What are the most common challenges you face when working with on demand developers?

Introduction

Technology continues to be a driving force in global transformation. In the past decade, there has been an exponential proliferation of technology such as AI, Metaverse, Quantum Computing blockchain, Hyperautomation, AR/VR, and more. As the world of technology continues to grow and advance, organizations struggle to locate software professionals with the necessary technical abilities and knowledge to facilitate these advancements. This is where on demand developers come in. These professionals have extensive knowledge and experience in software development and advanced technology stacks that startups, small, middle-tier, and large companies alike can employ to get their initiatives off the ground while saving money, gaining access to a larger talent pool, and producing high-quality results. This blog will look at who an on-demand developer is, why businesses hire an on-demand developer, and the most common challenges you face when working with on demand developers.

Who is an on demand developer?

Simply put, “on demand” developers are those whose services are contracted by businesses in need of technical assistance. They may operate independently, be employed by a technology-focused staffing firm, or be a member of a highly competent group of people. On demand developers share a common trait, regardless of their identity. These people are not employed on a regular basis. Instead, they work as an adjunct to the company’s existing full-time development staff.

Why hire an on demand developer?

As a result of the availability of remote working options, businesses now have access to an unrivaled pool of talent, which enables them to reap a variety of benefits from the on-demand outsourcing of software developers. Let’s look at some of the reasons to hire an on-demand developer or team of on demand developers.

Use top talent

With on-demand software development, you may tap into expertise that might otherwise be out of reach. Professionals with specialized knowledge and excellent output can be found with careful screening. Perhaps they speak a rare dialect or have specialized knowledge in an area like artificial intelligence or cloud computing that will help further your efforts.

Cost Effective Solutions

To put it simply, when you employ an on-demand developer, you only pay them for the hours they really put in. Instead of providing all the resources of a full-time employee, you agree to pay either an hourly rate or a flat charge for a specific, well-defined job. On top of that, you may save a lot of time and effort by using an on-demand developer service rather than going through the traditional recruitment process. Finally, with an on-demand developer, budgeting is more flexible. You can share your budget and preferences with a firm that matches you with a developer and they find you a suitable fit. Developers are expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Increased Productivity

By utilizing on demand developers, you may expand your existing workforce, thereby increasing productivity and completing projects in a much shorter amount of time. If you employ a dedicated team, the developers will focus solely on your project and complete it efficiently and quickly. Or, if you utilize a staff augmentation strategy, you will accelerate the entire process, ensuring that your team has the necessary skill sets to complete the project in a shorter amount of time.

Consultation Benefits

The majority of on demand developers are also proficient in consulting in addition to their great work. Since these developers are specialists in their respective fields, they can provide the guidance you need to make difficult decisions and achieve your objectives more quickly and effectively. Furthermore, on demand developers are significantly faster at resolving any issues that may arise during the development process.

Seamless Transition

One distinctive feature of on demand developers is the ease with which they may be brought on board at any time. On demand Developers are accustomed to a wide range of workplaces and can quickly adjust to the needs of any organization with which they are paired. In addition, while working with an on-demand development service provider that matches businesses with developers, you won’t have to worry about finding, interviewing, or matching potential candidates. As opposed to the lengthy and complicated onboarding process required for permanent employees, this one takes a fraction of the time.

Tap into untapped opportunities

The world of software development is ever-changing. Business leaders are not always informed of every trend or piece of news that could have an impact on them and their firm. With the help of on-demand software development, organizations are better able to identify and assess market prospects that might not otherwise be on their radar. This will enable them to remain competitive in a field that is undergoing rapid change.

Rapid turnaround time

The turnaround time for projects handled by on demand developers is typically substantially shorter than that of in-house development staff. This is because developers only take on a small number of projects at once, allowing them to focus entirely on each one. In fact, it’s not uncommon for on demand developers to beat the deadlines you set.

Let’s look at the most common challenges you face when working with on demand developers.

Finding the right on demand developer you can trust

Finding a reliable on-demand developer is the initial obstacle faced by the vast majority of organizations when they plan to work with on-demand developer services. As the number of software developers grows each year, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify the truly outstanding ones. It’s important to find a dependable and trustworthy provider that can accurately evaluate software developers over time and move quickly enough to keep up with your company’s expansion. Having a reliable on-demand development partner implies that they not only have the knowledge and abilities to finish a project, but also care about your specific needs and requirements so that they can offer you a team of developers that can create solutions that will actually add value to your business. Entrusting your project to an inexperienced hand can lead to a number of problems that surface later in the development process, including overhead costs, a lack of transparency, poor communication, and a ton more.

Choosing improper engagement models

Business owners frequently fail to realize the significance of making well-informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right engagement model for their business needs. Each model has advantages and disadvantages that vary with the specifics of the project at hand. Most companies either don’t know about or choose a model that doesn’t work with their specific goals and objectives. Choosing the incorrect models might lead to time and money wasted, as well as other problems with the project.

