Four Major Problems with Outsourced Testing

Bangalore: Recent surveys have identified that many software development firms are opting for independent software testing services rather than testing their products in house.  It is believed that testers in an offshore testing firm can provide all the focus software needs especially on areas that have the greatest risk.  

"Cost savings are a major driver and also the need to do testing in a more professional manner. Testing has become more professionalized and now requires significant investment in terms of tools, people recruitment and automation. Finding onshore testing professionals is difficult: there are very few testing classes in universities and when there are, they are about quality, rather than on test execution,” said Dominique Raviart, analyst at Nelson Hall.

Although, third party testing service has its own advantages, Jamie Saine in blog.utest.com highlighted some of the problems of outsourcing. Let us have a look at some of them.

1.    Communication Issues
When it comes to communication, it is often difficult for software development firms to get in touch with third party testing companies. Most of the testing companies are in different time zones which make getting in touch with the employees from that organization difficult.

2.    Accountability Issues
Although many think that third party testing companies can provide all the focus the software needs, but the reality is that they deal with many projects at the same time. This can create a problem if a client is trying to reach the Project Manager at the third party company, but he/she is unavailable as he would need to oversee other projects as well. This will eventually create delays in the implementation of some updates.

3.    Fixed Contracts
With most of the third party testing firms, a contract needs to be signed. These contracts have important information such as what will be tested, how it will be tested and the time frame. This creates a problem when there are certain changes and adjustments to be made. If the task is not as per the expectations and standards, it will need to go for further testing. These will unnecessarily double the cost of testing.

4.    Hidden Costs
When projects are not completed on time and when they are not as expected, there may be a possibility of unplanned costs either to fix the problem or to finish the project.

Although companies are opting for third party testing services, many of them are looking for alternatives such as in-house testing, beta testing and others.