Software Development Centers (SDCs): A Viable Option for Reshoring IT Operations

Reshoring is the process of bringing back manufacturing and production operations to a company’s original country or a nearby region. It is also known as onshoring, inshoring, or backshoring.

There are several factors that are motivating a trend towards reshoring. These include economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, advances in technology, and the increasing importance of data security. Companies are recognizing the benefits of reshoring, which include better control over IT operations and faster response times to changes in the market.

When it comes to IT, reshoring offers several advantages over offshoring. For instance, it provides better protection for intellectual property, closer proximity to key markets, and improved alignment with corporate strategies.

However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as potentially higher operational and labor costs.

Still, reshoring shows a shift in global IT strategies to balance cost, risk, and alignment in a changing business landscape.

The IT outsourcing market is expected to grow to $512.50 billion by 2024. Meanwhile, a global talent pool shortage could result in $8.4 trillion in lost revenue by 2030.

In this context, Software Development Centers (SDCs), including nearshore models, are becoming increasingly important for IT operations. They help boost the efficiency, control, quality, and innovation of the parent company, which helps them address challenges.

When organizations centralize their software development and IT services nearshore, they can enjoy the strategic advantages of SDCs, such as:

• being located nearer to their markets,
• having cultural alignment with their customers,
• and accessing skilled labor at a competitive cost,
• not to mention working in the same time zone!

1. Location and infrastructure: A business’s success is dictated by selecting a location with the right infrastructure and cultural fit. This significantly facilitates operations and local integration.
2. Centralized development and quality assurance: Software Development Centers centralize processes and maintain quality with strong assurance practices.
3. Skilled teams and innovation culture: These centers recruit professionals with diverse expertise and support an environment that encourages innovation and the adoption of new technologies.
4. Collaborative environment and risk management: They also promote teamwork and develop risk management strategies that are essential for increasing productivity and resilience to disruptions.

Establishing a Software Development Center requires a systematic and thoughtful approach. Here are the best practices for navigating the process. Take cues from the practice of setting up nearshoring centers in locations known for their rich talent pools and infrastructural advantages.

First, assess the need for an SDC. Do you even need it? Think of your company’s specific requirements and potential benefits, such as improved efficiency, reduced labor cost, or access to specialized skills. Also, evaluate the practicality of this move, as it will require investing a large portion of your resources.

Choosing where to set up your SDC is crucial. Consider factors like:

• Cost: Analyze operational expenses, including salaries and office space costs.
• Talent availability: Look into the local job market for software developers with the technical skills you need.
• Legal environment: Understand the local business regulations, intellectual property rights, and data protection laws.
• Infrastructure: Check the quality of both physical and digital infrastructure, such as transportation links and internet connectivity.

It’s important to attract and keep the right staff. You can do it by offering competitive benefits, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work environment. Consider whether local professionals meet your needs or if you’ll need to look into remote recruitment options.

Ensure you have the necessary physical space and IT setup. This includes finding office spaces that fit your requirements. You will also need access to the technological tools and platforms required for your operations and development services.

Stay in line with local laws and regulations, protecting intellectual property, and complying with data protection standards. A good understanding of the local legal landscape is crucial. You will want to avoid complications during the development process.

Finally, the SDC needs to be integrated into the company’s global IT strategy and contribute to achieving broader business objectives. This means alignment on project scopes, operational models, and the strategic positioning of the SDC within the company’s overall ecosystem.

Setting up Software Development Centers successfully on a global scale means navigating a few common hurdles, like cultural differences, or varied management practices. Address these areas effectively and enjoy a productive global operation. It’s good advice to view diversity as a strength rather than a challenge.

Cultural differences: When working with team members from other countries, cultural misunderstandings can happen, leading to miscommunication. The key is to promote a culture of inclusivity and respect. Building a team’s cultural intelligence and empathy makes collaboration on a software development project smoother and more productive.

Management practices: Differences in hiring, training, and performance evaluation practices can exist across various cultures. Adapt management practices that align with both the local culture and the company’s objectives and values. This requires an understanding of how different cultures communicate, make decisions, and handle conflicts.

Ensuring quality: Management practices that don’t take cultural differences into account can sometimes compromise the quality of work. Therefore, it is important to align strategies and processes with local cultures while keeping corporate objectives in mind. Encourage your project manager to bring diverse perspectives and practices into the company culture.

To succeed with Software Development Centers, it is important to understand that they are more cost-effective than traditional offshore development center (ODC) models. SDCs help reduce hidden costs often associated with offshore teams. These could be linked to coordination and quality control issues.

SDCs offer a significant advantage when it comes to controlling intellectual property and data. By integrating the offshore software development team more closely into the company’s operations, they can provide a secure environment for safeguarding sensitive data and proprietary technologies.

SDCs also encourage better collaboration and innovation as they become an integral part of your company. This closeness fosters a culture of innovation, leading to agile development processes and quicker iteration cycles.

Finally, setting up an SDC can positively impact the local economy and job market. Investing in local talent not only supports your corporate social responsibility goals but also builds a loyal workforce and community around your operations.

The future of Software Development Centers is all about keeping up with change. Emerging technologies are transforming the way we conduct business, urging us to adopt eco-friendly practices and highlighting the need for skilled individuals who are proficient in handling modern tools such as low-code platforms.

This is a daunting task, especially when relocating IT operations. This is where Scalo comes in. We are committed to helping your business not only keep up with these changes but also stay ahead of the curve and streamline the entire process.

We’re not just about assembling dedicated development teams; we also make sure they are perfectly in tune with your project goals. From planning to execution, we oversee their work to deliver your project on time and without errors.

Interested in investing in SDCs for a strategic advantage? Contact Scalo for guidance and support. Let’s navigate the future together.