It is so hard to stay up to date with IT trends when technology changes so quickly. Many companies have found that the simplest way is to use IT outsourcing providers in order handle to complex issues in a timely and efficient manner. Choosing to outsource IT tasks allows a company to take advantage of the knowledge, flexibility, and efficiency provided by outsourcing companies. It also allows for market-orientated innovation and competitiveness.
What are Outsourcing Strategies?
When a company opts to outsource it means they will hire a third-party to handle aspects of its project that can’t be taken care of with the in-house team. There are numerous benefits, which is why we have seen such an increase in the trend.
An IT outsourcing strategy is a plan formed by analyzing what functions could be carried out better by a third-party provider. It is basically assessing the tasks and deciding which will be difficult or impossible to accomplish with the resources available. Then, a company will go about finding an IT outsourcing provider that has the missing resources and/or capabilities.
What are the Advantages of Outsourcing Strategies?
More specific to the trend in IT outsourcing is the reason why companies are going down this road. Aside from some of the traditional benefits, companies are able to form solid partnerships with outsourcing companies which opens the door to the sharing of experience and knowledge and heightened communication. Let’s take a closer look at other advantages.
Reduced costs- Asia is probably one of the best locations for outsourcing in terms of lower rates, particularly India. However, Eastern Europe is also rising in popularity for lower rates in the U.S and Western Europe and for the quality.
Increased efficiency- you hire highly qualified and experienced IT professionals who are used to dealing with complex tasks, allowing your productivity to become more efficient.
Freeing up your time- while someone else handles the challenging parts of your project, you can turn your focus to other areas of the business.
No IT investment– as the outsourcing provider has all of the tools to complete the task, you don’t need to invest in additional hardware or software.
Saving time- recruitment is a very lengthy process that requires time and resources. The time it takes to hire an outsourcer is much shorter so you can start work sooner.
What are the Disadvantages of Outsourcing Strategies?
The main problem you might experience is finding the right provider. Making the wrong decision could be costly, so it is essential that you check its portfolio, read customer reviews and make sure you have a good overview of the company, its experience, and the quality of its services before signing any contract.
Different Types of Outsourcing Strategies
Generally speaking, outsourcing can be defined as onshore, nearshore, and offshore. Onshore refers to an outsourcing provider in the same country as you. Nearshore will be from a country neighboring yours and offshore are for those countries further away. Then you may also find outsourcing strategies categorized as follows:
- Professional Outsourcing
- IT Outsourcing
- Multi-sourcing
- Manufacturer Outsourcing
- Pross-Specific Outsourcing
- Project Outsourcing
Choosing an Outsourcing Strategy Based on Your Goals
Which strategy you choose will greatly depend on what functions and operations you require changing within your company. For example, if you are overwhelmed by too many projects, you will choose project management, if you a specific specialist, you would opt for professional outsourcing.
What Is the Best IT Outsourcing Strategy?
The better question is, what is the best IT outsourcing strategy for your business? To make sure you select the best strategy for you, we have put together a list of things that you should bear in mind when you carry out your search.
- Plan correctly. That is to say, ensure you are outsourcing the right tasks for the right reasons. Choosing the most cost-effective solution will not guarantee that your outsourcing strategies and your business strategies are in line with each other.
- Know what you want to get out of outsourcing. Your goals should be clearly defined before you start the search. It is also important that an outsourcing provider shares your values as well as your goals.
- Make sure the outsourcing provider has the right capabilities. It sounds obvious but you want to know that they have the knowledge and the experience with your type of project.
- Create a detailed contract. It is worth including the goals and expectations of both parties in the contract.
- Remain in contact with the provider. Keep the lines of communication open so that you can follow the progress of your project.
In Conclusion
Once you and your team have sat down and clearly defined what the project goals are and what you expect from the outsourcing provider, you will be ready to start taking advantage of the benefits IT outsourcing strategies have to offer. Saving time and money will probably be included in your goals and to achieve this, it is important that you continuously communicate with your outsourcing provider.
