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9 Winning Tactics For Efficient Offshoring

By Don Reisinger on 2010-08-02


Outsourcing key business functions to offshore providers is more popular than ever among United States enterprises, driven by low labor costs overseas, and the ongoing uncertainty of the economy. Offshoring provides cost savings and, when executed properly, it can help a company focus its domestic resources on developing new business opportunities, addressing strategic business needs, and increasing profits. Yet, it is precisely the challenges inherent in engaging in proper and efficient offshoring that might scare off some CIOs. As you know, running a business is difficult. Finding good talent can be even more difficult. Offshoring takes those two issues to a whole new level. It can be so rife with pitfalls that you might be tempted to stick with conventional business methods. However, if you are intent on achieving value by outsourcing some of your key functions overseas, there are tactics you can follow to do it right every time.

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Keep Security Functions In-House


Although some companies believe that providing 24-hour security through offshoring is a good way to go, the savvy CIO realizes the folly of that argument.

Two Good Reasons To Keep Security In-House


1. It keeps the security of mission-critical data in the hands of those who know the importance of that data best.
2. You're not relying on someone thousands of miles away, who might not care about that data as much as you do.

Don't Make Saving Cash Your Top Priority


Offshoring should improve your operation and equip it to handle the 24-hour business cycle, making your company more agile.

It's All About Business Continuity


Offshoring allows 24 x 7 data input. While you and your team take weekends or catch up on sleep, overseas workers are updating databases.

Avoid Disreputable Locations


1. Karachi, Pakistan
2. Medellin, Colombia
These are riskiest cities for outsourcing, per an annual survey by the Black Book of Outsourcing.

Stick to Reputable Locations


1. Prague
2. Warsaw, Poland
These are the safest cities for outsourcing, says the Black Book of Outsourcing

Evaluate ROI Carefully


1. You will need to pay vendors each year.
2. Offshoring is a long-term investment
3. There is little chance of turning a positive ROI within the first year.

Smart Decisions Limit Liability


The privacy of data and customer information must be guaranteed at all times. If something should go awry, you must know who is liable in case lawsuits or other problems arise.

Consider Macroeconomics


Potential fallout if you offshore:
1. Local consumers might not support a company that offshores.
2. Being perceived as causing local unemployment could hurt your bottom line.

Consider Macroeconomics


The best tactic to minimize fallout is to slowly work your way into offshoring with a test group. If that test goes well, ramp up further. If not, then re-evaluate.

Optimize, Then Offshore


One of the biggest mistakes CIOs make is failing to optimize a solution or service for overseas workers. This compounds the normal growing pains of starting an offshoring operation.

Stick With Reputable Firms


Highly reputable offshoring firms will help you get through the trials of sending work overseas.

Stick With Reputable Firms


Less-reputable firms provide cheaper service than their top-notch counterparts, but costs will multiply if the firm you pick is unreliable.

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