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Built In: 10 Questions to Ask Your Software Vendor — Even If You Don’t Speak Code

By Cory Hymel, VP of Research

Need to work with a software development vendor to create a new app or tool? If you aren’t an expert in coding — or if it’s been a hot minute since you debugged your last syntax error — that can feel a little intimidating. 

You need to be sure you’re getting efficient, high-quality, scalable and maintainable code. But how can you know if your software development is on point when actual code talk looks, and sounds, like Zapf Dingbats? How can you vet them?

Trusting the fate of your software projects to the hands of others doesn’t have to be an exercise in blind faith.

It turns out there are some simple questions you can ask that can give you some pretty spot-on insights into how your vendor develops, tests and maintains code. And you won’t need a degree in computer science to figure out whether they can deliver the goods.

Read on Built In: 10 Questions to Ask Your Software Vendor — Even If You Don’t Speak Code

10 Questions to Ask Any Software Vendor 

Whether you’re a seasoned tech whisperer or someone who thinks Java is just a great place for coffee, these 10 questions are your compass, guiding you to make informed decisions that ensure your venture into software development lands on solid ground.

For each one, we’ll share the question to ask, give you some red flags to watch out for, identify an “OK” answer and then share the answer you really want to hear. 

Ready? Let’s go.

1. Can you explain your process behind writing custom code versus using existing solutions?

This question digs into the vendor’s ability to balance innovation with practicality. Custom coding should be reserved for when it truly adds value or addresses specific requirements not met by existing solutions.

Bad answers:

OK answer:

Good answer:

2. What are your processes for code reviews and quality assurance?

The answer to this question identifies whether the vendor prioritizes maintaining high-quality, efficient and maintainable code.

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OK answer:

Good answer:

3. How do you ensure the code you develop is reusable for my future projects?

Reusable code promotes efficiency and cost-effectiveness in future development efforts. Their answer here will give you insight into how they think about clients long term.

Bad answer:

OK answer:

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4. How do you ensure the solutions you develop are scalable and maintainable?

Scalability and maintainability are critical for the long-term success and adaptability of any project.

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5. Can you tell me about a time when you had to do custom development and how you ensured it was cost-effective?

The vendor’s answer to this question will highlight their capacity to make strategic decisions that align with both technical needs and budget constraints.

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6. What specific libraries, frameworks or third-party services do you commonly integrate into projects?

The vendor’s response will reveal their knowledge of and willingness to use existing resources for efficiency and innovation.

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Good answer:

7. How do you keep up with the latest development trends and technologies?

Staying up-to-date is crucial to take advantage of the latest advancements that will benefit your project.

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8. How do you estimate project costs? Can you walk me through an example project, including how many hours you spent on custom coding?

This question provides insight into the vendor’s transparency and the value you’re getting, particularly regarding custom work. It basically ensures you aren’t getting fleeced.

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9. Can you give me an example of a time when you optimized a project’s development time and budget?

This provides evidence of the vendor’s ability to deliver efficiently and cost-effectively and can demonstrate their expertise and approach to problem-solving.

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10. How do you decide when to integrate existing solutions instead of custom development?

This question assesses the vendor’s priority for cost and time efficiency, as well as their expertise in finding the best existing solutions that can be tailored to fit your project’s needs.

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OK answer:

Good answer:

Have More Questions? Ask!

The important takeaway here is: Don’t shy away from asking questions.

Questions are absolutely the way to a successful project outcome, ensuring a development process that’s efficient, cost-effective and aligned with your business goals. 

Media Contact
BOCA Communications
crowdbotics@bocacommunications.com

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