How global sourcing helped Auditdata A/S improve capability, flexibility and capacity of R&D.

In 2004, Auditdata set up their own Development and Test group in Ukraine in close cooperation with KRING Technologies.

Strategically, this has proven to be a very wise decision, and the increase in resources has led to an improvement in the quality of Auditdata’s products and services.

Many Danish businesses today face the challenge of recruiting onshore development resources. By engaging and learning to operate with an offshore development and test team, Auditdata has become much more flexible in terms of software project planning, whilst also becoming better equipped to keep up with the fast-moving world of software development.

“Today, offshoring is an essential part of the Auditdata strategy. This makes it possible for us to create the right solutions for our customers within schedule, budget and quality. Therefore, easy access to flexible resources is a must for us. The outsourcing initiative has become such a success that part of our second product is now also being developed by offshore developers and QA.”
- Christian V. Holmelund, Project Director at Auditdata.

The flexibility of having access to more resources means that Auditdata can now minimize the risk of not being able to deliver on time by adding extra resources in the beginning of the project, and then releasing them later on when there is certainty that the deadline can be kept.

One of the dominating factors for companies to turn to offshoring is the difficulty of finding onshore resources with the appropriate technical skills. Auditdata was unable to recruit developers and testers in Denmark with the required level of knowledge and experience of their particular software platforms. KRING Technologies was called upon and assisted Auditdata throughout the offshoring process, right from recruitment to integration of the virtual team into the business. KRING’s expertise and experience ensured that only candidates that fulfilled the company’s exact needs were employed. The entire Danish development team was replaced, and in less than a year the Ukrainian team had achieved the desired level of quality

“Thanks to strong determination and dedication, we managed to establish a highly qualified team in Ukraine. The fact that the new team was also better qualified than its predecessors helped improve our capability maturity even further.”
- Steen R Schledermann, QA Manager and Offshore project facilitator at Auditdata.

KRING Technologies has several years of experience working with companies of all sizes, and takes pride in being able to offer tailor-made and integrated solutions that cater for every need of the business in connection with offshoring.

“We realise the importance of close cooperation with our customers throughout the offshoring process, and dedicate ourselves to fulfilling every need and requirement. The decision to engage an offshore team is a big step for any business, and it is crucial to have consultants to turn to, both in terms of matters onshore and offshore. We are proud of being part of Auditdata’s offshoring initiative, and the success it has led to.”
- Michael Munck, CEO, KRING Technologies A/S.

The importance of communication

As well as finding candidates who possess the right qualifications in terms of software development, it has also been of great importance to Auditdata to find people with good communication skills. The team’s good English skills help minimize potential language barriers, and ensure smooth communication between the team in Ukraine and management in Denmark. Furthermore, by following a set daily and weekly communication structure between Ukraine and Denmark, the management can ensure that the correct procedures are being followed.

Direct contact between locations

Throughout the offshoring process, it has been essential to establish and maintain good relations between the Ukrainian team and management in Denmark. Therefore, Auditdata has made a strong point of prioritizing direct contact between the two locations. Danish Auditdata representatives have visited the team in Ukraine, just like more than half of the offshore team has already visited the Auditdata headquarters in Denmark. KRING has assisted in the organization of these visits and in setting up activities, such as meetings and social events that help both onshore and offshore staff identify business and personal values. Focus has been put on becoming acquainted with potential cultural differences, thereby minimizing risks that may otherwise arise from these.

Also, as well as establishing good relations internally within Auditdata, the development team has been on visits to customers. That way ensuring that the team is kept up to date with customer needs, as well as the customers becoming acquainted with the team.

Guidance every step of the way

When setting out on an offshore venture, most companies face the same obstacles, namely the difficulty of establishing a proper infrastructure offshore, and the potential problems of language and cultural barriers between on– and offshore employees. KRING Technologies assists throughout the process, and provides a consultant who has the expertise and experience to take responsibility for every detail, right from travel planning to managing the team. By taking advantage of KRING’s global-source offshore model, businesses, such as Auditdata, will feel the benefits in terms of a smoother transition phase.

KRING Technologies is proud to be part of the Auditdata success in meeting business critical goals.

The high and increasing expectations to the capability of the Auditdata Solutions Development attests to a mutually beneficial partnership that builds on the understanding and flexibility a modern business requires to succeed.

“Today KRING Technologies is reaching out to our ambition of becoming the ‘pound-to-pound’ best and most efficient offshore software provider around. Our commitment to our client is to work on individual, integrated sourcing solutions, while continuously enhancing our - and our clients’ -operational efficiency and quality in all aspects of the development and delivery process.
- Mikael Munck CEO KRING Technologies.

About Auditdata A/S:

Auditdata develops and supports office management software for audiologists and hearing instrument dispensers. Our solutions offer hearing care professionals the most complete and user-friendly applications available for handling all aspects of their daily work. Auditdata backs its software with comprehensive training and person-to-person telephone support.