Research & Insight

Industry

Manufacturing & Hi-tech

The Evolving Product Sourcing Value Chain in China — Part 1

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 …

Less Haste, More Speed: Improving the ROI on Outsourcing Transactions

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 …

Managing Enterprise Mobility in a Bring-Your-Own-Device World: Trends, Challenges and the Role of Outsourcing

Outsourcing Center, Patti Putnicki, Business Writer

It is the era of the 24/7 employee – but no one seems to be complaining. Cloud computing, collaboration convergence and the need for access-on-the-go have driven a surge in mobility technologies. Instead of wanting to “get away from it all,” people want to take it all with them – accessible through the lightweight devices …

Valuing Terms in Outsourcing Contracts

Brad L. Peterson, Partner, Mayer Brown LLP

If you are an outsourcing customer, outsourcing contracts are like a three-legged stool. Their value depends on what you agree to buy, what you agree to pay and the terms. Although the agreement and the other contract terms are often extensive, outsourcing customers often underestimate, or even overlook, the value in contract terms. Why Focus …

Trends in Transportation: Driving Innovation Through Outsourcing

Outsourcing Center, Patti Putnicki, Business Writer

Can transportation outsourcing be a catalyst for innovation? The answer is a definite “yes.” Today, transportation organizations are partnering with outsourcers to do more than reduce cost. Transportation outsourcing enables finding creative ways to decrease congestion, improve safety and protect the environment, all while positioning to respond to the needs of a new generation of …

Biggest Challenges in Maintaining Superior Service Levels in Outsourcing Relationships

Outsourcing Center, Kathleen Goolsby, Senior Writer

Outsourcing rookies, of course, face many challenges in achieving their desired return on investment because their deals often lack one or more elements that are foundational to success. And all outsourcing relationships encounter challenges that arise in unanticipated situations. But what about experienced buyers and relationships that are more mature? What issues arise in their …

BPO Study’s Surprising Findings on Value and Long-Term Intent in Outsourcing Relationships

Outsourcing Center, Kathleen Goolsby, Senior Writer

Buyers of outsourced services want their service providers to invest in technologies that bring continual improvement to the outsourced processes. Providers want to invest only where it is also beneficial to their margins in the long run. Therein lies a conflict. Are there reliable predictors of a buyer’s intent for a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship …

Small U.S.-Based Finance and Accounting Outsourcer Delivers Value of Large Providers

Outsourcing Center, Kathleen Goolsby, Senior Writer

The bulk of most companies’ operational costs are in manpower, says Ragu Bhargava, CEO of Global Upside, Inc., a finance and accounting (F&A) service provider. That’s one of the reasons companies in all industries are increasingly bucking the long-held practice of retaining full-time F&A staff in house. Mountain View, Calif,-based Global Upside, Inc. provides services …

Five "Gotchas" When Negotiating an Outsourcing Agreement

David Mitchell, Senior Consultant

While reducing cost is typically the primary benefit of outsourcing, you also want outsourcing agreements that allow you to realize your immediate and long-term delivery needs, provide contract flexibility and ensure that you receive maximum value for the money you will be spending. To meet those objectives, pay careful attention to the five “gotchas” noted …

Outsourcing Service Providers Craft FAO Offerings for the Midmarket Keen on Cost Savings

Outsourcing Center, Bruce McCracken, Business Writer

Improving Processes, Going Offshore Best Ways to Reduce G&A Costs Outsourcing service providers servicing midmarket companies (defined here as companies with $1billion to $3 billion in annual revenues) face challenges that differ from working with large corporate buyers. How do they provide the same type of services as they do for enterprises and stay profitable, …

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