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In today’s fast-paced tech world, many companies are outsourcing their software development projects. In fact, over 70% of the world’s largest companies now outsource their software testing team.
This has created a vast community of talented software testers who can help your business grow by providing valuable insights into your product development process. But building a successful relationship with your remote software testing team is crucial. The first step in achieving this is being honest and transparent about expectations from the start.
Setting Clear Expectations for Your Remote Testing Team
When staffing a project with a remote software testing team, it’s essential to be upfront about what you expect and what you’re willing to commit to in terms of time, resources, and responsibility. Open communication helps everyone stay on the same page and sets the foundation for effective collaboration.
For instance, be clear about the time commitment expectations. If certain days or hours are more convenient for your team members due to their personal schedules, let them know in advance. Whether it’s personal commitments or specific working hours, this helps your software testing team plan accordingly.
Know what you want to achieve with remote testing.
Before diving into the testing process, it’s essential to clearly define what you want to achieve with your remote software testing team. Are you aiming to improve test coverage? Or perhaps reduce feature abandonment rates? Being specific with your goals makes it easier to measure success and adjust strategies when needed.
Keep in mind that there might be different goals depending on the team or organization involved. For example:
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Company A may focus on reducing bug counts above all else (leading them to favor automated tools over manual testing).
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Company B might place more emphasis on reducing rework rather than increasing efficiency.
Understanding these nuances will help your software testing team deliver the results you expect.
Find the best persona for a remote software testing team
When hiring for your remote software testing team, it’s crucial to find individuals who will fit well with the team and the project requirements. A successful project depends on effective onboarding to help new hires become productive as quickly as possible.
The right person for the job will not only possess the required technical skills but also demonstrate a collaborative spirit, as working remotely requires strong communication and team dynamics.
Make communication clear and frequent.
Communication is absolutely critical when managing a remote software testing team. Clear and frequent communication ensures that everyone is aligned and productive. It’s important to set expectations around how and when team members will share updates, ask questions, and provide feedback.
For instance, if a developer implements a change into production code, it might be time for a QA Lead to check in with the testing team and discuss any necessary updates. This structured approach avoids unnecessary back-and-forth and keeps things moving forward.
Provide access to all necessary resources.
Your remote software testing team will need access to all the necessary resources to perform their job effectively. This includes access to tools like virtual machines, cloud storage systems, and relevant documentation. Make sure they can also easily reach out to key stakeholders across different departments, whether it’s for project management, code reviews, or feature clarifications.
The more information and resources your software testing team has, the more prepared they’ll be to do quality testing and find issues before they become critical.
Establish a transparent process for feedback and sharing insights.
Another key component for success is establishing a transparent process for feedback and insights. Your software testing team needs to know how to provide feedback and who they should report to when they encounter issues that aren’t covered by the standard process.
It’s important to document the onboarding process so it’s easy to refer back to when needed, ensuring everyone remains on track. Reviewing this process periodically and adjusting it as necessary helps keep things running smoothly.
Assign a single point of contact (SPOC) within your company
When managing a remote software testing team, it’s essential to designate a Single Point of Contact (SPOC). The SPOC should be the main liaison between your company and the remote team. This person should be able to communicate effectively, answer questions, and help the remote team navigate the project.
The ideal SPOC should also be technically proficient, capable of coding, debugging, and addressing any issues that come up. They play a crucial role in keeping communication lines open and ensuring that any misunderstandings between the software testing team and the company are resolved quickly.
Try to set up meetings at reasonable times.
When managing a remote software testing team, it’s essential to designate a Single Point of Contact (SPOC). The SPOC should be the main liaison between your company and the remote team. This person should be able to communicate effectively, answer questions, and help the remote team navigate the project.
The ideal SPOC should also be technically proficient, capable of coding, debugging, and addressing any issues that come up. They play a crucial role in keeping communication lines open and ensuring that any misunderstandings between the software testing team and the company are resolved quickly.
Scheduling Meetings That Work for Everyone
When setting up meetings, be mindful of time zones and schedules. If possible, try to accommodate everyone’s availability. If a team member has an early flight or a conflicting meeting, being flexible with meeting times helps maintain a positive relationship with your remote team.
Video calls are also a great way to connect and make meetings feel more personal, especially if some team members are unable to attend in person due to their schedules or location.
Conclusion: Why Effective Communication is Vital for Your Remote Software Testing Team
As you onboard your remote software testing team, remember that clear and open communication is the foundation of a successful partnership. Make sure your team has the tools, resources, and access they need to do their best work. When everyone is aligned and on the same page, your remote testing efforts will be far more effective and efficient.
By following these steps and maintaining constant communication with your remote software testing team, you set yourself up for a smooth, productive project that delivers high-quality results. With a little effort, your remote team can be a huge asset to your project and help drive its success.
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