Securing Knowledge Transfer: Partnering with a Data Visualization Agency for Long-term Success
Data visualization is often considered a cherry on top of “real, hard coding” happening on the backend of data apps. In fact, presenting large amounts of complex data in a user-friendly front-end interface is a challenge that requires the right technology, algorithms, and methods to ensure optimal performance and a positive end-user experience. Don’t navigate these challenges alone. Partner with an experienced data visualization agency to control costs and time frames while achieving exceptional results.
The Crucial Choice: Building In-House or Outsourcing IT Solutions?
In a fast-paced and technology-driven business landscape, companies face a critical decision when developing their IT solutions: should they build them in-house or outsource the services?
This age-old dilemma continues to perplex decision-makers across industries, as – of course – both options come with their own set of advantages and challenges. Yet, given that time is often a critical success factor, the answer is relatively straightforward.
Having in-house all competencies necessary to keep up with the market is simply impossible in today’s breakneck pace of innovation, and sticking to the well-known legacy solutions is almost a death wish.
Therefore, the question is not whether or not to hire an external agency but how to choose it to get the most out of the collaboration. Selecting data visualization agencies come as no exception.
“Decision makers still struggle with the dilemma of hiring an external specialized agency with the know-how and appropriate resources or relying on their development team, risking missing deadlines but having all know-how under the hood. In my opinion, the dispute is quite old-fashioned as knowledge transfer became a standard in the cooperation with the client that works for his sake.“.
- Maciej Teska, CEO at Synergy Codes.
Outsourcing IT (data visualization services included) brings benefits such as optimizing fixed costs and speeding up time-to-value.
The Importance of Knowledge Transfer in Creating a Data Visualisation App
Some tools, such as automatic layouts, streamline creating a data app front-end layer. Yet – despite being perfectly suitable to position graph nodes and edges in visually appealing ways automatically, they still cannot be considered a “drag & drop” solution.
Using them still requires in-depth technical knowledge and extensive expertise, but also a well-coined project approach to secure clients’ best interests and dispel their doubts about outsourcing. Knowledge transfer secures clients and ensures they can develop their projects further after the cooperation ends.
Client-Oriented Data Visualization Project Approach
“At Synergy Codes, we managed to build a process that ensures the client full control over further product development once the collaboration with us is over, and while it lasts, we work very closely with the client’s team.”.
- Maciej Teska, CEO at Synergy Codes.
Knowledge Transfer & Developers’ Training
Synergy Codes developers work hand in hand with client teams even while working on the same code blocks. Although it might seem counterproductive when it comes to optimizing processes and reaching following milestones, it supports knowledge transfer, secures the client’s know-how and eases out the maintenance processes in the future.
Collaborating with clients includes delivering mockups that go beyond the current development phase and can be used in the future. If needed, we also train the client’s developers at Synergy Codes. The scope of training depends on the project specification but typically involves GoJS, Angular & React to equip developers with skills to integrate modern front-end frameworks with data visualization libraries, state management for real-time collaborative apps, performance optimization, component design, and overall front-end architecture development.
Thorough Documentation
The documentation we deliver is created with a straightforward goal: it has to enable the new developers to get on board at any given moment after just checking the docs. It covers all technologies, algorithms, and frameworks used in the project, with why they were chosen and how they integrate.
Simplifying Code
We put our efforts into simplifying code as much as possible, making it easier for developers to understand and work with it, reducing the risk of errors, accelerating the debugging process, and simplifying maintenance.
Data-Oriented Design
Our clients are top-notch specialists in data management related strictly to their area of expertise. They are fluent in acquiring, integrating, and manipulating data but often struggle with their consumption on the front. As building an intuitive UI influences user engagement, we train developers to equip them with the competencies needed to build the desired frontend layer.
Read more about our project approach:
https://synergycodes.com/how-we-work/
The exact terms of cooperation are flexible and depend on project specifications. Clients can choose from body leasing or bespoke product team to get a balanced collaboration with our team, including TL, developers, BA/QA, PMs, and UI/UX experts.
