Test Outsourcing Vs. Talent Sourcing.
Exploring the Benefits of Test Outsourcing vs. the Challenge of Sourcing Specialist Workday® Testing Resources.
Workday® has established itself as a leading provider of cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) and Financial Management solutions. However, implementation requires meticulous testing, to ensure that they meet the unique needs and standards of each organisation.
When it comes to Workday® testing, organisations face a critical decision: should they outsource their testing efforts or invest in sourcing and nurturing in-house specialist testing resources? In this blog, we’ll compare the benefits of test outsourcing with the challenge of sourcing and retaining specialised Workday® testing resources.
The Benefits of Test Outsourcing
Test outsourcing, or contracting third-party testing services, has become a popular choice for organisations looking to achieve efficient and high-quality testing in their Workday® deployments.
Here are the key benefits of test outsourcing:
1. Expertise and Specialisation
Test outsourcing firms are specialists in quality assurance and testing services. They bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and knowledge of testing methodologies and best practices. By partnering with such firms, organisations gain access to a pool of experts who are well-versed in Workday® testing.
2. Scalability
Workday® projects often require varying levels of testing resources at different stages. Test outsourcing providers offer flexibility and scalability, enabling organisations to adjust resources as needed. This ensures optimal resource allocation without overstaffing or understaffing.
3. Cost Efficiency
Managing an in-house testing team involves significant overhead costs, including salaries, benefits, training, and infrastructure. Test outsourcing can lead to cost savings, as organisations pay for the services rendered, reducing operational expenses.
4. Faster Implementation
Outsourcing testing services can accelerate the testing phase of Workday® projects. Test outsourcing providers are equipped to begin testing promptly, reducing project timelines and speeding up implementation.
5. Quality Assurance
Quality assurance is the top priority for test outsourcing firms. They conduct rigorous and comprehensive testing to identify and address defects, ensuring that the Workday® system is robust and reliable.
The Challenge of Sourcing and Retaining Specialist Workday® Testing Resources
While test outsourcing offers several advantages, organisations may face challenges when attempting to source and retain specialist Workday® testing resources in-house:
1. Recruitment Challenges
Finding individuals with specialised Workday® testing skills can be a daunting task. Sourcing such talent often requires extensive recruitment efforts, which can be time-consuming and costly.
2. Training and Development
Once specialists are recruited, organisations need to invest in their training and development to ensure that they stay current with Workday®’s ever-evolving functionalities. This ongoing investment can be resource-intensive.
3. Resource Stability
The turnover rate in the IT industry, including testing, is relatively high. Retaining specialised Workday® testing resources can be a challenge, and staff attrition can disrupt ongoing projects.
4. Infrastructure and Tools
In-house testing teams require infrastructure, tools, and software licenses, adding to the cost of maintaining testing capabilities. These resources need to be continually updated and upgraded to stay effective.
5. Resource Flexibility
While having in-house specialists provides control, it may not offer the same level of resource flexibility as test outsourcing. Organisations may struggle to adapt their team’s size to project demands.
Comparing the Benefits and Challenges
Now, let’s compare the benefits of test outsourcing with the challenges of sourcing and retaining specialist Workday® testing resources:
1. Expertise and Specialisation
- Test Outsourcing: Provides immediate access to specialised testing expertise with a deep understanding of Workday® functionality.
- Sourcing Specialist Resources: Requires time and effort to recruit individuals with the required skills and may necessitate further investment in training.
2. Scalability
- Test Outsourcing: Offers resource scalability and flexibility, allowing organisations to adapt to project requirements.
- Sourcing Specialist Resources: May not provide the same level of flexibility for adjusting resources as needed.
3. Cost Efficiency
- Test Outsourcing: Can lead to cost savings, as organisations pay for the services rendered, reducing overhead expenses.
- Sourcing Specialist Resources: Involves higher initial costs related to recruitment, training, and infrastructure.
4. Faster Implementation
- Test Outsourcing: Accelerates the testing phase, potentially leading to quicker project implementation.
- Sourcing Specialist Resources: May take time to build and onboard an in-house team, potentially extending project timelines.
5. Quality Assurance
- Test Outsourcing: Prioritises quality assurance, ensuring thorough and comprehensive testing.
- Sourcing Specialist Resources: Quality assurance depends on the training and expertise of the in-house team, which may require ongoing investment.
Conclusion
The decision to outsource testing or source and retain specialised Workday® testing resources in-house is influenced by several factors, including project scale, budget, resource flexibility, and long-term strategy.
While test outsourcing offers immediate access to expertise, scalability, and cost efficiency, sourcing and nurturing in-house specialists can provide organisations with a long-term investment and greater control. The choice ultimately depends on the organisation’s specific needs and priorities. Some organisations may even opt for a hybrid approach, combining test outsourcing and in-house capabilities to strike a balance between immediate access to expertise and long-term resource investment.
