When implemented successfully there are numerous benefits to outsourcing – you get a wider knowledge pool, remove recruitment costs and timelines, free your team up to focus on core activities, and can scale more easily.
Despite all the benefits, if you don’t do it right, there are genuine risks too.
To safeguard against the wrong choices, and to put yourself in the best position for a successful outsourcing process, here are six tips to consider when weighing up outsourcing your IT provision.
- Do your research
Check your favoured provider’s reputation. Not just via their own positive client testimonials – get the full picture by following up with the company who provided the testimonial to make sure the relationship is still strong. Some providers will also have reviews on Google and other platforms.
Also, make sure they have experience relevant to your sector. Specialist know-how goes a long way and will lead to a service which is more closely aligned to your requirements.
- Start with an audit
Make sure you and the outsourcing firm know what you are dealing with. Before you get started on the day-to-day, organise for them to carry out a comprehensive audit of your current network infrastructure and software.
A good outsourcing company will provide detailed recommendations from audit findings which can be fed into a technology improvement plan.
- Prioritise Security
It’s essential your company’s data is protected with relevant access control, and that the supplier’s security configuration is robust, meeting industry standards. All good suppliers will be able to provide a security policy, so make sure you request it before you commit. Do not engage with a supplier with a lower security profile than your own, as this opens your organisation up to increased risk.
- Involve key stakeholders
When cost benefits and goal realisation are clearly explained, senior management are likely to provide their backing for the venture. This is crucial for outsourcing success. Including executives in the decision will also provide a greater sense of responsibility and increases accountability.
- Don’t leave communication to chance
Ensure the SLA clearly dictates how you’ll communicate with the firm. Set up agreed communication channels and ensure the supplier has necessary systems to allow for ticketed and documentable support. Arrange for reporting to be part of the SLA to the frequency that suits you and make sure the company has a designated service manager who is your allocated go-to point of contact.
- Review processes regularly
A company can start a service term well but then slowly let standards slip if they are not held to account. When arranging the SLA insist on a regular pattern of review so that there is a fixed date for evaluating service and ensuring the supplier is on track and is meeting your standards.
As well as reviewing performance, take a close look at the processes and systems you and your supplier have in place. Identify any inefficiencies on either side and come up with action points to make it all smoother.
