Top Benefits of React Team Augmentation [2024]

Introduction

Today, we will be looking at one of the most recent trends in the world of software development – staff augmentation for ReactJS development. Also known as “React team augmentation“, this process actually combines two aspects: a specific type of JavaScript development and an outsourcing strategy.

This means the technique of staff augmentation is applied to outsourced projects that build software using React.js specifically. The goal is to evaluate the existing teams’ skill sets and, if needed, to handle staffing requirements by contracting more talents. Besides that, it can be an additional option when seeking the optimal way to reach your business goals.

But why React exactly? – You might ask.

First of all, ReactJS development is one of our prime specialties at Brainhub, and we are always glad to show more sides of React and how efficient it is. Thousands of companies are using React, this JavaScript library, for web and mobile apps – Instagram, Facebook, Dropbox, among the top ones. Secondly, we want to avoid generic posts and cover something smaller but substantial.

Let’s start with definitions and then go from A to Z of things.

What is team augmentation?

Team augmentation, also staff augmentation, is one of the outsourcing approaches to properly staff a project in accordance with concrete business requirements. This process includes accessing the skills of current employees, adding new members and assembling the team to ensure project results and timely delivery.

This usually results in full-time employees working side-by-side with qualified contractors with specific programming skills brought in on the side. Thus, companies are able to enlist new talents much faster than hiring new employees or teaching the existing ones. The demand for this approach is occurring due to the highly vigorous market where cost-efficiency and deadlines are everything.

<span class="colorbox1" fs-test-element="box1"><p><strong>Key point:</strong></p><p>The multitude of IT resources, software agencies, and declining rates gave birth to the trend of staff augmentation.</p></span>

Team augmentation services often imply allocating resources and workers offshore, as an extension of a development team. The client company (which hires such persons) has full control to manage the employees and their tasks until completion.

Advantages of this approach include:

• Adding new skills on top of existing capabilities;
• Filling the gaps and acquiring new resources, required to finish a project, or start new more ambitious projects;
• Retaining control over resource management, staffing and technologies involved;
• Improving skills of own employees by cooperating with and learning from hired workforce;
• Reducing the cost of hiring and maintaining employees;
• Aiding in meeting tough deadlines.

An additional fact is that often we hear debates about which approach is better: staff augmentation or project outsourcing. The latter suggests that a client company fully entrusts project development to another expert company. The argument is that team augmentation is too much of a hassle, while outsourcing allows each side to focus on its core tasks and thus deliver a superior result.

What is ReactJS software development?

React.js development is simply the process of software building using this JavaScript library. React, shared with the world by Facebook, has gained a huge following among developers because they can create websites or mobile apps that support data growth over time.

It has become an integral part of “all-things-JavaScript” phenomenon, processing user interfaces only. In other words, React makes complex front-end development easier, thus speeding up the delivery.

Other benefits include:

• easier large data handling,
• predictable flow,
• reusable components,
• quick bug fixing,
• low learning curve.

And here’s exactly why we love React:

• It is focused on a single exclusive issue (UIs), doing it very well;
• Without it, or a similar library, we’d have to build UIs manually with JavaScript;
• A “declarative” nature of it, meaning the underlying principle is – we tell it what we want, and React takes care of how, translating the descriptions into UIs;
• It is declarative not just to static data in interfaces, but to dynamic data as well;
• In it, we can reuse the same components for multiple UIs, and components may contain other components as well;
• It updates the UIs automatically upon changes in the component’s state;
• We rely on JavaScript’s power to generate and enhance HTML.

In addition to React, we can leverage the React Native framework for mobile apps. iOS and Android apps can be built with the same performance, features and look as web apps based on React development ecosystem.

How to conduct React team augmentation

So, when you have a project in the works requiring the use of ReactJS, or you need more React developers, and you want to “augment” your team – here is how to do React team augmentation.

Why conduct this kind of staff augmentation?

You can’t always find talented React developers, or you can but the cost of accommodating such in-house employees is too high, or maybe you simply don’t have time to staff your team. So cut the time and effort, and, moreover, keep full management control.

When is it time for team augmentation?

Firstly, when there’s a dire demand to infuse new skills, ideas and tools into the current team. Secondly, when a team lacks a particular kind of skills and knowledge to undertake a specific project. Finally, when the workload is overwhelming for existing employees.

