating the potential firm’s expertise and experience in your industry, as well as their track record with projects of similar scope and complexity. Review their project portfolio and customer testimonials.
Examine the company’s technological prowess and the qualifications of the QA tester or team to ensure they meet your project’s unique needs.
For example, if you require mobile app testing across multiple devices, verify that the QA outsourcing firm has a comprehensive device lab and that the QA tester or team is experienced with cross-platform compatibility testing.
2. Sign an NDA and SLA
Signing an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) ensures that any sensitive information shared during the QA outsourcing project remains confidential, protecting your intellectual property.
This is particularly beneficial for specialized testing areas like IoT testing (Internet of Things testing) and big data testing, where sensitive data is often involved.
Meanwhile, an SLA (Service Level Agreement) outlines the expected quality and timelines for the project, providing a clear framework for accountability and performance metrics.
Combined, these agreements provide a legal framework that protects both parties, reduces the potential for misunderstandings, and ensures a commitment to quality and security.
3. Choose a Quality-over-Price Approach
The quality-over-price approach is about valuing the efficacy of testing services over selecting the most cost-effective solution.
Here’s an example:
Opting for a testing organization renowned for its detailed methodologies in mobile application testing may require a higher initial investment than working with freelance testers.
But, this investment minimizes the risk of project delays and costly post-launch errors and sets the foundation for long-term success and market competitiveness.
4. Establish Clear Communication Protocols
Schedule regular meetings (daily/monthly), define key points of contact, and agree on communication tools and channels, like Slack.
Effective communication protocols can cut through confusion, quickly resolve issues before they become expensive mistakes, and build a strong partnership between the outsourcing firm and your business.
5. Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
KPIs are measurable indicators that help evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of testing services an outsourced QA team provides.
Some KPIs you can use are:
- Bug Fix Rate: Tracks how quickly identified bugs or issues are resolved, reflecting the responsiveness and efficiency of the QA team.
- Test Execution Time: Measures the time taken to run the test suite (collection of test cases), which can indicate the efficiency of the testing process.
- Cost of Quality: Assesses the cost associated with preventing, detecting, and correcting bugs. This quantifies the financial impact of ensuring product excellence.
- Escaped Defects: The number of defects found by users after the product has been released, showcasing the precision of the external QA team.
6. Develop Risk Management Strategies
Here are three ways you can safeguard your project against potential setbacks when outsourcing QA:
- Implement advanced tracking systems to efficiently monitor, document, and prioritize bugs and defects identified by the outsourced QA team.
- Prepare backup QA resources or contingency plans to maintain project momentum if the outsourcing partnership faces challenges. For instance, use cloud-based testing platforms for seamless transitions between partners, minimizing impact on project timelines.
- Ensure the QA test environment closely mirrors the final product’s environment, facilitating accurate and relevant test outcomes.
7. Ensure Your Partner Offers Post-Release Support and Maintenance
Post-release support and maintenance involves tracking new bugs, performance issues, and security vulnerabilities that arise after deployment.
You should also implement a feedback loop or a system to collect user feedback and monitor software performance post-release. This helps address emerging issues quickly and ensures continuous improvement and user satisfaction.
Sounds like a lot of work?
Fortunately, working with a nearshore QA outsourcing partner like Distillery can help streamline the process and ensure your product meets the highest quality standards.
Distillery: The Best Nearshore Partner for Your Quality Assurance Needs
QA outsourcing is a strategic move for companies aiming to elevate their product quality while optimizing costs and resources.
QA outsourcing firms offer specialized expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and an unbiased perspective that can accelerate product launches while guaranteeing superior quality and reliability.
Contact Distillery now to level up your product and stay ahead of the game.