How to Reduce Software Development Costs

Ask any developer and they’ll let you know loud and clear: Effective software development is anything but a walk in the park.

 

Between reworks, communication breakdowns, and significant gaps between vision and output, working on any software product can quickly become an astronomically expensive and complicated affair. Some companies may choose to either DIY the process or trust the work of low-cost outsourcers who may not necessarily be the best fit for what your needs and vision.

While cutting costs on software development this way will certainly leave a lot more in your wallet, the maintenance, mistakes, and full reworks you might be faced with will quickly have you spending even more than what an expert development team would have quoted you.

So, how can you make sure you can effectively reduce software development costs without sacrificing the quality of the final product?

Here is our pick of the most efficient ways to reduce software development costs and ensure a high-quality product and a smooth development process throughout!

 

 

1. Plan ahead

Planning each step of the development process thoroughly and well in advance will guarantee your developers are using their time efficiently, with a clear timeline and tasks to complete set before them.

With the help of your in-house team, consultant, or outsourcers, figure out exactly what features are essential to your product, how much time it’s going to take to develop them, and what budget you can estimate for the whole process.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s always best to keep your cost estimate on the higher end of the spectrum so as to avoid last-minute surprises and budget properly!

2. Pick your team wisely

You can choose to develop your new product in-house or enlist the help of an outsourced team. Making the right choice between the two is not only essential to guarantee a great final product but also essential for keeping costs in check.

If you decide to go with an outsourced team of developers operating in another country, you’ll likely be able to cut down development costs, though you have to be very mindful of their teamwork skills and expertise level.

A cheaper software development process doesn’t necessarily mean poorer quality, but you should always make sure to screen your chosen developer on their methodology, timelines, and portfolio.

If you’re not software-savvy to begin with, you can easily work alongside a software expert to figure out what development process will suit your needs best!

3. Avoid expensive reworks

Following the importance of planning ahead, companies should also be aware of the cost of extensive reworks which can not only add up to your final bill but also waste you and your team a whole lot of precious time.
You should always make sure to have mockups of the product before designing using tools like Figma, so you can spot what you’re not satisfied with beforehand and avoid any ambiguity along the way. It’s also recommended to create an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) before releasing the final version of the product, using the precious feedback from real-life users to redo your wireframes and optimize your software without reworking it from the inside out.

You can also use these mockups to carry out market testing, research, and customer feedback, saving you even more time and money in the long run!

4. Trust your team

It’s always best to trust your chosen team when it comes to the technology and methodology they want to employ.
While you can definitely suggest the technology and work methodologies you prefer, keep in mind that teams will have to spend quite a lot of time learning and adjusting to them, reducing efficiency, extending your desired timeline and, in turn, costing you more money!

Of course, Agile is always the software development work structure preferred for great communication and outstanding results, but it might not be in your best interest to be too strict about it.

Trust the team you have chosen to make the process as cost-efficient as it can be, and when in doubt, reach out to an independent consultant for their take.
 

5. Test your product

You should never let your product be released on the market if there are bugs found, so you should always make sure to test it thoroughly.

Testing is going to require a little upfront investment, but it will be worth it in the long run to avoid even more expensive reworks. You can also choose to automate the testing process, with the best time to begin automated testing being right after the first version of the MVP is completed.