While the offshore model of outsourcing has been traditionally less expensive for companies than nearshore or onshore models, rates are increasing across all models of outsourcing as it becomes a viable solution to meeting IT goals and digital transformation initiatives. Even with the rising rates, outsourcing continues to be a lower-cost alternative to in-house software development given the rising cost of highly specialized professionals for in-house positions.
Nearshore increasingly is becoming the preferred outsourcing model because it provides the best of both worlds – lower costs than traditional tech hubs like San Francisco or New York (50% less expensive), but closer proximity and easier collaboration than far-flung regions like India or Asia.
So what can companies looking to fill key IT positions via the nearshoring route expect to pay? A general digital transformation development sprint, conducted over three to four weeks, could range from $25,000 to $30,000. The development of a basic chatbot to be used to automate customer service functions could average $15,000.
These types of one-off projects are one model, but there also can be more long-term partnerships where IT teams are comprised of internal and nearshore experts who assimilate into a long-term partnership for extensive digital transformation initiatives.
According to recent research, hourly rates for nearshore services vary widely depending on the role, but for a lead developer in Latin America, a company can expect to spend anywhere from $56 to $105 per hour on average.
How Much Does Nearshore Outsourcing Really Cost?
Yet, while cost is important, companies that focus only on cost can do themselves a great injustice. Often, looking to cut corners, they can incur greater costs when projects are left incomplete or fail to meet end-user expectations.
And, when it comes to highly regulated industries, such as government and healthcare, privacy and compliance to industry regulations become critical and can incur hefty fines and loss of brand reputation when mistakes occur because of less than stellar partners.
The relationship between a nearshore firm and its client has changed drastically. The job no longer goes to the lowest bidder because companies are looking for a strategic partner with qualified team members willing to blend seamlessly into the internal team.
Given the changing relationship, below are key considerations that should factor into any decision about selecting a nearshore partner or figuring out how much to spend on nearshore outsourcing.
- Experience in your specific project
Whichever nearshore firm you choose should not only tout extensive technology expertise but experience in your specific project and industry. For example, a firm that has helped another insurance firm deploy predictive AI to address customer churn can apply lessons learned and best practices to help you reach the finish line faster with fewer glitches.
- Compatibility is paramount to success
While asking for the credentials, expertise, and certifications of each team member involved in your project is important, it’s equally important that they have the same work ethic, work style, and corporate culture as your own.
- Seamless integration with an existing team
Often, outsourcing options are explored only after digital transformation projects have been initiated internally and found to be lacking the required resources. It’s important to understand how quickly each new team member can ramp up and blend seamlessly into your existing team with minimal disruption.
- Quality digital transformation projects from design through development
Your nearshore partner should be able to provide you with the full lifecycle of services – from designing a solution that will meet real needs to development and deployment of the solution. Switching from different firms to provide each stage can not only lengthen the duration of the project because of technical transfer, but it also creates disconnected projects that can cost much more than if accomplished by one firm.
Outsourcing and nearshoring projects is becoming the fastest route to success for today’s businesses given the great worker resignation and the tech talent shortage. With careful planning, the lines between remote and internal staff and outsourced partners will blur and simply become a unified team working toward a common destination – successful business outcomes. Request a FREE e-book on Third Wave Outsourcing and see how global top talents can ensure success in your nearshore outsourcing experiences.
