The flexibility of time and material.

If the goal of a test project is clear, but the exact output has yet to take shape and is to be determined during the testing process, having a project carried out on the basis of time and material is an option. What does this mean for the partnership?

• The goal of the test project is clear. You know what has to be tested and what the end goal is.
• How to get to the finish line and where this is exactly is not yet clear and/or cannot yet be determined. This will have to be further determined during the development.
• You can take charge of the project yourself (and the management of the testers), but you can also outsource the management of testing. This means that Technosoft will be responsible for management and carrying out the role of QA manager, for example. As the client, you must clearly indicate what the result of the testing should be, what the wishes and requirements are and take care of (interim) monitoring and acceptance of the testing work.
• The risks regarding time budget, execution and quality are borne by you as the client. Deploying people on this basis does mean that you get the lowest rates. The risks are after all borne by you. If you would like to cover these risks, you can opt for a fixed-price project.
• Because you are in control of deploying the people, it’s also very easy to make changes.
• Invoicing takes place on the basis of the actual hours worked and materials used (licenses etc.). During the process, frequent estimates are made for the following phases of the project, to monitor progress, results and (financial) planning.

A list of the most important aspects of time and material:

1. Working on the basis of clear project documentation.
2. Estimates regarding the amount of work and lead time are used.
3. Project management can be carried out by both the client and Technosoft.
4. The client is in the lead when it comes to priorities, changes and content.
5. Testing usually takes place in the Technosoft testing environment.
6. Invoicing based on the number of actual hours worked.
7. Responsibility for results, time budget and quality lies with the client.
8. The most favourable rates and flexibility.

On the basis of experience, agreements and trust.

Working on the basis of the principle of time and material does not mean that you have no control over or insight into the completion of your QA and testing. On the basis of a good preliminary study, a first estimate can be made of the activities and the quality to be delivered. During the testing process, continuous adjustments can be made on the basis of experience, estimates, progress and new insights. This lays the foundation for the confidence to continue with the project. The deployment of the test team is of course not free of obligation and you can expect the team members to adopt a proactive attitude regarding the content of the work.

On the basis of our years of experience working in this way, we can advise you on whether working on the basis of time and material is a good choice in your situation or whether it would be better to work on the basis of a fixed price, a dedicated team or secondment