Marcel Hazeleger
TenderApp Owner
Agile software development team for TenderApp
Since the beginning of our cooperation with Grid Dynamics, the effectiveness of our team has been exploding in a positive meaning. Now, from the Dutch side, we have a better understanding of how offshore cooperation looks like, how the processes are settled, and how Agile makes it all easier.
Grid Dynamics made it all possible because they collect hard-working developers who love their jobs, so we have people on our team who are willing to work and think of new solutions continuously. The communication goes easy because guys speak English fluently, otherwise, they wouldn’t be in our team. It was also very important for us to find people in Kyiv to ensure they can work as a team on a daily basis.
In my opinion, offshore cooperation isn’t only about cutting costs. It’s also about having good people on your project and making sure everybody is satisfied with their work, which is something hard to reach in the Netherlands.
Benefits of a dedicated team model
If we have new insights and see something is wrong or want to change the direction, we can do it easily and quickly. We don’t have to explain it, negotiate new prices, etc. If we decide to go “left” – we go “left”, it’s simple like that. I also like that our Grid Dynamics team is really dedicated to our project. They don’t have multiple projects in progress, so they don’t need to prioritize. It’s really valuable these days.
“I also like that our Grid Dynamics team is really dedicated to our project. They don’t have multiple projects in progress, so they don’t need to prioritize. It’s really valuable these days.”
Agile consulting
There were different periods throughout TenderApp cooperation with Grid Dynamics. Two or three months ago we were kind of losing connection with Grid Dynamics, so we talked about it and tightened up the meetings. Now we’re in line with Grid Dynamics. We have meetings every week or every two weeks. Together we go over the Agile stuff, discuss our processes and software updates, take some time to review the technologies we use, and decide whether they are still good or not. In short, I can receive guidance for the development process from Igor and it’s really important to have such a person when you’re not technical. We also have the goal to be the most Agile team at Grid Dynamics. Igor is the person who helps us in reaching this goal.
“In my opinion, offshore cooperation isn’t only about cutting costs. It’s also about having good people on your project and making sure everybody is satisfied with their work, which is something hard to reach in the Netherlands.”
Recruitment and account management
The recruitment process is simple: in most cases, I tell the team that we need additional resources, then I approach Tetiana, Grid Dynamics HR specialist, and tell her we can start looking for new candidates. The moment she finds someone, we schedule an interview with one of our team members.
When we’re having some organizational issues Tetiana is always ready to help. She acts as a “link” between my business and people on the remote team. So, for example, when there’s a need to negotiate salaries or settle any other team-related issues, Tetiana tells what the guys want and need, which helps us come to the best solution.
Value delivered
Driving the vision and execution for the new product, the engineering team delivered value in key areas including:
- Development of a new product from scratch.
- Implementation of new features.
- Optimization of product functionality and security.
- Migration to newer technologies.
- Stabilization of the product for a successful launch to the market.
Tips:
When working with remote software developers, it’s important to provide clarity of vision, enable creativity, and build an inclusive team culture across global boundaries. Useful approaches include:
- If you’re not technical, you should spend a lot of time on the preparation stage–invite technical people to talk about the idea and goal of your application.
- Create an environment where developers can be creative and make sure they have time to think about new solutions.
- Distinguish the cultural differences at early stages to successfully map out your management strategy.
- If you have a remote team and perceive them as a part of your local team, you can and need to call them on a daily basis to discuss various issues.
- If you’re a business owner and want your team to work with Agile you don’t need to dive deep into every detail, but you’ll have to understand the basics.
- Create a clear understanding of your role within the development team.
Read the full interview with Marcel Hazeleger.
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