st 
By Randev Dias, Senior Manager Professional Services at OpusCapita Group. The global business environment is in constant shift. As organizations adapt to changes triggered by socioeconomic, geopolitical and environmental factors, the expectations from business process outsourcing are also changing. Enterprises analyze the impact of changes to their business and adapt to new ways of working. The objective of such analysis is to utilize the effects of changes towards improving operations, reducing costs and maximizing profits. Organizations are constantly seeking new opportunities, capabilities, enhancements and value added services through outsourcing.
In contrast to traditional transactional process outsourcing (i.e.: finance and accounting) modern enterprises are focusing more on areas such as knowledge process outsourcing, big data analytics, software robotics and intelligent automation. The adaptability to the changing environments will tremendously help organizations to gain more, through world class services, superior competences and latest advancements in the industry. Although cost savings still is a key driver for outsourcing, attributes such as process quality improvement, access to superior domain expertise, outstanding analytical capabilities, high level of automation, transparent & streamlined services, and sustainable growth are key drivers for next generation Business Process Outsourcing.
The emerging trends in business process outsourcing within Europe are as follows.
Cloud computing and mobile technology
Cloud computing provides universal accessibility opportunities. Users could login to software/ programs independent of the location, device or technology. It gives a great degree of freedom and powerful integration capabilities. Furthermore, license based pricing models provide better control and flexibility. As a result of cloud computing, the infrastructure investment needs are decreased. This in turn facilitates Saas (Software as a Service) and BpaaS (Business Process as a Service). The flexibility of data access and reduced costs are key benefits.
Vertical outsourcing
Vertical outsourcing refers to managing end to end chain of a function through an outsourcing partner. This ensures that all steps in a specific process are outsourced and managed. As an example, the vertical outsourcing of Purchase to pay process starts with invoice scanning, ends with the payments handling, and includes all functions in-between. Vertical outsourcing delivers high value through consolidated services, and therefore, has a tangible business impact.
Big data analytics
The quantity of data related to a business process is extensive. Enterprises require large volumes of data to be analyzed, extracted and converted to meaningful information. The content adds high value in business process performance analysis and process improvements. Furthermore this consolidated information would be utilized in organizations decision making processes. Through big data management, enterprises could better process transparency, visibility and control. It would lead to improved and streamlined operations, complemented by tangible business impact.
Impact of social media
Social media is an integral part of the modern business operations. In outsourcing, the activeness in social media is highly important. It is an enabler in establishing new synergies and cross border co-operation. It is also a platform to share feedback, reviews and opinions. Furthermore, social media provides opportunities in business development, operational improvements and creating a superior customer experience.
Crowdsourcing
An innovative trend, crowdsourcing refers to obtaining services from a group of persons, instead of depending on specific suppliers and fixed contracts. This is made possible through online communications and social networking. Demand driven virtual teams are established based on competence, availability and capabilities. The group performs tasks as defined. Once objectives are complete, the team disperses. It is a novel trend and is gaining interest. Through effective management, crowdsourcing delivers results faster, cheaper and possibly with better quality.
Sustainable outsourcing
More and more European businesses are focusing on long term performance and sustainability of operations. Corporate and social responsibility, environmental impact of operations, and consistent economic growth are key attributes which companies focus on. The expectation towards outsourcing service providers is also to focus on sustainability issues and provide value added services. The alignment of corporate strategy and business ethics between outsourcing service providers and potential customers would deliver long term benefits and successful co-operation opportunities.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the latest trends of outsourcing are geared towards customer centric services with high degree of flexibility and tailoring possibilities. Mobile technology, cloud computing and self-service options are growing in demand. Furthermore, traditional transaction based process outsourcing is becoming outdated. Customers are now interested in full end-to-end outsourcing, and related value added, knowledge based services. As a result, the potential for cost savings is higher and the value generation is significant. The influence of social media and crowdsourcing further contribute towards maximizing benefits.
Through business process outsourcing, enterprises expect value beyond cost savings. Although cost optimization has been a motivator, organizations are now looking for additional benefits such as access to world class technologies and processes, specialized knowledge on business operations, functional improvements to gain better market and industry leadership, and opportunities to generate strategic growth. There is also high focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. These are key insights and emerging trends of business process outsourcing in Europe.
About the author: Randev Dias is an internationally experienced management professional with specialized competence within global business and finance. He has well developed expertise in cross border projects and operations management. Randev has conducted extensive research in business process outsourcing trends and strategies, which are published in his book “Outstanding Outsourcing. Contact via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randevdias
References:
- Berry, J., 2006, Offshoring opportunities, strategies and tactics for global competitiveness. New Jersey, Wiley
- Accenture. (2013). Accenture: Achieving high performance in BPO. Retrieved from Accenture: Achieving high performance in BPO. Available at: http://www.accenture.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/PDF/Accenture-Achieving-High-Performance-in-BPO-Research-Report.pdf
- Capgemini. (2013). Knowledge process outsourcing: Capgemini. Retrieved from Knowledge process outsourcing. Capgemini. Available at: http://www.capgemini.com/resource-file-access/resource/pdf/b_Knowledge_Process_Outsourcing.pdf
- Deloitte Consulting. (2013). Creating momentum: Migrating to BPO. Available at: http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-UnitedKingdom/Local%20Assets/Documents/Services/Consulting/uk-con-day2-tools-creating-momentum.pdf: http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-UnitedKingdom/Local%20Assets/Documents/Services/Consulting/uk-con-day2-tools-creating-momentum.pdf
- Ernst & Young. (2013). Outsourcing in Europe. Available at: http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/Outsourcing_in_Europe_2013/$FILE/EY-outsourcing-survey.pdf