Ben Trowbridge
In our capacity as counsel to Global 1000 companies in sourcing transactions, we are frequently asked whether we recommend use of a third-party outsourcing advisor. The answer to that question is generally “Yes, by all means,” especially if the transaction is outside the norm for that entity and entails new components that are beyond the …
Thomas Keenan and Geofrey L. Master, Mayer Brown JSM
In part 2 of this series, we’ll discuss common problems in tooling as well as tooling in the real world and the importance of comprehensive, enforceable tooling arrangements. Part 1 defines tooling as part of the integrated outsourcing process as well as tooling financing and ownership. As a result of globalization and the ability of …
Thomas Keenan and Geofrey L. Master, Mayer Brown JSM
As a result of globalization and the ability of consumers to purchase products at the lowest cost, Chinese manufacturing has become an integral part of the supply chains of many consumer product companies. With the high level of integration of consumer product companies and Chinese manufacturing, there is an increasing reliance on manufacturers to finance, …
Outsourcing Center, Patti Putnicki, Business Writer
There’s a rumor circulating in Europe, igniting fear and paranoia among businesses and consumers alike: Big Brother is alive and well and living in a U.S.-based cloud. That is, cloud data privacy is in jeopardy. Allow us to explain. Two European companies announced the creation of the first fully European “Database-as-a-Service” cloud offering – one …
Robert Joslin, Managing Director, Alsbridge
Hint: 12 Months Out is TOO Late When should you start working on your next outsourcing contract? Many organizations do not address the end of a contract until the last year of its term. The notification period in the contract, typically 6-to-12 months, usually triggers this discussion. However I believe this is a mistake. Developing …
Thomas Keenan and Geofrey L. Master, Mayer Brown LLP
The entire sourcing value chain for consumer products sourced or manufactured in Asia has become increasingly interconnected and mutually reliant—ownership of physical manufacturing assets and intellectual property rights has become more ambiguous and contentious. With ambiguity over ownership and rights to manufacturing assets, customers lose the key leverage of mobility. While brand companies were able …
Outsourcing Center, Patti Putnicki, Business Writer
Can you even remember what it was like to have to be in a “place” to make a call? When a flat tire meant a search for a pay phone? When email was something that accumulated between Friday and Monday, until the office computer was powered back on? It’s hard to believe that when the …
Outsourcing Center, Patti Putnicki, Business Writer
If information technology outsourcing (ITO) were a movie, cloud, analytics and mobility would be the headliners. Although this trendsetting triad is having a dramatic impact on how services are consumed and how companies operate, a number of other significant trends are emerging in the information technology outsourcing space. This article focuses on those unsung heroes …
Thomas Keenan and Geofrey L. Master, Mayer Brown LLP
The product supply chain from China is not what it used to be. Over the past 20 years, Chinese consumer-product manufacturers have become increasingly sophisticated and capable of taking on more “value-adding” tasks or segments of the product creation supply chain and have moved from mere manufacturers to multi-functional suppliers. In doing so, they have …
Linda Tuck Chapman, President, ONTALA Performance Solutions Ltd.
Despite quantum improvements to outsourcing deals and governance over the past 10 to 15 years, when it comes to achieving outsourcing process excellence there’s still plenty of opportunity. Part of the challenge is that once the decision is made to outsource or change providers, the clock starts ticking….fast. It takes real discipline to know when …
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