Data security

Data security is a vital aspect of any organization with a digital presence. Businesses may develop cybersecurity standards and follow internal data security regulations, but they frequently fail to prevent threats that enter via unsecured networks, such as the private network of a remote worker or a freelancer. When working with remote workers, data security is always a challenge. If you do not adopt appropriate security measures and a non-disclosure agreement, you run the danger of your data being misused by unscrupulous individuals who acquire access to it.

Insufficient or poor communication

When it comes to maintaining positive working relationships, communication is crucial. This is particularly true while working remotely with a team. When collaborating with an on-demand developer, it is crucial to create clear lines of communication. Unfortunately, some people who hire on demand developers experience difficulties maintaining effective communication, which can have repercussions for a variety of aspects of your organization. It can delay production, hinder your ability to respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner, or even force you to suspend some operations. If team members are unable to communicate effectively with one another, team meetings and collaborations can quickly become frustrating and counterproductive. Because of this, team output may suffer, and employees may get increasingly frustrated.

Lack of control

When dealing with an on-demand developer, you have less influence over aspects that affect employee loyalty, such as the hourly wages, perks, and training of developers. However, if you’re extremely satisfied with a developer you’ve been working with, the majority of on-demand development partners provide the option of employing the developer directly for a set cost.

Poor Quality Output

Businesses outsource on demand developers not just with the goal of completing their projects on time or ahead of schedule but also in an efficient manner that produces high-quality work. But occasionally, on demand developers fall short of customer expectations and produce unsatisfactory work. It typically occurs when the on-demand developer disregards accountability.

The requirements for your job should constantly emphasize quality. Before hiring an on-demand developer, businesses should examine samples of their previous work, if available, or provide a preliminary test. Some on demand developers have a tendency to provide their services at a reduced cost. However, if you are not cautious, you may fall for these low-priced offers and wind up dealing with an on-demand developer whose results are of poor quality. Some individuals are typically unconcerned with the quality of their work and are only concerned with receiving compensation.

Time Zone Differences

While working with an on-demand developer, the time zone difference may cause a major hindrance. When businesses located in separate time zones must coordinate their efforts, as the time difference can create a number of complications. For starters, it can be difficult to schedule meetings so that one party does not have to wake up in the middle of the night. Tasks that necessitate punctuality, such as customer support, are further complicated by time zone disparities. When one half of the team is working, and the other is sleeping, it can be challenging to manage expectations. The time differences may also make it difficult for your internal staff to work with on demand developers.

Key personnel dropping out

Since resources may be rehired, the on-demand development service provider doesn’t mind people leaving the project. The resource partner’s inability to recruit within a certain timeframe delays the project due to a shortage of skilled labor. The on-demand development service provider is responsible for upholding the terms of the partnership’s original agreement on each party’s responsibilities and contributions. The on-demand development service provider has the option of finding a new developer, but doing so means starting from zero again and may extend the time it takes to finish the project.

Onboarding demands

Regardless of the developer’s background, the organization must spend a considerable amount of time familiarizing the new hire with project/product-related material and team-wide best practices. Even after you have conveyed the status of a project, you cannot be guaranteed that an on-demand developer will adhere to all of the required measures to finish the assigned duties.

Unvetted developers

In-house developers typically adhere to corporate requirements and undergo regular performance assessments to guarantee that their work produces appropriate results. A hired external developer, however, is not subject to such scrutiny and may provide late or subpar work with limited accountability.

Poor fit with the existing team

The hiring manager may find the procedure of recruiting an external developer to be simple. Nevertheless, it typically does not contain the necessary screening to verify that the developer will get along with the internal team members who are also involved in the project. A lack of mutual understanding, cooperation, and support can compromise the overall quality of the task.

Poor pre-assessment

Due to time restrictions and the need to save costs, many technology companies hire developers from the outside. Managers may not have enough time if they’re dealing with any of these issues when trying to figure out how to effectively integrate new employees into their teams. Furthermore, managing numerous on demand developers simultaneously can be difficult at times, particularly for inexperienced or unsupported managers.

Let’s look at the most important factors you must consider when choosing an on-demand developer.

Finding the appropriate on-demand developer can be difficult. There are numerous freelancers available who may lack the required experience. Ensure that you approach a reputable on-demand development service company to discover your next on-demand developer. You can discuss the following details with them in order to get matched with the right developer for your project.

Technical expertise.

When choosing an on-demand software development partner, technical expertise is one of the most important criteria to look for. When judging a company’s technical prowess, it is common practice to look at the quality of the company’s code, its attitude toward technological breakthroughs, and its capacity to create complex software solutions like loT systems, ensure the stability of existing IT systems under high loads, big data and analytics, cloud development, and consulting services. When searching for a specific skill set, you should choose vendors with a proven track record in that field. Utilizing your partner’s skills is, nevertheless, more cost-effective than creating this expertise in-house.

