QA testing is your best shield to prevent downtime and poor UX. In fact, the #1 reason behind software bugs today is untested code – accounting for 62% of errors.
It’s clear you require robust testing to elevate product caliber and customer satisfaction. Yet, few companies have the in-house resources required to properly undertake testing.
That’s where QA nearshore testing can lend a helping hand. Nearshore quality assurance puts remote experts in your time zone in charge of your efforts.
Choosing nearshore software testing empowers your business by boosting quality, while also cutting costs and opening doors to more innovative approaches. Here we’ll take a deep dive into benefits, best practices, case studies and more.
Content Overview
What Is Nearshore Software Testing?
Nearshore software testing is a specialized QA service provided by third-party experts located in your time zone. For U.S. companies, this typically involves leaning on Latin American providers.
Like software development, nearshore quality assurance is in high demand. The fast-moving digital product market means that businesses are facing a lack of in-house time, expertise and tools for testing.
That’s why 45% of companies are already partnering with third-party testers. Overall, nearshore software testing specialists bring flexibility, affordability and innovation to the table. With them, you can reduce errors and downtime, as well as elevate UX.
Nearshore testing services are designed to be business-friendly. In fact, companies turn to nearshore quality assurance to not just find bugs, but speed up time-to-market (27.9%), create efficiencies (21.9%) and set up automation (24.2%).
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of nearshore software testing.
1. Cost Efficiency
Nearshore software testing can save you up to 25% in costs, due to more affordable rates and greater scalability. At the same time, expert nearshore quality assurance can improve ROI through automation, as reported by 24% of companies.
In comparison, setting up your own in-house testing group or choosing onshore providers can be a big and ultimately expensive undertaking.
2. Skilled Talent Access
QA nearshore testing connects you to skilled experts who are otherwise difficult to access. In particular, LatAm has a rich pool of QA professionals in a range of testing areas.
Having these specialists on hand will allow you to leverage industry-best methods, tools and trends. They can also handle the full testing cycle, including design, data management, analysis and more.
This is vital to companies who cite lack of time (48%), expertise (34%) and tools (24%) as their main obstacles to testing.
3. Innovative Testing Areas, Including Automation
Dedicated nearshore testing services also enable innovative and diverse testing. New trends such as test automation, exploratory testing, QAOps testing, IoT testing, accessibility testing and more are key to exploring efficiency and quality opportunities.
Specifically, automating testing and continuous testing are top of mind, with 77% and 72% of businesses citing them as priorities.
4. Quicker Time-to-Market
Nearshore quality assurance also focuses your resource allocation. While you concentrate on your core business, nearshore experts will handle your full testing needs. Nearshore partners are primed to ramp up testing, with methods and tools already in place. Overall, this division of duties allows for a speedier time-to-market.
5. Unbiased Evaluation
Getting reliable software testing results is fundamental to decision-making. Hiring an outside expert can enhance testing accuracy. The process and feedback will be managed independently, so that internal assumptions and project knowledge doesn’t condition the tests.
6. Time Zone Alignment
Nearshore quality assurance is performed within “close by” locations. Overlapping time zones are ideal for achieving seamless collaboration during testing phases. Unlike regular outsourcing, nearshoring supports ongoing real-time communication that’s so essential during testing.
7. Cultural Compatibility
Nearshore teams have the advantage of close cultural proximity. In particular, LatAm is known for its deep understanding of U.S. workplace practices, company culture and business priorities. Add in top English skills and nearshore developers are well-equipped to facilitate seamless communication.
8. Risk Reduction
Lastly, hiring nearshore testing services reduces the risks of building new products. After all, 95% of new products fail. Trusting in dedicated experts can put you at ease and boost positive outcomes, such as efficiencies, innovation and more.
Best Practices for Effective Nearshore Testing
As you get started with a nearshore quality assurance provider, check that they’re using the latest practices in software testing. Some strategies to set up successful nearshore software testing include:
- Define clear KPIs and QA processes.
- Use collaborative tools to maximize efforts.
- Check security and data protocols upfront.
- Establish regular communication and reports.
- Leverage performance metrics on an ongoing basis.
Establishing these key areas in advance will align you and your provider, and optimize testing results.
Case Studies of Nearshore Testing Services
Nearshore quality assurance has a strong track record of success. Before you sign a contract, check out past testing projects from your preferred provider. Here are two success cases that demonstrate the potential of QA nearshore testing.
Avianca
The Colombia-based GREENSQA testing partner worked with the airline Avianca to set up a robust mobile test engine. They leveraged automation testing technology via Visual Studio App Center to create 88+ reliable testing streams across diverse mobile devices and operating systems.
Shutterfly
The LatAm-born testing group Abstracta partnered with Shutterfly to set up a reliable continuous performance testing suite. Together they optimized performance tests and test scripts that helped Shutterfly achieve a top customer experience. Key outcomes included improved performance, reliability, insights and efficiency.
Choosing the Right Nearshore Partner
Nearshore software testing has a plethora of advantages for businesses today. Even so, it’s crucial to have the right testing provider on your team. During your partner selection process:
- Evaluate niche expertise, including industry know-how and documentation. Most companies will have a portfolio or case studies listed on their website.
- Verify communication skills through initial interactions. You may even request a “test meeting” with the technical team.
- Get honest feedback from previous clients. In addition to client testimonials online, reach out to the real people behind them.
- Scope out a rigorous SLA. The more detailed your agreement, the better your chances for a successful partnership.
- Ensure transparent reporting. Set up a reporting schedule in your agreement to keep tabs on how testing is going.
Ramp Up Your QA Process With TELCA Talent
Nearshore testing partners are at the cutting edge of industry-best QA. You can reap the benefits of nearshore quality assurance by doing due diligence with the best practices and partner selection criteria we’ve outlined above.
We’re here for you as you search for top nearshore testers. At TECLA, we have a wealth of QA engineers ready to ramp up your testing needs. Our elite testing talent has a sterling reputation for top standards, rapid bug resolution time and results-driven insights. Discuss your needs with our nearshore hiring specialists today!