Should You Outsource QA Testing? Pros and Cons

It is a feasible solution to outsource QA testing for elevated QA outcomes. In the world of software development, quality assurance (QA) testing is a vital but often-overlooked step in the process.

The success of any software including all devices apps relies on the functionality and usability of its API (Application Programming Interface) and User Interface. QA testing is required to check whether the software is secured and performing under well-stated conditions or not. To execute this process, companies have two options, either to test in-house or outsource it to a third party. You may be thinking: why should you outsource the testing of the app that your company is developing?

Outsourcing this job to a third party is not limited to increasing the productivity and performance of your team; it can even open doors to work with experts. To answer all your questions and point you in the right direction for outsourcing QA testing, we have collected the cons and pros of outsourcing QA testing to help you make an informed decision for your business.

Why is QA Testing Being Outsourced?

Outsourcing QA testing means delegating the testing of software — including desktop and mobile apps — to an independent QA tester, firm, or any third party. This process strives to deliver high-quality results by using an established set of processes. The company or person to whom you’re outsourcing QA testing will not be involved in other aspects of software development.

QA testing is often outsourced because testers require the right combination of skills to execute the difficult task of assuring software has satisfactory usability, functionality, and security. These testers ideally operate with best practices in mind, and they need to be up-to-date with the latest technologies. Therefore, hiring an in-house team for this particular task can be costly in terms of both time and resources for a company. Numerous software testing companies can help you with QA testing. However, every decision comes with some pros and cons, like those below.

Pros of Outsourcing QA Testing

Increases Efficiency

QA testing requires knowledge of specialized tools and expertise to deliver the best results. It is always not possible that you have such experts in your organization, so outsourcing this is the most suitable option for you. Furthermore, if you outsource QA testing, it can help you complete your projects with good speed and greater efficiency. Also, your in-house team can focus more on other revenue-generating activities.

Open Doors to Work With The Experts

You may not have experts in QA testing in your in-house team. Therefore, when you outsource QA testing to a third party, you get access to the top QA testers in the industry with years of experience. Advantages include:

• In-depth knowledge: These experts are always up to date on the latest technologies and techniques. Whenever they join your team, they’re ready to deliver exceptional results. Companies benefit highly from implementing the latest processes and best practices.
• Greater objectivity: The experts whom you’re outsourcing won’t take part in the software development. Therefore, they will use an unbiased approach to solve errors and ensure that there are no problems left unaddressed.
• Wide experience: You can outsource QA testing to an expert who has knowledge and experience with the particular software you’re looking for. For example, if you need a QA tester for an e-commerce app, you can outsource it to someone who specifically has experience in testing the QA of e-commerce apps.

Promotes Greater Flexibility

Working on multiple projects? Have unpredictable needs? Outsourcing can solve these problems in the blink of an eye. It enables you to remain flexible in your planning, especially when you find the right people who can meet your specific requirements. Besides, when the workload changes, a core group can remain on staff and the third party can handle everything else.

Cut-Down Costing of QA Testing

Reducing full-time employees and outsourcing QA testing can cut down costs for your company. How? You save on salaries, health benefits, and overhead costs like larger HR teams, additional office space, etc. Furthermore, outsourced professionals already have expertise in this field, so you don’t need to spend a penny on training them. Also, it saves your time, which is the most valuable thing in today’s era. With the help of these outsourced experts, you can spend on the right tools that are needed for any specific tasks. Hence, outsourcing QA testing saves your time as well as reduces costs.

Cons of Outsourcing QA Testing

Low Security & Confidentiality Issues

Security and confidentiality have been the biggest problem when outsourcing QA testing to any third party. Even if the system is well secured, cyber security attackers can still find loopholes. These risks multiply with outsourcing. Sharing source codes, reference models, customer data, and workflows with the outsourced team increases the risk of being copied, leaked, or plagiarised. One solution is signing an NDA with the outsourced QA testing expert or team. Also, it’s a good idea to review your security processes before starting the project.

Lack of Control

Often working with a third party or vendor creates problems like miscommunication and unsupervised actions. These problems can sidetrack the entire process and waste valuable time if unchecked. Maintaining clear communication and an equally clear working system with your vendor will solve this issue. Regular reports and clear lists of what is needed ensure clarity in your work. Meetings or video-conferencing are extremely useful tools to solve these issues, as well.

How To Outsource QA Testing?

When you outsource QA testing, you must ensure that your vendor or service provider implements the best practices and methodologies with the latest testing technology. Multiple companies provide these services, but here’s how to choose the best QA testing expert for you.

Check Their Credibility and Skills

When searching for a QA testing expert, take interest in their past works and understand their level of skills and knowledge. Verify if that person or company is credible and reputable by double-checking the list of companies they have worked with. Getting references and feedback from their past clients can shed light on the quality of their services and past outcomes.

Understand Their Tools & Resources

When you outsource QA testing, understand the resources and limitations of these companies before partnering with them. You need to consider what testing tools you prefer to use. If you have a specific tool in mind, make sure that the company you outsource to has experience with it. In addition, you need to consider the company's automation and manual testing capabilities. Do they have the manpower to handle your project? What is their turnaround time? By understanding the resources and limitations of an outsourcing company, you can be sure that they can meet your needs.

Look For Specialized Niches

Not every company or tester has experience in testing the type of software you're developing. Not all software is the same, and you need to make sure you're working with a team that knows how to test your specific type of application. For example, if you're developing an e-commerce app like Shopify, look for a software testing service that has experience in testing apps for that industry. This will ensure that your app is thoroughly tested and ready for launch.

Set KPIs Before Partnering With Them

Before you outsource QA testing to a software testing company, it’s important to sit down and map out some important KPIs. Without KPIs, it can be difficult to gauge whether or not the software testing company is doing a good job. By setting strong KPIs before you start working with a software testing company, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible service. Also, both parties have clarity on what is expected.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is QA testing outsourced?

One of the most common reasons for outsourcing QA testing is to save on costs and get access to top QA testers. Companies can avoid hiring full-time employees dedicated to quality assurance. This can lead to significant savings, especially for small businesses.

Additionally, outsourcing QA testing can help to improve the quality of the product, particularly under the watchful eye of an experienced and reputable outsourcing partner. Additionally, outsourced QA testing can help to improve turnaround time by having someone outside of the regular staff handle the quality assurance process, allowing in-house staff to focus on other aspects of the business and get products to market faster.

Q2. Are QA testers in demand?

QA testers are in high demand, especially since the majority of companies outsource QA testing when required. Any software development process worth its salt includes quality assurance (QA) testing. QA testers are responsible for finding bugs and errors in software before it is released to the public. The process requires a high level of attention to detail and a dedication to finding even the smallest of errors, so if you have those skills and are looking for a stable career with good prospects, a position as a QA tester could be the perfect choice for you.

Q3. How do I sell QA as a service?

If you want to provide QA testing services, the first step is to educate your clients about the importance of quality assurance. Help them to understand how QA testing can save time and money, and how it can improve customer satisfaction. According to a study by Deloitte, 70% of companies who choose to outsource projects, do so to save money. Once you have a firm understanding of your client's needs, you can begin to tailor your QA services to meet their specific requirements.