In our interconnected global economy, businesses now have an opportunity to embrace global outsourcing. The popular practice enables them to tap into the advantages of international trade, obtaining goods or services at more cost-effective rates by partnering with companies in different countries. By embracing global outsourcing, businesses can unlock new markets, diverse skill sets, and unique resources that may not be readily available locally.
It helps businesses save money. Outsourcing leads to reduced labor, material, and other resource costs. In addition, it helps improve efficiency and productivity. By utilizing the expertise of external providers, they free up their internal resources to focus on core competencies. The global economy remains robust and makes connecting with companies in other countries easier.
With the continued advancement of technology, it is becoming more accessible and efficient for businesses to connect with workers and service providers worldwide. In addition, as the global economy becomes more interconnected, companies are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their reliance on domestic markets. Outsourcing countries with lower wages and less regulation boosts their profits and gain a competitive advantage.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Human Resource Outsourcing (HRO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), Engineering Services Outsourcing (ESO), and others (legal process outsourcing and finance & accounting outsourcing) are among the most sought-after global outsourcing services of which IT outsourcing holds the largest market threshold owing to the rapid adoption of advanced technologies by organizations across the globe.
There are several benefits to outsourcing your project or business; you should take advantage of it if you can! Here, we’ll discuss how you can use global outsourcing, including why you should choose it over other options and how to get started on your first project or two!
Table of Contents
Identifying The Need
The global outsourcing market has grown due to the increasing demand for cost-effective IT and business solutions, rising need for scalability and flexibility, and the shortage of skilled labor.
With the economic rebound from the pandemic, businesses are increasingly turning to global outsourcing to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Outsourcing your business processes reduces the risk involved in several processes and provides benefits such as cost-saving and greater efficiency. It helps make your business flexible, agile, and adaptable according to market conditions. You need to outsource to an eligible business partner if:
– You fall short of innovation
There may be times when you feel wasted in your daily routine. This shall later become a challenge in sustaining your business if not taken care of in a certain period.
– Capacities max out
Maxed-out capacities stall your project leading to loss of business and reputation. You may need to outsource to keep moving forward at the required pace.
– You are unable to deal with specialized tasks
Lack of expertise or skill in your in-house team for any specialized task calls for outsourcing without delay. Random hiring leads to loss of time and delays in your project handover, which severely impacts your business growth.
– The in-house team is not productive
Hiring an in-house team seems best initially, but the variation in project requirements makes it difficult to train them for the timely delivery of the projects. In such a case, outsourcing is better than wasting time preparing your in-house employees or starting a new recruitment drive.
Also Read: The Better Choice: In-House Development vs. Software Outsourcing?
– Business scales too fast
Rapid scaling of business calls for business outsourcing as well. Under any circumstances, you have to meet the demand generated in the market. Outsourcing helps you overcome skilled workforce shortages and lets you provide your service on a large scale without delay.
– You are about to miss the deadline
Outsourcing helps you meet your deadlines and attain the desired business growth without negatively impacting your clients.
Identifying the outsourcing need is of utmost importance. A wrong decision may lead to bigger concerns. A shortage of skilled team or swamped work already burdened over the existing team is surely a sign of outsourcing your project needs.
Benefits Of Global Outsourcing
Businesses of all sizes benefit from outsourcing as they access a larger talent pool. It helps them save costs and improve efficiency. You can free up internal resources to focus on the core competencies. Outsourcing can be valuable for businesses if you define its scope effectively. Outsourcing your business process gives you the following benefits:
– Cost-saving
Global Outsourcing addresses the most common need for global outsourcing- cost saving. Global outsourcing helps free up internal resources and redirect them to other business areas. Businesses benefit from lower labor costs, reduced overheads, economies of scale, and a competitive edge by outsourcing non-core functions to specialized providers.
The continuous growth in the global economy results in cost reduction and enhanced efficiency through outsourcing to other countries. The Internet has expanded business prospects worldwide and has helped several others take advantage through outsourcing to countries with cheap labor and additional costs. It frees the workers to execute higher-level tasks, saving labour costs.
Saving money is among the top priorities of global outsourcing as it helps reduce labor costs. It does not beat domestic outsourcing; however, its benefits attract business people who overlook the cost factor of domestic outsourcing.
