Imagine a fast-growing e-commerce company decides to develop a new online sales platform to expand their business. After a quick search, they hire a software development company in Colombia, relying on their reputation and competitive rates.
However, just a few weeks into the project, problems start to arise: deadlines are missed, communication is poor, and code quality falls short of expected standards.
In the end, the project is delayed by several months and costs skyrocket. What went wrong? The company didn't ask the right questions before hiring, leading to a lack of clarity and poorly managed expectations.
To prevent this from happening to you, it's essential to know what questions to ask before hiring a software development company in Colombia. Here are some of the most important ones.
What to ask a software development company in Colombia before hiring
What is their experience in similar projects?
Not all software development companies in Colombia have the same experience or specialization. It is crucial to ask about their experience in projects similar to the one you want to develop. This question not only helps to assess whether the company has the necessary technical skills, but also reveals whether they understand the specific challenges of your industry.
Example question: Could you share examples of similar projects you have developed for companies in my sector?
How do they manage deadlines and deliverables?
One of the biggest problems in software development projects is missing deadlines. To avoid unpleasant surprises, ask how the software development company in Colombia manages time and deliverables. Understanding their work methodology will allow you to assess whether they have a structured approach that ensures the project will be completed on time.
Example question: What development methodology do they use (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) and how are deadlines and delivery milestones handled?
How transparent is communication during the project?
Communication is key in any software project. Ask what tools they use to keep clients informed and how often they provide progress updates. A software development company in Colombia that offers constant and clear communication is a good indication that they will keep the project under control and inform you of any changes or issues.
Example question: How often and in what way do they provide project status updates? What tools do they use for daily communication and follow-up?
What level of support and maintenance do they offer after the release?
The job doesn't end with the delivery of the software; support and maintenance are vital to ensure that the solution continues to function properly and adapt to future needs. Ask about post-release support services, including response times and associated costs.
Example question: What type of support and maintenance do they offer once the project is complete? What are the costs and response times for resolving issues?
What is your pricing structure and how do you handle scope changes?
Budgeting is one of the most critical aspects of hiring a software development company in Colombia. It is important to understand how pricing is structured and how changes to the project scope are handled. Some vendors offer fixed rates, while others work on an hourly basis, which can significantly impact the final cost.
Example Question: How is your pricing model structured and what happens if there are changes to the project scope during development?
How do they ensure code quality and perform testing?
Software quality depends heavily on how thoroughly code is tested and reviewed. Ask about the processes they follow to ensure product quality, including coding standards, automated testing, and code review.
Example question: What processes do they use to ensure code quality, and what kind of testing do they perform before release?
Who is on the team and what is their level of experience?
It's vital to know who will be working on your project and what is their level of experience. This includes developers, designers, project managers, and any other key team members. Getting to know the team will allow you to assess their ability to meet the specific requirements of your project.
Example question: Could you provide me with a profile of the team members who will be involved in my project and their relevant experience?
Hiring a software development company in Colombia can be an excellent strategic decision for your business, but only if you choose the right company. Asking the right questions will allow you to assess whether the provider has the experience, methodology, communication, and quality approach necessary to bring your project to success. Don't underestimate the importance of this process; a good initial decision can save time, money, and a lot of headaches in the long run.
