establish overlapping working hours for real-time collaboration. In my experience, setting core hours where both teams are available for discussions reduced delays by 20%. Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams help maintain clear communication channels, while project management tools like Asana ensure that everyone stays aligned on tasks and deadlines.

I have been able to break this barrier with a simple break up of my work schedule. Thanks to WFH and Covid Lock down. I ensure that i started early at 6:00 AM IST to 9:00 AM IST that was 6:30 PM onwards for my IT Vendor who was located in U.S this helped me not to fight for the morning slot with client team and most of my work was sorted in the morning plus i would have action items that i could work on

Working with IT vendors across time zones requires clear communication, time zone awareness and effective project management. Establish reliable communication channels and use tools that support collaboration, like shared documents or recorded meetings. Identify overlapping hours for real-time discussions and set clear expectations for hand offs during non-overlapping times. Regular check-ins help maintain alignment and using time zone differences to create a workflow can accelerate project timelines. Cultural awareness and flexibility also play a key role in building strong vendor relationships

It's not vary new working with IT vendors in different time zones. It requires better planning and commitment with proper time breakup strategies. If we commit something to vendor and deliver it on time, then there is no barrier of working in different time zone. Problem occurs only when we don't walk the talk. I worked almost 5 years with vendor in different time zone and never faced any conflicts we used to update in advance if anything planned that can block or affect vendors work.

To ensure seamless workflow efficiency when working with IT vendors across time zones: Clear Communication: Establish clear communication channels like Slack or email, ensuring all team members stay updated. Flexible Scheduling: Schedule overlapping work hours for real-time collaboration, and use time-zone management tools to plan meetings efficiently. Defined Roles & Tasks: Set clear expectations, roles, and deadlines to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Asynchronous Collaboration: Utilize project management tools like Trello or Asana for asynchronous updates and task tracking. Regular Check-ins: Hold regular meetings to review progress and address potential issues early.