Business Intelligence Slideshow: 9 Winning Tactics For Efficient Offshoring

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.

Dont 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.

Its 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, PolandThese 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.