Piloting Methodology to accomplish Outsourcing- Start small, understand and tune the model, reap long term benefit
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Introduction: |
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OCS Infotech encourages its customers to experience IT outsourcing and validate OCS capabilities by way of getting a pilot project done. Start with a small project; you will be able to ascertain the competitiveness and quality processes of OCS. We assure you that you will not have any financial obligations if you are not satisfied with our deliverables.
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What is the ideal Size for a Pilot project? |
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The ideal size will be 1-2 persons month worth of project. Shorter the duration of project, quicker is the outcome of the objectives set by you. You will be able to assess the competitiveness and quality of the chosen outsourcing partner as well as your own company's readiness for outsourcing. A pilot project is the best way to start and establish a long term relationship. |
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How do I select a project for Piloting? |
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There is no "one size fits all" kind of a solution to decide a project. Here are SMART guidelines for selecting a project for piloting:
- Small: The project should be subset of a larger project that you wish to outsource, this way if everything goes right, the pilot project code can be re-used thus saving time and cost. Also, one does not have to invest in resource cost upfront.
- Measurable: If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it. The outcome of the project should be measurable. The acceptance criterion for the project needs to be pre-defined.
- Attainable: The tasks identified during feasibility of project, should be attainable within the estimated Cost andTime.
- Realistic: The task to be accomplished as part of the Pilot assignment should be realistic in terms of timelines and technological challenges.
- Timely: We work towards meeting the time schedule as per the plan mutually agreed. It is our commitment to deliver the pilot project in the given deadline. Also, you should spare time to assist and evaluate within the time frame alloted for the assignment.
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What will the pilot project prove? |
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- Process implementation: Outsourcing secures the greatest benefits only when a sound and stable process exists. At OCS, we make sure that even for a pilot project, we follow our quality and project management processes to have a predictable outcome. We will share our quality document; get your sign-off on document wherever required.
- The end deliverable: The end deliverable will meet all the acceptance criteria that would define the success of the pilot assignment. It will establish our technological competence and our ability to work with you as a partner in a mutually beneficial relationship.
- Domain Knowledge: The pilot project will exhibit our ability to understand customer's business. We will create a repository of domain knowledge gained while executing the pilot assignment.
- Minimize the risk: Any software project involves a good degree of risk. Our
no-obligation commitment to work on pilot project gives you an assurance that you pay for the pilot project only if you are satisfied. Our ultimate aim will be to make the pilot successful.
- Client's Readiness for outsourcing: Quite a lot of customers haven't ventured into outsourcing or have had very bad experience in outsourcing. The pilot assignment puts a lot of anxiety at rest. While the benefits of outsourcing are universally known, pilot assignment helps you understand the parameters of success. It not only makes you ready for outsourcing, but also lets you understand if you are not yet ready for the same.
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Our Methodology of Piloting: |
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The following diagram explains the process of our flow for executing the pilot assignment. We make sure that the goals set in the project charter are feasible from the technological and timelines angle. If required, we will prepare a prototype to serve as a proof of concept to minimize the risk of technology. |
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Conclusion: The pilot assignment thus unfolds the following aspects |
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- Confirming the rationale behind outsourcing thus believing it to be a profitable venture.
- Pilot assignment helps you differentiate between work that can and cannot be outsourced. The assessment process puts in place the framework of incorporating an outsourcing strategy.
- The assignment also helps in building a step by step readiness for outsourcing and provides a checklist to evaluate the solution providers.
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Management