Our designers are experts in building UIs tailor-made for data-focused applications. This specialization translates to multiple business benefits, such as:
- Accelerating development process
Our developers can integrate ready-to-use components into clients’ software or – if needed – build and implement customized ones.
- Optimized performance
Optimized UI layer makes or breaks app performance. Experience in building data visualization apps ensures the right balance between visual requirements and technical limitations.
- Visually appealing look
An attractive look for the diagram parts can be achieved without reinventing the wheel. Our designers are familiar with automated algorithms and tools and can choose the one that suits the project best.
Our clients have appreciated the transparency of our process.
“We perceive Synergy Codes as a great technological partner whose way of work fits us well. While looking for a proficient service in creating graphical components, we wanted to work with experts that would advance our tool with exceptional UX and UI, which enables us to win new deals with significant clients.“.
- Aurelien Masse, VP Engineering at Zeenea
Knowledge Transfer Ensures Extending and Maintaining the product Independently
Developing front-end interfaces to showcase extensive and intricate data demands expertise and resources that numerous organizations focused on their core business may lack. By collaborating with specialized agencies like Synergy Codes, clients can instantly fill the knowledge gap and develop data-driven products without going through time- and cost-consuming recruitment processes while maintaining complete control over the know-how. Consequently, Synergy Codes’ project approach ensures that their in-house development team acquires the necessary skills to extend and maintain the product independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowledge transfer refers to the process of sharing valuable information, skills, and expertise from one individual or group to another. It involves transmitting knowledge and insights to ensure that recipients can effectively apply the acquired knowledge in their work or projects. Successful knowledge transfer leads to improved productivity, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and continued organizational growth.
An example of knowledge transfer is when an experienced software developer mentors and shares their coding techniques with a junior developer. Through one-on-one sessions, code reviews, and collaborative projects, the junior developer gains valuable insights and best practices from the more experienced colleague. As a result, the junior developer becomes proficient in writing efficient code, incorporating good coding practices, and eventually contributes independently to projects.
The same pattern is often repatable in business coopearation between stakeholders, for instance vendor’s development team and client’s internal team.
The four stages of knowledge transfer are:
1. Identification: Recognizing the valuable knowledge that needs to be transferred.
2. Capture: Collecting, organizing, and documenting the knowledge to ensure it is preserved effectively.
3. Sharing: Actively disseminating the knowledge to the intended recipients through training, mentoring, or workshops.
4. Application: The recipients apply the acquired knowledge in real use-cases to gain practical experience and reinforce learning.
A knowledge transfer plan outlines the systematic approach to transfer knowledge from one individual or team to another within an organization or project. The plan typically includes the identification of key knowledge holders, the topics to be covered, the methods and tools for transfer, the timeline, and the evaluation process to ensure successful knowledge transfer.
In business, knowledge transfer refers to the process of sharing critical knowledge, skills, and expertise between employees, teams, or departments. Effective knowledge transfer ensures that valuable insights and experiences are passed down within the organization, allowing employees to make informed decisions, perform tasks efficiently, and improve overall productivity.
To start a successful knowledge transfer session, follow these steps:
– Identify the subject matter and the knowledge recipients.
– Schedule a mutually convenient time for the session.
– Prepare an agenda and the key topics to cover.
– Use interactive methods such as presentations, workshops, or hands-on training.
– Encourage questions and discussions to enhance understanding.
– Provide relevant resources for further learning.
– Follow up to ensure that knowledge is effectively applied.
Knowledge transfer can be accomplished through various methods, including:
– Mentoring and Coaching: One-on-one guidance from experienced individuals to less experienced ones.
– Workshops and Training: Conducting structured workshops or training sessions to share knowledge.
– Documentation: Creating comprehensive guides, manuals, or knowledge bases.
– Job Shadowing: Allowing individuals to observe and learn from others in real work settings.
– Collaborative Projects: Working together on projects to gain hands-on experience and knowledge.
In project management, knowledge transfer methods include regular team meetings, status reports, project documentation, and collaborative platforms that allow team members to share insights, lessons learned, and updates. Utilizing communication tools, project management software, and version control systems further enhance knowledge sharing and facilitate a smooth project workflow.