Let’s face it. Just about everyone is new to some aspect of outsourcing, whether it be IT, BPO or global sourcing.

So, each year we devote one issue of Outsourcing Essentials to reviewing the basics of outsourcing, which we call our annual Buyer’s Guide.

And, even those who think of themselves as veteran outsourcers will also find this issue to be a useful refresher course.

For example, in “Setting Standards,” Simon Briskman points out the value in benchmarking to assure that even after a number of years the outsourced service is just as attractive as it was on day one.

This is especially important when offshoring. “Though most of these mechanisms can be applied just as well to offshoring as to traditional domestic and internal outsourcing, benchmarking has some characteristics unique to the offshore environment,” Briskman writes.

Of course, all the planning and benchmarking could be for naught if you don’t select the right vendor.

In “Recipe for Success,” Sridhar Turaga stresses how a systematic review of vendor performance can ensure long-term gains. The article discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of designing and implementing end-to-end service level management in any BPO relationship.

Meanwhile, in “Painless Offshoring,” Neeraj Bhargava and Amit Bhatia discuss the relative new trend of outsourcing so-called Knowledge Services (KS), which the authors concede “was unheard of” just a decade ago. “In our mind, the essential ingredients of success in all KS offshoring initiatives are: Start Small, Think Big; Pursue Quality, Benefits Follow; Put People First,” the authors write.

And, don’t miss our regular Legal Briefs section, which also addresses the beginner outsourcer. This issue, three prominent attorneys answer the question: "What are the three most important things those new to outsourcing should assure is in their contract?"

Tell me what you think, e-mail me any other comments, suggestions or questions at fcasale@outsourcing.com.

Regards,

Frank J. Casale

Frank J. Casale
Founder and CEO
The Outsourcing Institute