– Quality Control
Another consideration for businesses is quality control. When a business outsources a function or task, it compromises the quality of the work. It poses a risk, primarily if the company working on the project is located in a different country. Businesses must carefully select their global outsourcing partners and implement quality control processes.
Post-pandemic, businesses are looking forward to moving ahead to the future. In such a scenario, the question of positioning themselves for future growth is of prime importance playing a key role in deciding the upcoming business strategy.
Several factors contribute to global outsourcing becoming an attractive option. It saves businesses from expenditure giving access to a larger talent pool and improves quality allowing firms to reduce the environmental impact through a more efficient production process.
A successful outsourcing strategy comprises the identification of a suitable country catering to your business needs, the political and economic stability of the potential country, and the protection of rights through price discussion and contracts. Careful planning carries your business towards a better position in the coming years.
– Access to Talent and Skills
Global Outsourcing addresses the need for access to talent and skills. In today’s highly competitive marketplace, businesses need to tap the best talent from around the world to stay ahead of the competition. By outsourcing specific roles or functions, businesses tap into a global pool of talent and skills.
With the growth in the global economy, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to tap into new markets and expand their operations. Global outsourcing helps businesses get services from countries with lower labor costs, save money and stay competitive.
It significantly reduces wages, benefits, and training costs, creating a win-win for the company and workers.
Also Read: Best Countries for Offshore Software Development Services in 2023: A Quick Overview
– Increase Efficiency
As the world economies become increasingly intertwined, companies need to be competitive globally. Outsourcing helps companies improve efficiency by focusing on their core competencies and outsourcing non-essential functions. It leads to increased global outsourcing, as businesses seek to take advantage of lower costs and better efficiency accessible by operating in different countries.
As businesses expand into new markets and geographies, they need to rely on outsourced providers for expert support in these areas. Companies outsource non-core business functions such as HR, accounting, and IT. To meet the increasing demand for these services, providers must invest in new technologies and processes to deliver quality service at a lower cost.
When done correctly, outsourcing proves a valuable tool for businesses. However, it carries several risks, including quality control issues and cultural miscommunication. It is important to carefully consider whether outsourcing is right for your business before making any decisions.
– Quicker go-to-market
Businesses of all sizes look for new ways to tap into new markets and gain a competitive edge. Global outsourcing helps companies enter new markets quickly and efficiently by leveraging the resources of an experienced partner. Outsourcing certain operations or functions to another company in another country helps save costs and gain access to new markets and customer bases.
With the increasing availability of internet connectivity and advancement in communication technology, global outsourcing is becoming more accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes.
The coming years may witness a rise in outsourcing on a broader scale as businesses outsource their operations to countries where labor is cheaper and quality control is more rigorous. This trend has several implications for the world economy.
First, it creates more jobs in developing countries. Second, it puts downward pressure on wages in developed countries. And third, it increases competition for employment in developed and developing countries.
– Increased Flexibility
One of the key needs of businesses seeking to outsource is flexibility. With an ever-changing business landscape, companies need to be able to adapt their outsourcing arrangements quickly and easily. It depicts choosing providers with high flexibility in pricing, contract terms, and delivery models.
The business landscape is constantly changing, and companies need to be able to adapt to survive the competition. In the past, globalization has led to the outsourcing of many jobs.
It continues even today as companies look for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Being aware of the needs of the global marketplace helps in staying ahead of the curve.
As we move into 2023, there is an increased demand for more flexible outsourcing arrangements due to the continued uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses look forward to minimizing risk and protecting their bottom line. At the same time, they need to be able to respond quickly to changes in the market.
Outsourcing allows companies to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and focus on their core competencies. It helps organizations realign their resources and capabilities to achieve desired business outcomes. Moreover, it gives organizations access to new technologies, processes, and best practices. The benefits of outsourcing are driving its adoption across small and large enterprises in various industries such as IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive.
– Risk Management
When done correctly, global outsourcing helps companies mitigate risk by spreading it across a larger pool of resources.
As the world economy continues to globalize, more and more businesses are looking to outsource for cost-cutting and better competitiveness. However, with the recent rise in protectionist sentiment, there is a risk that outsourcing might become less popular in the future. It is essential to identify their needs and implement adequate risk management strategies.
