Building a Systems Development Team - Outsourcing

Can’t we just hire somebody to do this for us? The answer is more complex than a simple "Yes" or "No."

Steve Jost Profile Picture
Share
Contributors Chris Hodge David Brown
  1. Outsourcing the development work will still require a significant amount of resources from your internal team. The team will have to describe the process they are trying to automate with enough detail for a third party to efficiently and expertly step in. Your team will also be involved in support activities, including testing and training.
  2. Larger contractors are now starting to make acquisitions of technology companies rather than outsourcing to a third party. This allows them to more tightly control the results of the system development process (which they view as a competitive advantage).
  3. If you want to test the waters in outsourcing some development tasks or functions, start slowly (and small), with well-defined requirements and carefully managing expectations. You can spend a ton of money in “change orders” if you are not careful!

This is Part 11 of an 18-Part Series


Topics Covered in the Series Include:

  • Clarification
  • Software
  • Best Fit
  • Risk
  • Applications

All relationships start with a simple conversation. Let’s schedule some time to talk about your specific challenges and opportunities.


Systems Development Teams for Contractors
Construction technology innovation is accelerating and the contractors that learn how to effectively integrate technology into every aspect of their business will dominate tomorrow. ...

Systems Development Teams for Contractors
Construction technology innovation is accelerating and the contractors that learn how to effectively integrate technology into every aspect of their business will dominate tomorrow. ...

Jennifer Blackwood - Difficult People
Ultimately there is exactly one person on this planet who you have 100% control over - YOU! The best way to work effectively with difficult people is to look within and figure out what you need to do to make the relationship less difficult; then do it!
Can't Learn to Swim Without Getting Wet
Most everything we learn to do in the field for construction comes down to hands-on practice. When we move people into supervision and management roles we often forget the need to truly practice hands-on to get great at doing something.
Cash Flow - 18 Tips to Improve Cash Flow Scoreboard
Construction contractors can use these 18 specific tips to improve their cash flow scoreboard.