Outsourcing Is Evolving In Australia

The outlook for the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in Australia is evolving from a simple cost effective alternative to a means of improving operational efficiency. Australian businesses have been persuaded to try out business process outsourcing to international service providers due to its positive global expansion potential.

SMEs in particular are eager to jump on the outsourcing bandwagon. Processes such as inbound telemarketing, customer relationship management (CRM), human resources management, finance, accounting and document management are the ones frequently outsourced.

Another factor that is driving Australian companies to outsource is cloud computing. The mobility and proven reliability of cloud services is swaying more organisations to consider the possibility of outsourcing enterprise-level cloud computing, while those already using the service are planning to rely more heavily on third party cloud service providers.

No matter what process is outsourced by a business, outsourcing to both freelance contractors and BPO firms still pose serious risks. Whether the services is sales leads generation, telemarketing, technical troubleshooting, data entry, appointment setting, transcription, human resource, financing or some other back office process, a thorough research and inquiry into the background of the firm or freelancer is important.

Here are a few basic tips to help businesses avoid transacting with unprofessional outsourcing contractors:

• Whenever available, scrutinise online websites of outsourcing firms and social profiles of freelancers to avoid shady contractors
• Always ask for client testimonials and a portfolio of previous work to ensure the validity of their claims
• Employ outsourcing project management, time-tracking and work monitoring software such as Basecamp, AceProject, Freedcamp, DotProject or TeamLab.