Top 5 Critical Things To Look for When Choosing An Outsourcing Partner

One must make an informed decision when choosing and/or appointing an outsourcing partner for IT/ BPO services. It am be time-taking but pays in the long-term - when you clearly define what you want, it assures best results and that your expectations are met. You might ask the following questions:

# Does the chosen outsource partner have past experience in providing the service that you want to outsource?
# How your selected outsourcing service provider will ensure quality?
# Is best technology, software and infrastructure being used and does your partner has experienced, trained and qualified professionals that can efficiently handle your projects?

No matter what your specific concern is, here are some #tips for choosing the best outsource partner for your business.

 Check for good credentials, financial stability & business goals

Well…financial security of your outsource partner is a critical factor. And so is the detailed information about the outsourcing service provider's directors and managers, their experience and their qualification. Once you are geared with these details, you will be able to analyze if a particular outsourcing service provider can match up to your expectations.

Check the concerned (outsourcing) company’s track record

Is your outsource partner experienced enough to support you in dealing with the different kinds of customers? Have they done it before? If yes, what is the number of projects that they have completed and no. of clients they have served? Also, find out their years of experience in delivering the required services at the scale of your business needs.

Ask for work samples, references

Try and develop an understanding of your outsource partner's technical capabilities, expertise and quality of work. Asking for work samples and verifying these samples is a good idea if you have doubts. You may even ask your outsourcing partner for a prototype.

Similarly, prior to finalizing on an outsource partner ask for references. From references you can find out more about their work quality, timeliness and customer support services. Contact their customers to find out more and get more information about issues such as, responsibility and turnaround time. That gives you firsthand information about whether the outsourcing relationship between you and the selected outsourcing partner would work.

Communication & accessibility is key to the success of an outsourcing relationship along with cultural compatibility

Your business outsourcing partner should be accessible on a 24x7, all round the year on instant messenger, phone and email amongst others to be able to constantly communicate with you. Good communication can assure you about the outsourcing relationship and help your partner to understand the business objectives you have in mind. Alongside, you and your outsource partner should be culturally compatible. Make sure that your business partner understands your organization and your employees.

Choose an outsourcing partner that has best-in-class infrastructure and technology, provides post development support

Visit your outsourcing partner's workplace and find out if your outsourcing partner uses best-of-breed infrastructure and high-end technology including - their processes, methodologies and team work amongst others. It helps you analyze if they have the capability to handle your project. Equally important rather more important is to be offered support services after the completion of a project. It helps you resolve issues that you might be having after your project has been implemented.