In our digitally connected world, many companies are reaping the advantages of outsourcing their business processes to third parties. Processes like payroll and accounting, data entry, virtual assistance, customer support, IT and software development are some of the activities that you can outsource. By handing over certain parts of your business to experts who are more experienced and have more resources, you get more time to focus on high-value work such as business strategy and development. Aside from freeing up your time, outsourcing also saves you money that would otherwise go into training your staff and acquiring additional equipment and resources.
Outsourcing some parts of your business processes or setting up a BPO offshore is not an easy decision to make. Privacy, confidentiality, and quality are some of the reasons why you should be selective of your BPO partner or consultant.
To get the most out of your business process outsourcing, here are three things to keep in mind:
Keep your eyes on the goal. You need to have a clear-cut reason why you are outsourcing your business process, or why you chose to partner with an outsourcing consultant. What are your business goals, and how do you expect outsourcing to help you meet these goals?
If you decide to outsource your software development, for example, make sure you do your due diligence and study the numbers. How much would it cost to hire, train, and get a software development team up and running, in addition to acquiring software and equipment? In comparison, how much time and money would you save if you outsourced this process to a company that has an experienced team that can do the work for you? How much closer would it bring you to meeting your business goals?
Don’t sacrifice quality for cost. Done right, outsourcing can be beneficial for you. So initially you will need to keep an eye on quality. Whatever work is handled by this outsourcing partner is work that represents you, so you want to make sure quality is a priority.
Assign a contact person and keep communication lines open. This way, you and your outsourcing partner can discuss any issues or changes that need to be addressed. Review performances regularly. This will help you evaluate your setup and see how outsourcing has benefited your business.
Find the right partner. Research your options and vet possible outsourcing partners, including their reputation and performance. What are their background and experience? What are their qualifications? It does not hurt to do a background check to find out how previous clients found their services.
Business process outsourcing is a daunting decision to make as part of your business strategy, but it doesn’t have to be. The first step toward successful BPO operations is to find the right outsourcing partner who understands your business needs and challenges. With an experienced partner who will deliver the right outsourcing solutions for you, you can confidently step back and focus on your core work.
Looking to outsource but don’t know where to start? Wingspan has decades of experience in BPO consulting and can help clear the path for you. Email us at solution@wingspan-consulting.com to understand how you can maximize your efficiency through outsourcing.