Today, technology has entered almost every field of living. Whether it’s personal or professional, we all need technology now and then. Especially talking about businesses and industries. Whether it is a small business or a large business, every company has some kind of technology involved both in the field and in the office.
Have you ever thought about how large organizations manage everything from project management to execution? The answer lies in technology again. They use software that connects them in a network, where every individual gets the required information and data regarding the project or activities. Where some companies use already available and standard software, most companies prefer to develop their own that will cater to their special needs. KitelyTech is a software development company that does the same. It develops state-of-the-art software for its clients and customizes it according to their requirements.
Now, what do you think businesses do when they have a project that is outside their scope of expertise? Well, they get outside help. They’ll hire a software consultant whose primary job is to provide expert consultation on a project. So, if you have a project that is out of the scope of an in-house expert team, hire a software consultant.
Here is what you have to keep in mind when choosing a software consultant for your firm:
Table of Contents
1. Knowledge and experience
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The first and foremost thing to consider when choosing a software consultant is the level of his knowledge. Because the level is not a defined area, you need to be meticulous in this regard. You can ask him different questions in the interview to judge the scope of his knowledge. For instance, he should have a thorough understanding of the technology, how it works, and its proper use. Above all, he should have a deep knowledge of the industry, competitors, and how things work.
Similarly, experience also matters when choosing a software consultant. A fresher might not be as competent in certain situations as an expert. So, you need to get a perfect blend of both knowledge and experience.
2. Portfolio
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Believe it or not, a person’s portfolio can tell a lot about his expertise. The portfolio includes work samples from previous works and may also contain references. By looking at previous work, you can learn a lot about his/her strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, it also tells about the projects that they have carried out that match to yours in terms of sophistication and complexity.
Likewise, you can also check for the list of references. The references of previous work will tell you a lot about the expertise, success rate, and experience of the candidate. For background checks, you can also call a few references to get an idea of the candidate. The more the happy clients, the more are your chances of choosing him.
3. Accreditations or certifications
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Credentials and certificates not only tell about the expertise of a person, but they are also an indication of the commitment he has towards learning and growing. Having certificates is written proof of a person’s expertise in the field. However, while checking these certificates, make sure that they are in-line with your project requirement. For instance, if a person has certifications in an exclusive area, it means his knowledge in that particular area exceeds the others. So, you might not get a full range of scope in this matter.
4. The capability of project management
A software consultant may or may not act as a project manager or may not be involved in management, but it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be capable of doing so. Even if he is a consultant, he should possess management qualities. This doesn’t only include planning and controlling, but he should also be able to monitor the project at different steps. He should understand the whole process and protocols clearly. Furthermore, he should also have a deep understanding of budgets and should be able to stay within the defined scope of the project.
5. Communication skills
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Effective communication is the main driving factor behind any project’s success. The proper and timely transfer of information and data to the relevant people can save both cost and time. Because the consultant you choose will have to deal with the project’s technical side, he should be able to communicate the advantages or disadvantages of activity with regard to the software and your business effectively. Since many stakeholders involved in the process may not have the relevant knowledge of the software, it is his/her responsibility to make sure everyone understands the terms.
6. Innovates Technology
Competitive advantage is what businesses crave to become successful. And developing innovative end-products doesn’t always give a business an edge over its competitors. Sometimes, using a creative process or technology also doesn’t do the job. Therefore, when choosing a software consultant, keep in mind that he/she should be able to think out of the box. He/she should be able to come up with innovative solutions for your business problems with the help of technology.
7. Understands your vision
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Since a software consultant can make or break the business, you need to choose someone you are on the same page as you. Choose someone who listens to you and then delivers the right thing in response. Remember that he is going to help you in creating and implementing technology that will take your business to new heights. Therefore, it is essential he gets your vision, understands the problem areas, and interprets your needs into exact requirements. So, in short, choose a software consultant that makes your business instead of breaking it.
