Table of contents:
- To start - what exactly is body leasing in IT?
- How does body leasing differ from outsourcing?
- When should you opt for body leasing?
- Why body leasing? 3 key benefits
- Is body leasing suitable for every project?
- Final decision - is body leasing the right choice for your IT project?
Building an IT team composed of skilled and experienced professionals can be time-consuming and costly. This kind of investment is typically feasible for large companies and corporations with the financial and organisational resources to support it. However, if your business is closely tied to and dependent on technology (such as an online store), having access to the right specialists can be essential, especially when facing an urgent issue or needing to implement a new project (for instance, refining the mobile version of an eCommerce platform). In such cases, collaborating with an experienced software house may be an optimal solution. One option you can consider is entering into a body leasing agreement, where you hire IT specialists for a specific period to accomplish particular tasks.
When is this form of collaboration most effective? Is it suitable for every project? Will body leasing meet your business needs, or might other collaboration models be better suited? In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of body leasing in the IT industry to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your company. Read on!
To start - what exactly is body leasing in IT?
Body leasing is an agreement made with a software house or tech company that allows you to leverage the skills of IT specialists for a set period, specifically to complete certain projects or tasks that require specialized expertise.
This approach enables companies to access expert knowledge without the need to permanently hire new employees, thereby avoiding complex recruitment processes and long-term commitments. Under such an arrangement, the software house provides skilled specialists - depending on your needs, this could include developers, testers, or UX designers. This model significantly speeds up project execution and enhances your company's flexibility when needed.
How does body leasing differ from outsourcing?
When you hear about body leasing, you might instinctively associate it with outsourcing - after all, both solutions involve acquiring additional workers from external companies. However, despite their similarities, it's essential to recognize that these terms are not interchangeable. They differ in both scope and the nature of collaboration. So, what sets body leasing apart from outsourcing?
In the case of body leasing, a hired specialist is tasked with performing specific duties within a particular project. Outsourcing, on the other hand, involves transferring responsibility for an entire process or area of operation to an external company. Body leasing is, therefore, a type of outsourcing with a much narrower scope, making it a more flexible collaboration model. This is why it is commonly used when a company needs assistance with individual projects or well-defined tasks.
Outsourcing, in contrast, is chosen by businesses looking to transfer responsibility for an entire process to an external provider. This allows the company to focus on its core activities while the external partner takes over the management of a particular area (e.g., server maintenance). This approach helps optimise costs and enhance operational efficiency.
| BODY LEASING | OUTSOURCING |
|---|---|
When should you opt for body leasing?
When considering body leasing, it's important to keep in mind that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. A body leasing agreement works best for short-term projects that require specialised skills only for a limited time. This option is ideal for companies that, for various reasons, need to quickly bolster their team with specific experts. It can be especially useful in situations where:
- there’s a tight project deadline – internal resources lack the necessary expertise, and the task requires immediate action.
- the team’s workload increases – ongoing projects need additional support to maintain timelines and quality standards.
- a specialist with niche knowledge is required – sometimes, a project demands unique skills that are hard to find on the job market, and body leasing allows for quickly sourcing the right expert.
In summary, body leasing allows for flexible responses to changing project needs. It’s an excellent fit when an organisation requires specific skills for a defined period (e.g., during the implementation of new technology or integration with an external system).
Why body leasing? 3 key benefits
Body leasing is a unique agreement model in the IT industry, particularly valued by smaller businesses and startups seeking a flexible and scalable solution. What exactly makes it an attractive form of collaboration? Companies choosing body leasing often highlight 3 key benefits.
The primary advantage of body leasing is flexibility. Companies can dynamically adjust their teams to meet current needs. If a project requires "extra hands," simply increase the number of leased specialists. Conversely, as work nears completion, engagement can be reduced just as quickly. This offers greater freedom in business decision-making and helps companies adapt to a fast-changing market.
Traditional hiring models involve fixed costs related to employee maintenance, such as salaries, social security contributions, and administrative expenses. With body leasing, you only pay for actual hours worked. This means that project costs are closely tied to its scope and duration.
Another significant advantage is the assurance of the competencies of leased specialists. By partnering with a reputable software house, you gain access to experts with the right qualifications, eliminating the need for a time-consuming recruitment and vetting process. This allows your company to focus on core operations while leaving technical matters in the hands of experienced professionals.
Is body leasing suitable for every project?
While body leasing offers numerous advantages, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. You now know where it excels, but when might it be better to consider another collaboration model?
If a project is complex, long-term, and requires ongoing support, fully outsourcing it to a software house may be a more cost-effective solution. For example, launching a large online store or migrating an eCommerce platform to a new system are tasks that require a comprehensive approach and cohesive management throughout the process. In such cases, a dedicated team that handles the project from start to finish minimises the risk of delays and errors, ensuring a higher-quality final product.
Unclear requirements can also make it challenging to effectively utilise body leasing. Specialists hired under this model need clearly defined tasks and goals. If a project is still in the conceptual phase and requires further analysis, a collaboration model that includes consulting and support in defining requirements would be more suitable.
Long-term needs are another factor to consider. If your company requires ongoing support in a particular area, hiring full-time staff or opting for full outsourcing might be more cost-effective in the long run. While body leasing offers flexibility, it may be less efficient cost-wise for projects that demand continuous involvement.
Final decision - is body leasing the right choice for your IT project?
Body leasing is a flexible solution that allows companies to focus on core business aspects while leaving the technical side to experienced specialists. This enables businesses to efficiently adapt to changing project demands, optimizing both costs and task completion time. However, deciding to use this collaboration model should be preceded by a thorough analysis of your project’s specifics.
Still unsure if this is the right solution for your needs? Contact us, and we’ll help you find the collaboration model that best meets your expectations.