When outsourcing activities, businesses effectively transfer some risks associated with those activities to the outsourced provider. Ensuring that the outsourced provider has adequate risk management strategies is essential.
There are several reasons why organizations outsource. First, hiring an external provider is cost-effective. Second, freeing up internal resources for strategic activities. Finally, outsourcing mitigates risk by spreading it across a larger platform.
– Talent Development
To remain competitive, companies must continually develop and attract new talent. The talent development landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and organizations must adapt to stay ahead of the curve. In particular, global outsourcing has created new challenges and opportunities for talent development professionals.
Talent development pros must be able to identify the needs of their organization and find creative ways to meet those needs. They must also be able to build strong relationships with key stakeholders and navigate the ever-changing landscape of global outsourcing. With the right mix of skills and knowledge, talent development professionals will significantly impact their organizations in the coming years.
Some people argue that it takes away jobs from local workers, while others believe it helps create new opportunities and drive down costs. However, there is no denying that outsourcing has become a staple of the global economy.
As the global outsourcing market expands, the demand for talent development services also grows. Companies would ensure that their outsourced employees have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. Talent development experts need to help companies identify and develop the talent they need. Any experience in this field will help you become well-positioned to take advantage of this growing trend.
Offshore/nearshore or Inshore
Several factors influence business growth including the continued rise of offshore outsourcing, the growing popularity of nearshore outsourcing, and the increasing use of inshore outsourcing.
– Offshore Outsourcing
Offshore outsourcing refers to contracting with vendors in other countries. It is the most cost-effective option but also the riskiest. Ultimately, the best outsourcing destination for a company depends on its specific needs and objectives.
Nearshore outsourcing involves contracting with vendors in neighboring countries. It offers a good balance of cost and risk.
– Inshore Outsourcing
Inshore outsourcing is contracting with vendors within one’s own country. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages, and businesses must carefully consider their needs before selecting a provider. However, one thing is sure: outsourcing will continue to play a significant role in the global economy in the years to come.
As processes become increasingly complex and interconnected, businesses are turning to outsourcing providers for human resources, customer service and IT. In fact, according to a recent survey, nearly half of all businesses globally outsource at least one business process.
Companies increasingly look to offshore, nearshore, and inshore locations to find the best talent and cost-effective solutions. The trend encompasses many factors, including the need to stay competitive in a global marketplace, the ever-increasing availability of high-speed internet, and the growing pool of highly skilled workers in developing countries.
As a result, we expect to see more companies outsourcing their IT, HR and marketing functions. And while there may be some challenges associated with this trend, such as language barriers and cultural differences, the benefits are likely to outweigh the costs.
As businesses strive for efficiency and better shareholder value, the globalization of operations remains a key theme in the coming years.
In particular, outsourcing non-core functions to low-cost jurisdictions remain a popular strategy. However, businesses need to be mindful of the geopolitical risks associated with offshore outsourcing and the potential for regulatory changes that could impact their ability to move resources and personnel around the globe freely. Nevertheless, with a careful approach, global outsourcing proves to be a powerful tool for businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
Choosing The Right Outsourcing Partner
Demographic or budgetary limitations do not bind the outsourcing process. Picking the right model is not the end of this process, as there are several other aspects to consider. A budgetary constraint is one of the main reasons for outsourcing resulting in low-quality product delivery, due to which your growth suffers. You need to assess the underlying factors:
– Technology Experience and Client Satisfaction
Experience plays a major role when selecting your outsourcing partner. A reputable partner with a proven track record in the industry is more beneficial to your business requirements. You need to identify-
- industry experience
- software engineers required
- project goals
Give a detailed description while shortlisting candidates. Do not compromise on quality; select only if the outsourcing partner fulfills your criteria.
Note: Companies with sophisticated recruitment processes select professionals and prove to be the best-fit outsourcing partner for your business growth.
– Technical Know-How
Outsourcing gives you access to the latest technologies, fresh methodologies, and best practices to help you overcome your growth barriers. Opt for the most suitable partner offering the optimum technical expertise according to your project requirement. You can assess your partner by :
- determining the most important tech skills for your project
- looking for niche expertise in your required skills
- reviewing companies with effective case studies depicting their tech expertise
Note: Opt for dynamic and greater exposure engineers to have the best cost-effective ratio.
