US Tech Companies Cutting Back on Offshoring Services
March 7th, 2012
By Dan Berthiaume
Despite public complaints from economic experts and politicians that offshore IT and BPO is costing American jobs, new data indicates that at least in the case of the US technology industry, offshoring is in the midst of a long-term decline. Results of the recent annual Technology Outlook Survey from consulting firm BDO USA indicate that only 32% of US technology firms are outsourcing manufacturing and services overseas.
By Katy Demong
The benefits of a successful shared services implementation include improved efficiency, streamlined processes, cost savings, and reduced redundancy. But Diamond Resorts International managers weren’t necessarily looking for those benefits when they ended up implementing a shared services initiative. Karen Palmer, who calls the concept of shared services one of the “most brilliant things in business,” admits the company was just trying to find a financial controller for one of its properties.
Clients Breaking New Ground with Shared Services Innovations
February 27th, 2012
By Dan Berthiaume
Shared services, or the combining of similar outsourced functions, provide BPO customers the opportunity to create savings and spur improvements in specific areas of the company. However, end users are now going further and are applying shared services across different sectors of the company and using them to get a better analysis of the future, improve their management of human resources, among other solutions.
Creating a Wildly Successful Outsourcing Program
February 24th, 2012
By Linda Tuck Chapman
Outsourcing is serious business and will have a long-term impact on your company’s future. Let’s improve the odds that it’s a positive one! Your customers and shareholders shouldn’t and won’t differentiate who delivers their services – your company or a third party. So the time you invest in planning your outsourcing program and sourcing the right service providers is time well spent.
Globalize and Optimize Your Shared Services Operations
February 22nd, 2012
By Brad DeMent
Shared services operations (SSOs) have transitioned from a simple means to gain quick cost savings to a critical component of corporate strategy. Historically, transactional services offered such as accounts payable processing, payroll, and IT help desks have been no-brainers for domestic SSO inclusion. The new norm for SSO has expanded to smaller, higher-value services such as accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, HR recruiting, and application development. This expansion has companies asking, “Why service only one country with SSO? What can be leveraged to service a region, or even all global locations?”
Latin American BPO Suddenly Facing Growing Pains
February 16th, 2012
By Dan Berthiaume
Most BPO services offered by providers based in Latin America have been delivered by global companies who established a regional delivery center. However, the Nearshore’s burgeoning shared services industry holds the promise of the “next wave” of Latin American BPO: one driven by homegrown providers. But along with that wave comes a boatload of pressures and demands.
Small Outsourcing Deals Pose Their Own Big Risks
February 15th, 2012
By Dan Berthiaume
Driven by needs such as lower costs or specialist expertise, more and more BPO and IT outsourcing customers are turning to smaller contracts with a larger number of providers. According to the 2011 ISG TPI Index, the number of contracts in the $25 million to $99 million range grew considerably in the past year compared to those worth $100 million and more.
Ah, but smaller deals don’t necessarily mean smaller worries for clients.
Get More Accurate Outsourcing ROI in Six Easy Steps
February 8th, 2012
By Jerry Durant
Everybody wants ROI from their outsourcing projects. Many (on both the buy and the sell side) claim it. But relatively few have the knowledge or background to calculate it correctly. This not only makes it harder to make good decisions, but saps the credibility of whoever is doing the calculations.
Far too many operations and procurement professionals try to calculate ROI without a sufficient understanding of it.
Upstarts Threaten Big Players in Potential LatAm BPO Boom
February 6th, 2012
Santiago: Sustained vertical drive.
By Dan Berthiaume
Latin American nations make up about one-quarter of the 2012 list of Top 100 outsourcing locations compiled by global outsourcing research/advisory firm Tholons, and that is no accident. As Manuel Ravago, president for research at Tholons, explains, Latin America is an up-and-comer in the world of BPO. And more agile smaller countries might make the most of that.
Examine More Than Cost Savings When Judging the Nearshore
February 2nd, 2012By Patrick Haller
When making sourcing decisions, a lot of attention is paid to the pricing structure and qualifications of service providers, while their actual location is sometimes a secondary consideration. However, when assessing a destination, it’s important to realize that what might be favorable today can morph into a nightmare scenario tomorrow. Don’t be caught unaware and unprepared for the ever-changing dynamics of the Nearshore.
