Comparing medical imaging software development: in-house vs. outsourcing
By: Anna Choma
At Graylight Imaging, we specialize in the development of medical imaging software. In this article we will explore, according to our knowledge, the advantages and disadvantages of in-house development versus outsourcing, with a focus on “medical imaging software development
In order to expand, today’s businesses need to make important decisions regarding their operational and strategic agility and technology plays a big part in ensuring they can act competitively. One of these decisions may be choosing whether to start software development in-house or look for an outsourcing partner. [1]
We have compiled for you a comparison of both ways in terms of such areas as organizational culture, talent pool, confidentiality, communication, risk control and projects’ price.
Organisational culture
In house development
Communication styles can heavily affect how our relationships function and how cooperation develops. Considering company values while developing projects allows maintaining employees engagement which has a positive contribution to company financial effectiveness.
Outsourcing
Developing projects with the outsourcing partner might bring a risk of cultural changes. However choosing partners whose culture, as well as work ethics, are very similar to yours allows you to experience far less, if any, uncomfortable situations and misunderstandings.
Talent pool
In house development
The decision to develop the product in-house is usually proceeded by looking for specialists, preferably ones who not only feel comfortable in programming, but also are on top of their fields. However, hiring specialists for the in-house team often isn’t cheap or quick, especially when you need a myriad of different skills in your project.
Outsourcing
Bearing in mind the increasing IT talent shortage and constantly growing IT recruitment and employment costs, outsourcing allows you to simultaneously decrease expenses, save time and bring years of experience to the project right away.
Confidentiality
In house development
There is some information that should never leave the proverbial four walls of the company. The disclosure of sensitive information can lead to a loss not only financial stability but also partner trust and loyalty.
Outsourcing
When selecting an IT partner for software development, especially in the sensitive arena of medical software, it becomes imperative to ensure the highest level of confidentiality and protection for your organization’s invaluable information. This assurance is achieved through the meticulous implementation of a well-constructed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which serves as an unyielding safeguard for your business information.
Communication
In house development
In the domain of medical software, in-house development offers the advantage of having long-serving employees who possess a deep understanding of your business strategy and the specific requirements of the medical field. Moreover, the close proximity of vision and development within the same office ensures swift responses in case of any medical software-related issues. This proximity also guarantees that the development process is consistently aligned with the unique needs of medical software solutions.
Outsourcing
In medical software development, outsourcing may involve a separation of vision and development, potentially limiting the ability to think innovatively. However, when establishing a partnership with an outsourcing provider, meticulous planning of releases, milestones, and phases is crucial to meet the stringent requirements of medical software. Development teams rely on various metrics, including velocity and capacity, to efficiently track and plan the progress of medical software projects. Additionally, the use of historical data analysis ensures precise planning that aligns with the specific demands of the medical software industry.
Control
In house development
In the realm of medical software development, having an in-house team offers the unique advantage of maintaining regular oversight and control over the product’s alignment with your specific medical needs. This level of control extends to the choice of technology and methodology, eliminating the necessity to search for an external partner who may not fully meet your medical software requirements.
Outsourcing
In the medical software sector, control is crucial, and it’s achieved through well-defined contracts in IT outsourcing, specifically with an ISO 13485 software provider. These contracts provide a sense of control for both parties involved. Moreover, these meticulously constructed contracts serve as a robust means of minimizing risks throughout the various stages of the outsourcing lifecycle, including project implementation, monitoring, and closure, or even when transitioning to another supplier in the field of medical software development.
Project’s Price
In house development
Creating medical software in-house can be compared to constructing a custom-designed facility. Just like building a medical center, unforeseen challenges may surface, potentially leading to unexpected costs or project delays. Medical software development, in particular, can present surprises, making it essential to be prepared for possible cost overruns or delays in completion.
Outsourcing
When entrusting your medical software project to an outsourcing partner, you can share the price risk with them. By selecting the right type of contract, such as a fixed-price agreement, maintaining open and frequent communication, and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the project, you can mitigate concerns and ensure that the project remains within the budget. This approach provides a sense of financial security in the medical software development process.
Keys to success in medical software development
When it comes to developing medical software, the decision of whether to do it in-house or outsource is a big deal. It’s like choosing the right tool for the job, and it depends on factors such as how important confidentiality is, how well you can communicate, and your budget.
In the world of medical software, keeping things confidential is a must, and having clear communication and control over your project is super important, no matter which way you go. In the end, the success of your medical software project comes down to your specific needs and how much you can spend.
Whether you go with an in-house team or decide to outsource, remember that working together and being committed to quality and keeping things hush-hush are the keys to success. We hope this article has given you some helpful insights as you journey into creating awesome and secure medical software solutions.
If you have any questions about creating medical software for your company’s needs, don’t hesitate to contact our experts in this field. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
References:
[1] https://www.startechup.com/blog/outsourcing-of-software-development/
