Many companies find it challenging to team up with the right tech partner for offshore embedded software development due to various pressure factors.
First, there's a constant need to optimize resources and balance cost-efficiency with the need for high-quality, secure, and reliable solutions.
Second, competition grows globally across industries, with the embedded market systems expected to expand from $178.15B in 2024 to $283.9B by 2034, according to Precedence Research [1].
Third, rapid technological advancements in embedded systems require companies to stay up-to-date with the latest tools, technologies, and industry standards for their solutions. To do so, they need experts with particular skills that their local talent pool might lack.
Offshoring embedded projects becomes a sound approach to dealing with these challenges, but only if done right. Here are a few strategies to reach goals and the five most recent projects of N-iX's clients, illustrating the benefits of cooperation with offshore embedded firmware development engineers.
Top 5 strategies to ensure success when offshoring embedded software development
While each embedded project requires a tailored approach to offshoring, there are a few common factors that can benefit the outcomes regardless of the industry and project scale. Let's review a few that can become a solid foundation for further work.
1. Select an offshore tech partner with end-to-end embedded and firmware development expertise
When selecting an offshore embedded software development partner, prioritize those with proven expertise and services covering the embedded development lifecycle. Their proficiency should encompass real-time operating systems (RTOS), firmware development, hardware integration, programming languages like C/C++, expertise in various connectivity solutions, cloud integration, and more.
Choosing a tech partner with proven expertise across the entire embedded development lifecycle, like N-iX, ensures seamless hardware and software integration, reduces development risks, and guarantees a reliable, high-performing end solution.
2. Establish clear communication between in-house and remote teams
Whether you delegate a specific stream or a full offshore embedded firmware development project, make sure that the remote tech team and the in-house department can effectively communicate across different time zones. That includes scheduling recurring calls, using tools like Jira or Slack to track progress, and collaborating with project managers and other departments involved in software and hardware development.
N-iX has several development centers in Poland, Ukraine, Colombia, Romania, Bulgaria, and India, as well as offices and resources to hire the top tech talent from 25 countries worldwide. It allows us to help you build a strong embedded software development team for your project and avoid communication issues that could happen due to time zone or corporate culture differences.
3. Follow an iterative development approach
Agile methodologies, especially Scrum and Kanban, can be a challenge in embedded software development due to the hardware dependencies. However, breaking the project into smaller, iterative milestones with clear deliverables can lead to faster prototyping and quicker testing cycles. Use these methods to ensure that embedded systems are frequently tested and optimized.
Some embedded development companies like N-iX have IoT and embedded R&D labs to continuously develop, test, and deploy components of embedded solutions. This allows for timely revisions and bug fixes and helps avoid mistakes, all while ensuring smooth integration.
4. Make embedded system security your top priority
Embedded devices often handle sensitive data, particularly in highly regulated industries like healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing. It makes security at every layer of embedded systems a top priority for both developers and the business.
Remote teams helping you with offshore embedded software development must adhere to strict security protocols, such as AES encryption for data transmission and secure device booting. Ensure the team is familiar with relevant industry standards and compliance regulations for your domain to avoid security vulnerabilities and ensure long-term product safety.
5. Create a reliable update plan
Firmware components of embedded systems require regular updates to keep the devices secure and always responsive. A reliable update strategy should include an appropriate update delivery mechanism (Over-the-Air (OTA) updates via network connectivity, physical connector, or programming interfaces), update management infrastructure, a rollback mechanism, and update documentation specifying undergone procedures, tools, and troubleshooting steps.
N-iX can help design a robust firmware update plan by implementing secure and efficient OTA delivery mechanisms and ensuring seamless integration with existing update management infrastructure. We also provide rollback mechanisms, detailed documentation, and troubleshooting to maintain the security and functionality of embedded devices at all times.
These strategies are common for businesses in any industry offshoring embedded projects. However, it's better to tailor your development plan to your specific case and niche to address your environment's unique challenges.
As one of the top embedded development companies, N-iX can help you create an offshore embedded software development strategy for your project and execute it. We have experience in building embedded solutions for manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, retail, telecom, automotive, healthcare, and other businesses. Here are five case studies of us working on embedded projects with clients from different industries across the globe.
Explore the fundamental rules of outsourcing embedded software projects
Top 5 offshore embedded software development success stories from N-iX's clients
From software and firmware maintenance to custom app development and automated QA, N-iX has helped businesses from various domains with their embedded projects. Let's review some that have benefited from our extensive tech expertise.
1. Hardware and software testing of a high-tech motorcycle communication solution for a wireless communication solution manufacturer
Industry: Manufacturing
Location: USA
Our client is an acknowledged market leader in wireless communication systems for motorcyclists. It has partnered with leading motorcycle and accessories manufacturers. The company is famous for its pioneering Bluetooth line of devices, which can be found in motorcycle accessory stores in over 80 countries. The company also introduced revolutionary meshwork communication technology, which enables riders to maintain constant connectivity through a virtual network.
The company has cooperated with N-iX on software and hardware testing of various connectivity solutions for motorcycle riders. The offshore team of firmware specialists performed functional and regression testing, hardware-to-hardware integration testing, and hardware-to-software integration testing. We have also supported the company's existing solutions and the development of a new mobile application.
