Sometimes you hit a point where your project needs a skill boost. Maybe your team is swamped, or you need a niche skill for a new tech project. You don’t have to rush into hiring new full-timers or outsourcing the whole thing. Instead, you can work with augmented staff. This means getting the right pros to join your team just for the time you need them. In this blog post, we will review the benefits of IT staff augmentation and the best practices you could turn to.

What Is IT Staff Augmentation?

Imagine you’re in the middle of a big IT project and realize you need someone with expert knowledge that your current team lacks. Instead of hiring someone full-time or outsourcing the task, you use software development team augmentation. These specialists work as part of your team, just like any other employee, but only for the project's duration. They help out with the specific tasks and then say goodbye once the mission is accomplished. You’d use this when you need to fill a skill gap quickly without the hassle and costs of hiring someone permanently.

Benefits of Staff Augmentation

Now, what are the specific IT staff augmentation benefits? Here are several factors that distinguish this practice as opposed to permanent hiring or classic outsourcing.

• Instant Access to Required Skills

The primary benefit is that you get the required expertise fast. You find an augmentation firm, tell them what you need, and your expert is ready to start. This keeps your project on schedule.

• Cost Efficiency

Hiring someone full-time means you're looking at a salary, benefits, maybe relocation costs, and it all adds up. With augmented staff, you pay for the work they do, nothing extra.

• Flexibility

Even if your project is now following a clear plan, its needs can change, right? And this is what makes staff augmentation beneficial as opposed to classic outsourcing. Augmented staff can adapt quickly. They work as a part of your team, so it’s not difficult for them to keep up with the rest.

With outsourcing, things are more complicated. Every change in the plan requires negotiation and may even cause conflicts.

• Integration with Existing Teams

This benefit is closely interrelated with what we said above. Augmented staff join your team, work with your systems, and follow your project rules. They fit into your team’s workflow and bring fresh eyes and new skills. Besides flexibility, this also means that your permanent staff obtains a unique learning opportunity.

• Lower risks

Missing skills can delay or derail projects. With augmentation, you minimize those risks. You plug the skill gaps quickly so things keep moving smoothly. Most importantly, the results will meet your expectations because the augmented staff works under your guidance. Neither classic outsourcing, nor hiring full-time employees can guarantee this.

Tips for Choosing an IT Staff Augmentation Provider

Now that you know the benefits IT staff augmentation brings to the table, it’s time to review the basics of choosing a reliable service provider.

Understand Your Needs Clearly

Before all else, have a crystal-clear understanding of your project requirements. For example, if your project requires advanced knowledge in cybersecurity, you'll want a provider with a strong track record in that domain. Evaluate your

• project's scope,
• the technologies involved,
• and the level of expertise needed. 

This will help you communicate your requirements and enable the provider to match you with the right talent.

Research Providers Thoroughly

Don't rush the selection process. Take the time to research potential providers. Look for reviews, case studies, and testimonials.

Check out any awards or recognitions they have received. Investigate their history of client satisfaction and the types of clients they typically work with. A provider experienced in working with companies similar to yours in size will likely have a better understanding of your needs.

Evaluate Their Talent Pool

Next, you want to ensure that the provider has access to a wide range of skilled professionals. Ask about

• their recruiting process in general,
• how they vet their candidates,
• and the qualifications they require of their staff.

If possible, request to see resumes or profiles of potential candidates.

Assess Communication and Support

The provider should be responsive, transparent, and proactive. Assess how they handle your inquiries during the selection process as a preview of what to expect during the project.

Plus, consider the level of support they offer. Do they provide dedicated account managers? How do they handle issues or conflicts? You want an agency that offers strong support and clear communication channels.

Final Thoughts

As you see, team augmentation benefits are substantial when you need specific skills temporarily. This practice is flexible, cost-effective, and lets you tap into top talent fast. You maintain control over your project, with the freedom to scale up or down as needed. For anyone juggling big projects with shifting tech needs, it’s a strategy worth considering.

FAQs

How do we align augmented staff with our security policies?

Incorporate security training into their onboarding process. Ensure they sign confidentiality agreements and understand the importance of data protection. 

Can augmented staff transition to full-time roles?

They can transition to full-time roles based on the terms set with the provider. If the potential for permanent employment is part of the plan, clarify this pathway in the initial contract.

How to manage time zone differences with augmented staff?

Schedule overlapping work hours for real-time collaboration and use asynchronous communication tools for updates outside these hours.