Choosing a developer for a bespoke software project can be a difficult task. The options available are often overwhelming, and if you don’t ask the right questions you can waste your time and money on contracts that are not beneficial to your business. Whether you are a Northamptonshire based SME, or a growing business with a need for Bespoke Programming Northampton talent, the right questions can help save you time, money and frustration.
What is your Discovery Process?
A good developer is not just a code monkey. They need to understand the business and the need behind the project. This means more than just writing a brief. They need to know about the business processes, who the users are going to be, and the goals the business is trying to achieve.
If the developer just skips to the ‘formality’ of the brief or is trying to rush through the discovery process, this is a big red flag. Projects that do not go through the discovery process typically end up with software that is not functionally aligned with the expectations of the stakeholder.
Do You Have Case Studies of Previous Work?
Good developers should have a portfolio of some sort. Ask to see examples that are similar to what you are wanting to achieve, or projects of a similar level. Pay attention to the process and ask what hurdles they faced along the way.
It’s easy to make a slick demo, but you want to see how a developer acts when issues come up, because in a custom project, issues always come up.
Who Actually Does the Work?
This question probably stumps people the most. Many agencies show senior developers when pitching, but after the deal is made, the work is actually done by junior developers or offshore teams.
If you are looking for Bespoke Programming Northampton because we work locally, tell us who is actually going to work on your project. Will you have a specific person to talk to? Will there be a project manager? Will the developers work locally? Is work being remotely transferred to someone else?
What Technologies Do You Use, and Why?
Using the same tools for every project shows developers aren’t thinking about your specific situation. Everyone has tools that they prefer. They should be able to tell you why the tools they are suggesting work for you.
What about when your needs change and they need to adapt to your situation? Can the code be added on to in the future? Will a developer be able to build on it without starting from scratch? Systems that depend on only one company to maintain them are Proprietary, and more often than not, they are to your disadvantage.
How Do You Handle Testing and Handover?
Testing is something that is usually overlooked. Be direct when asking about their quality assurance. Ask about their processes before a build goes live and how they handle bugs that occur after launch.
The best Bespoke Programming Northampton companies will answer your question and provide you a step by step guide on their handover process. They will tell you about their documentation, the training provided, and the support they offer after handover. If they provide a vague answer, it is usually a sign that they haven’t thought about post-launch support.
What Are the Payment Terms and What Happens If Things Change?
Usually during a project, something will change mid-scope, or requirements will shift and add up. Before you sign, understand how the developer handles these situations. Do they follow a formal change control process or a less rigid process?
Get a formal quote. In it, you should see a clear payment schedule and the deliverables should align with project milestones. Be cautious for payment terms that require full payment before any progress is made.
Final Thought
The best Bespoke Programming Northampton developers will answer all of these questions and more. If they push back for clarification on any of the processes mentioned, take that as a warning sign. The best developers understand that the scrutiny is necessary and that an extensive partnership begins with building trust.