– Accumulated Expenditure
Budget plays a defining role when hiring an outsourcing partner. It demands a cost-effective alternative to hiring an in-house development team. The expenses included while selecting an outsourcing partner do not account for only money, on the contrary, value addition plays a more critical role in the decision-making. The following considerations are taken into account:
- specific costs compared to the average costs
- skills and experience acquired
- inclusive or additional taxes
- the cost incurred on communication and travel
- management expenses
Note: Few companies include risk factor charges that hike your total cost by up to 50%. Consider and verify the accounts thoroughly before committing to any outsourcing partner.
– Cultural Differences
Companies operating in different countries have varied cultural differences leading to differences in expectations and approaches towards development. Considering this aspect while opting for a suitable outsourcing partner helps you avoid any impact on your project in the long run. You may consider the following factors:
- go through their business culture regarding hiring, training and retaining talent
- analyze the company’s approach towards innovation and how they imbibe it in their operations
- have a long-term assumption regarding the impact of their national culture on their work and your project.
Note: A company from a different country cannot align with your culture. This difference is not a concern until it disrupts your business process. These differences may become a strong nexus between you and your outsourcing partner.
– Communication Channel
Effective communication is of utmost importance while working with a remote team. Aligning expectations and channeling your timelines enhance the development process, leading the project towards a triumphant accomplishment. A pre-defined agreement enables you to overcome potential barriers and aligns the team toward the same goal on parallel lines.
To verify their communication process, you can:
- verify their communication channel on a normal project
- examine their English proficiency from moderate to high-level complexity
- ensure proper application of your preferred communication channels
Note: Avoid enforcing your communication model on the outsourcing partner. Outsourced development teams have vast experience working as remote teams and may suggest practical suggestions to improve your communication process. Listen to them attentively.
– Risk Cover
Hiring an outsource partner exposes you to several risks such as data loss, confidentiality breach, breach of intellectual property and several other disruptive events. Analyze your partner’s capabilities carefully regarding the security and secrecy of your project. Ensure that your outsourcing partner has:
- cybersecurity protections to safeguard against digital threats
- secure offices to safeguard against potential disruptions
- necessary NDAs and regulatory compliances within the industry
Note: Outsourcing a project (requiring a unique algorithm or a different concept) to other teams ensures better intellectual rights protection of intellectual rights.
Also Read: Artificial Intelligence(AI) in Cybersecurity: Future and Real Examples
Why PixelCrayons
We are an award-winning software outsourcing company based in India. Established in 2004, we have been providing online success through world-class software development services, web or mobile app development, software product engineering, or dedicated software development teams.
Our agile and DevOps software development practices help startups, software development companies, digital agencies, and enterprises to get higher ROI. We are India’s most trusted outsourcing company with 650+ experts delivering next-gen software engineering and product development services.
1. Connecting People
PixelCrayons focuses on the people who work as a cornerstone of our business and are critical to our success. Our experience suggests that employee turnover depends on a stable employment environment leading to a problem-free, de-risked transition ideal work atmosphere. We believe in early engagement with the staff with the needed assurance. We have grown tremendously and are proud of our retention rate and staff progression programs.
2. Our Growth
We provide a low-risk transition that is fundamental to our client’s objectives. Our engagement, management, and communication model give you ultimate success in your business model. With a proven track record of transition with people and services, we provide an integrated and coordinated approach toward employee transition and transformation. We ensure consistency with all our clients including control, ownership and stewardship covering all functions such as change, risk and tracking issues.
3. Our Contract Framework
We enter into a transparent contract with all the flexibility required in the changing business environment. Our agreement governs several local schedules cut out for regional business activities. The scalable contract framework provides a simple route with added functionality. It attracts pre-determined charges with complete transparency and cost predictability. We shall uphold our flexibility and transparency in the event of any divestment or separation of a business unit at a later date. Our contract supports business agility and is more responsive to business growth. We ensure cost alignment with the relevant business units.
Conclusion
In the current scenario, companies need to change how they consume IT services. They need to cope with business alterations and other unprecedented developments. Today, companies no longer need an IT vendor only to maximize their revenue. On the contrary, they look forward to partnering on strategic interests aligned with business needs.