2. Long-term partnership with an offshore embedded team and leading digital pen manufacturer
Industry: Software development
Location: Europe
Our client is a Sweden-based leader in developing digital solutions for writing and drawing. The company is well-known for its digital pen solution, which combines an ordinary ink pen with a digital camera that records everything you write. This product has multiple applications in industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, financial services, transport, and logistics.
N-iX has partnered with this client for over 10 years on several technological solutions for their smartpens. Firstly, the dedicated development team contributed to developing a complex embedded solution for the Forms Design Tool. It is a plugin for Adobe Acrobat Professional that allows users to generate a paper layout with the client's pattern. It uses Bluetooth technology to trace, collect, and process location and traffic flow data.
Additionally, the team created the app to synchronize, control, and manage digital pen behavior. It uses existing SDKs and enables data synchronization between a PC and a digital pen with Bluetooth and USB. N-iX developers have also worked on the creation of an app for updating pen firmware and the AFP Document Tools app. This latter shows how digital paper can be designed, printed, and viewed with AFP.
The partnership between our client and N-iX proves that successful long-term cooperation with an offshore IT provider is not a myth and may bring considerable value to both sides.
3. Embedded firmware optimization and functionality expansion for medical device manufacturer
Industry: Healthcare
Location: Germany
Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, WEINMANN Emergency is a leading provider of life-saving medical equipment, including defibrillators, ventilators, and other portable devices used in emergency medical services, hospitals, and military medical settings. The company operates in over 120 countries and delivers essential devices for critical care. WEINMANN Emergency partnered with N-iX to enhance their MEDUCORE Standard² portable defibrillator, a device crucial for emergency cardiac care. The N-iX team, specializing in embedded software development, worked closely with WEINMANN's engineers to optimize the device's firmware, ensuring it met the required medical standards and complied with security regulations. Our team implemented essential features such as Bluetooth printer support and telemetry capabilities, enabling real-time data transmission and improving the functionality of the defibrillator.
Through this partnership, N-iX provided C++ programming and embedded Linux expertise, helping to speed up the time to market and enhance the device's performance and security. We also helped integrate predictive maintenance features, ensuring the defibrillator remains operational and reducing downtime. This collaboration resulted in a compliant and reliable solution that supports life-saving medical interventions worldwide.
4. Improving reliability and optimizing an embedded conference communication system for a telecom solutions provider
Industry: Telecom, manufacturing
Location: Europe
Our client provides advanced audio and video meeting solutions, serving major organizations like NATO and UNESCO. The client wanted to enhance the service quality of their embedded conference communication system, including ongoing support and maintenance.
N-iX took full responsibility for the system's software and firmware maintenance, providing regular updates, proactive monitoring, and remote diagnostics. We implemented automated testing to ensure reliability and ported the system to new platforms for better efficiency. Our team configured the system for new battery types, improving performance and doubling battery life. We also added multi-device Bluetooth support, allowing users to seamlessly switch devices without re-pairing.
N-iX helped the client increase system stability, ensure longer battery life, and enhance Bluetooth connectivity, significantly improving overall system performance and user experience.
5. Embedded and mobile development for a decontamination system manufacturer
Industry: Manufacturing
Location: Under NDA
The client, a manufacturer of air decontamination devices for indoor environments, needed custom firmware for their devices, which use Raspberry Pi. N-iX upgraded the controlling PCB from Raspberry Pi A+ to Raspberry Pi 3 A+, making the system more maintainable and versatile. Our engineers set up the Linux OS on the Raspberry Pi, providing a cost-effective platform, and developed the firmware using Python.
In addition, we developed a cross-platform mobile application using Flutter. This app allows users to control the air decontamination system remotely. Key features include scheduling the system's activity periods through interactive graphs. We also enabled device connectivity via a wireless network using the MQTT protocol, improving system usability and accessibility.
Through our expertise in embedded development and mobile app creation, the client now benefits from a reliable, easy-to-manage air filtration system with enhanced user control, boosting efficiency and user experience.
These companies gained many benefits from cooperating with N-iX, one of the top offshore embedded software development providers. They launched high-tech solutions, strengthened their positions on the market, and introduced new offerings to their customers. If you want your product to be a success story and need a professional embedded software development team, don't hesitate to contact our experts. Here are a few reasons to partner with us.
What makes N-iX a great tech partner for offshore embedded software development projects?
With over 22 years of experience in the global tech industry, N-iX brings strong hardware design expertise and a proven track record of building connected ecosystems that ensure smooth performance and seamless data flow. Our team of over 2,400 software experts is proficient in C, C++, Python, and other key technologies, enabling us to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions.
Our key strengths include:
- Expertise in developing and refining PoCs with rapid prototyping tools, wearable app development, Internet of Things development, and more;
- 60+ successful embedded projects delivered for industries like manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and energy;
- Access to a global network of embedded engineers across 25 countries;
- Strong partnerships with semiconductor and microcontroller producers like Nordic Semiconductor and Raspberry Pi;
- In-house IoT and embedded R&D lab for iterative offshore embedded firmware development;
- Industry compliance (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001) to ensure we deliver secure, cutting-edge solutions tailored to your business needs.
Contact us to discuss how we can transform our embedded project idea into a successful business case!
Sources:
- Embedded Systems Market Size to worth USD 283.90B By 2034| Precedence Research
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