The most common tip on staff augmentation generally is to select teams/developers with the skills you need most. React team augmentation is the perfect example of this, where you know exactly who are you contracting. When looking for such experts, you obviously have to seek out software agencies specializing in React and JavaScript.

There are few aspects you need to know to do it right. One of them is cost, which can be quite expensive, despite the intuitive feeling that contractors should cost less than own employees. So check all the expenses, resources, number of staff, hourly/daily rates, etc. to find out. Team augmentation, cost-wise, is typically more positive for short-term projects.

Another concern is communication as an improper connection between management and contractors could lead to slowing down the project or task failures, especially when with offshore outsourcing. And even more especially when various JavaScript libraries and tools are at play. Be it Slack or GoToMeetings, keep all the options open and communicate daily.

Two common key aspects are project management and time tracking. Luckily, there are plenty of tools like GitHub, Basecamp, Jira, Trello, or time-tracking tools such as Toggl, MyHours, TimeCamp, Hubstaff, etc. Though the main value still comes from people, not technology.

<span class="colorbox1" fs-test-element="box1"><p><strong>Bottom line:</strong></p><p>Find the right match for a React.js project, set clear goals and deadlines, communicate and trust each other.</p></span>

Benefits of React team augmentation

Summing it all up, here are 8 top benefits of React team augmentation.

#1 Flexibility

There are always unforeseen circumstances and changing of requirements, and staff augmentation services can alleviate such stress. Moreover, companies can withdraw additional experts at any particular time, if there’s turns out to be no need for them.

#2 Better project management

By adding new team members, take advantage of both external and internal resources. Maintain the same volume of control with transparent oversight by integrating individuals into the business processes (which is much quicker than integrating project teams).

#3 Filling expertise gaps

In areas where your team lacks specialist skills, you have options of hiring new full-time employees, paying extra for staff professional training, or hiring experts to augment your team. The latter offers workers that are highly-skilled in the exact area of demand right away. Team augmentation also ensures full staffing needs at all times (e.g. holidays, vacations, leaves, etc.).

#4 Acquiring skills for less

No need to invest in internal skill development or hiring new staff, especially for one-off or temporary projects. So you can reduce the cost of bringing in experts by avoiding all the expenses linked to in-house workers (healthcare, insurance, retirement, hardware, etc.).

Thanks to the Time & Material method applied to team augmentation, you only pay for the agreed period of work. With better insights on current costs, you are able to plan ahead more strategically.

#5 Meet project timelines / faster turnaround

It is often the case that we require extra resources and/or time to complete a React.js project (or any other software development project) on time, therefore staff augmentation may act as a helping hand. In some cases, it could be the only solution.

#6 Low impact on internal processes

Add or remove a React team with minimal interruption to your business. Your in-house employees do not feel threatened by this approach, unlike with project outsourcing, and can establish communication with new guys in a normal proper way.

#7 Access to extraordinary talent

The globalized tech industry has opened up new opportunities and offers access to skilled and unique experts, bringing you closer and faster to your consumers. The software development market is constantly changing and innovating, while you assemble a team and start working on something, it may already be irrelevant.

For instance, JavaScript development is not what it used to be one year ago, or even a few months ago. Staff augmentation helps you keep up.

#8 Boost to the project

A good software development company can also grant access to business analysts and managers outside who may add new insights/ideas by looking at a project from a different perspective.

An improved documentation could be an additional benefit, as with team augmentation new people have to be brought up to date and all project-related details have to be clear and refined. Some companies offering staff augmentation services have “discovery teams”, specializing in business analysis, process and requirement adjustments.

Summary

Ideally, staff augmentation, and React team augmentation services, in particular, are a good fit for small and mid-size companies and on a short-term basis. Though it isn’t the best choice in every case – businesses may benefit both from temporary and permanent and onshore or offshore services of contracting skilled resources for JavaScript development.

The advice here would be to pay attention to training your employees while conducting React team augmentation as this knowledge may be of use in the future. Be prepared for increased management and oversight, as the responsibility for project results will still be in your hands.

Also, be careful with “employee-vs-contractor” distinction, and ensure there will be fewer expenses when compared to your own employees.