Strong portfolio

It is advisable to perform a thorough analysis of the on-demand development service company’s previous projects before making a final decision. It is advisable to select a company with substantial industry expertise in the relevant project, as an experienced software company will be able to handle the obstacles that will arise throughout its operation. Examine some of the on-demand developer’s project work that the company has in its possession. Examining their portfolio is the best approach to determine if you’ve found what you’re looking for. Compare the styles of various developers so that you know what to expect from the outset.

Partnerships and certifications

Consider the partner’s technology stack as one of your factors when choosing an on-demand development service provider. You need to know the technology they employ, the solutions they’re familiar with, and the tools they use to accomplish your goals. Technology alliances with established software developers are another positive sign. Companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and others have recognized the company’s skills enough to make it a certified partner. Accreditations like this vouch for the reliability of the company and its products or services.

Time Commitment

Inform the company of the time commitment and whether or not it has the potential to become a long-term agreement. The more specific you are, the more likely it is that the organization will be able to connect you with the ideal candidate. When discussing this time commitment, offer a timeline by which you’d like to see things completed so that expectations are clear from the start.

Engagement Models

Understand the full extent of the project and the desired outcome to keep costs from spiraling out of control. Among your criteria for choosing an on-demand development service provider, the engagement model you select is crucial since it will determine the project costs. For example, it makes little sense to hire a full-time professional if you only require their skills for a limited time. In addition, it is unreasonable to compensate your professionals on an hourly basis if they will be completely engaged in the project. Since hourly prices are significantly higher than monthly rates, the Time and Materials (T&M) contract is unsuitable for a long-term collaboration. Businesses with a clear picture of what they want to sell can benefit from the fixed-price method. In contrast, a dedicated development team model is the best option for ongoing projects with shifting requirements. The experts working on your project will give their undivided attention to you.

Signing an NDA

Developers or contractors who are dishonest, engage in fraudulent activities, routinely miss deadlines, or just abandon their clients will be reluctant to sign this agreement. It is always preferable to begin a project with a software developer on the basis of a signed contract and, if necessary, a signed NDA. This will help you to safeguard your interests and maintain the product’s intellectual property rights. Even if it incurs additional expenses, security is worthwhile.

Scalability

The level of service you receive may be impacted by the company’s size. While larger businesses typically have greater resources, smaller businesses can often provide more individualized service. Pick a business that can handle the scope of your project while satisfying your individual wants and preferences.

Flexibility

You need a company that can evolve with the times because software development projects are always evolving. Find a business that can adapt easily to changing needs. You should think about their approach to change management and inquire about their procedure for adjusting project parameters such as scope, schedule, and budget.

Professionalism

As a final step, verify that the business you’re considering is professional in its approach. Hiring your next on-demand developer through a reputed firm like Sparity is a terrific way to be sure you’re getting a staff that takes their work seriously. If you’re looking to work with a serious person, you should probably steer clear of free employment boards.

Conclusion

Costs associated with recruiting a team of developers, paying competitive salaries, and managing the team for a single project are impractical for some businesses due to the substantial costs involved. It’s not hard to fathom the market’s attraction towards on demand developers, which is driving its rapid expansion. It’s a reliable and effective way to save money that enables you to start seeing results almost immediately.

In any endeavor, obstacles are inevitable, and employing on demand developers is no exception. The listed challenges will provide a framework for consideration when undertaking a project that may not be completed in-house. Choosing a trustworthy on-demand development service provider over cost-effective ones is the simplest and most sensible starting point among the aforementioned advice. Choosing a dependable and experienced on-demand partner is critical to avoiding risks and disadvantages. The correct provider will ensure significant cost savings as well as great quality. At the same time, they will be responsible for all challenges and responsibilities.

Sparity is one such on-demand development service provider that helps you find a developer on demand for either short-term or long-term projects. Sparity has best-in-class accessibility of on demand developers that assure uninterrupted service throughout the project’s lifecycle. Contact us with your project’s requirements, and we’ll put together a comprehensive list of developers for you to choose from.

How can Sparity help?

By developing close, personal relationships with our entrepreneur clients, we are able to anticipate and effectively meet their unique requirements. We will ensure that the entire duration of the project runs smoothly by utilizing a team of seasoned professionals who will prevent you from encountering the majority of the aforementioned issues.

You, as a business, provide us with your expectations and requirements, and we will assist you in finding a suitable on-demand developer for your project in the shortest time possible. We are also happy to assist you if you have any questions or concerns. Numerous customer experiences demonstrate that hybrid teams comprised of on demand developers and full-time employees can add significant value to the company. If you’d like to learn more about working with an on-demand developer or find quality experts for your project, feel free to call us, we’ll help you find suitable project partners quickly and easily.