How to Choose the Perfect Outsourcing Partner

According to cio.com, outsourcing is a business practice in which job functions and services are given to a third party. It goes on to say that an outsourcing initiative in the field of information technology may cover a wide range of operations, from a complete package of different IT functions to something more specific, such as disaster recovery, network services, software development, or QA testing.

Companies may also choose from various outsourcing models. A company that decides to pursue onshore outsourcing means outsourcing services are done within their home country. They can also opt to do it in a neighboring country or one within their own time zone—this is called nearshore outsourcing. Lastly, offshore is when companies outsource services and/or job functions to a more distant country. To save money, companies usually go for nearshore and offshore outsourcing services.

Why You Should Consider Outsourcing

So why consider outsourcing your business process? The benefits are aplenty. When outsourcing your business, you can reduce costs significantly. Firms that offer outsourcing services are helpful in lowering your overhead expenses since you’re paying for a package that already includes labor costs, technology and equipment, and office space.

Besides the cost savings, you can also expect high-quality work from your outsourcing partner. Many outsourcing firms have a pool of talent who bring to the table plenty of knowledge, wisdom, and experience, allowing them to take on the most complex of tasks. It’s also typical in the outsourcing industry to get paid for the amount of work they produce, so you can rest assured that you’re getting what you paid for.

Another benefit to outsourcing is that you can focus more on the strategy and other core competencies of your business. As a result, you can fast-track the time to market your products or services, find opportunities for innovation, and be recognized for thought leadership within your industry.

An outsourcing setup can also be as flexible as you want it, meaning you can find a partner that will customize their service offering to fit your business model and requirements.

With the multifarious benefits of outsourcing, it’s no surprise that many companies find it an attractive and feasible way to grow their business.

How to Choose Your Outsourcing Partner Wisely

There are many things to consider when choosing a prospective business outsourcing partner, but you can start with these tips.

Establish their industry experience

An ideal outsourcing partner should demonstrate a vast knowledge of your industry, with years of experience in handling specific processes or tasks that you want outsourced. Everyone from the management to the project managers and team members should be highly qualified to plan, organize, and carry out your business projects with optimum results.

Assess for technical expertise

Here, technical expertise refers to the methodology or approach of an outsourcing service provider. How does the company manage projects, implement quality control, monitor progress or results, and resolve issues?

Ideally, your prospective outsourcing partner should be a certified expert in your industry, as being accredited means they have the competency to handle critical tasks. Having a business continuity plan can also ensure that the outsourcing firm will be able to offer quality support and services to your company in times of crises or emergencies.

Request client references and samples

Your outsourcing partner should be able to provide you with solid references or feedback from previous and existing clients of the company. Ask about the scope of service and quality of service they have received from the outsourcing vendor, or better yet, request the company to provide you with actual work samples to gauge the quality of their output. You can also do your research by looking at the vendor’s website and reviewing if they have case studies that document the success of past projects.

Inspect their information and communication technologies

This is one of the most crucial criteria for selecting an outsourcing vendor, as you’ll be doing a great deal of communication with the outsourcing team. Make sure you can reach the outsourcing team quickly in various communication channels, including phone, email, chat, or other messaging applications. If you’re located in different time zones, it is the outsourcing service provider’s responsibility to ensure that there are minimal gaps in communication by designating a contact person who will be available during your working hours.

Besides ICT, your vendor may also have to acquire business-specific technologies that are necessary in your company operations.

Calculate costs

Opt for fixed project costs – and don’t hesitate to ask your business outsourcing partner to break down to you what’s included and excluded from the overall cost. But with so many companies offering similar services, it’s best to compare quotations from different providers before deciding on a final one.

Gauge financial stability

Having a financially stable partner in outsourcing means they’re likely to stick around should you wish to partner with them in the long haul.

Final Message

As you choose the perfect outsourcing partner, your business can grow at a high and fast rate – and for a good price as well. Your business processes will be in the hands of a highly capable, world-class team who can deliver your desired output and quality of work. You’ll have access to innovation and thought leadership as well.

Trevor Michael is a Customer Contact Industry Specialist of Select VoiceCom. He has operated successfully within this niche industry for over ten years across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.