When should you hire a team of developers?

Software applications often contain parts that depend on each other. A new customer portal may require screens for users, backend functionality for processing information and APIs that connect the portal to existing systems.

With a development team, these components can be divided across the required technical roles. This makes it possible to work on several related elements within the same period instead of handling every part consecutively.

The composition depends on the application being built. Some projects require more backend expertise, while others contain substantial frontend or mobile development. QA can also be included where testing forms an important part of the work.

The client provides the required functionality, specifications and relevant information about the software. The developers use this input to build the agreed technical components. When an agile method is used, roles such as Product Owner and Scrum Master remain with the client.

Case: building a digital ordering environment

Several technical components in one application

A wholesale company wants to replace telephone and email orders with a digital environment for its business customers.

The new application includes customer accounts, product information, order functionality and access to previous purchases. It also needs to exchange stock and order data with the company’s existing business software.

A development team works on the different technical components. Frontend development covers the customer-facing environment, while backend work handles order processing and the connection with the existing system. Testing is performed as the individual components come together.

After the first release, additional functionality is added for repeat orders and customer-specific product selections.

Using several technical disciplines within the same project allows the different parts of the application to be developed as one connected software solution.