Companies are increasingly leveraging outsourced and contingent workforces to optimize operational efficiency and reduce costs. Outsourcing can even occur across the business, from the IT department to human resources.
According to Forbes, global IT outsourcing revenue is projected to reach $587.6 billion by 2027, increasing by about 8.2% each year.
Nonetheless, managing these remote and diversified teams can be challenging and necessitates robust software and technology solutions. These technologies simplify administrative tasks such as timesheet management, payment processing, and contract enforcement. They also enhance visibility into the performance and productivity of outsourced staff.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most important technologies for managing outsourced staff. We’ll also reveal how outsourcing other parts of the IT function, such as the helpdesk and cybersecurity, can free up internal resources and make it easier to keep outsourced and remote workers secure.
Understanding the Need for IT Solutions in Staff Outsourcing
The landscape of outsourcing has dramatically evolved over the years, shifting from being merely a cost-saving strategy to becoming an integral part of the operational model for modern companies. This transformation has been largely driven by the increased complexity and scope of outsourced tasks, with businesses now regularly outsourcing key functions that require specialized skills and expertise.
This shift has necessitated a parallel evolution in technology and software solutions, which now play a pivotal role in effectively managing outsourced staff and ensuring seamless integration with in-house operations. These tools not only streamline administrative processes, but also foster effective communication, enhance productivity tracking, and ultimately, enable businesses to harness the full potential of their outsourced workforce.
Choosing Solutions Wisely
Adding new software can create technology bloat at the company. Global organizations already use an average of 130 software as a service (SaaS) applications, and the number of SaaS apps used by companies has constantly increased since 2015.
That means it’s critically important to be discerning in what types of apps you choose and which brands you adopt. Adding apps can add complexity, but they can also significantly reduce risk and improve efficiency when outsourcing.
For example, the ability to monitor and assess the progress of outsourced projects in real time enables businesses to maintain control, ensure timely delivery, and adjust strategies as necessary.
Moreover, advanced software solutions provide an avenue for seamless communication and collaboration, elements that are integral to the success of outsourced operations. Tools such as project management platforms, file-sharing services, and communication apps foster an environment where ideas can be shared and issues resolved swiftly, regardless of location or timezone. This not only improves the quality of output and speed of delivery but also strengthens the relationship between the company and its outsourced staff, promoting a more cohesive and productive working environment.
Exploring Key Tech Solutions for Contingent Staffing Management
Key technology solutions necessary for effective management of contingent staff and outsourced workers include:
- Vendor Management Systems (VMS): These platforms enable companies to manage and evaluate their vendors and contingent staff. They provide a centralized database for tracking performance, costs, and compliance issues.
- Managed IT Services: By outsourcing IT operations like helpdesk support, network management, and cybersecurity, organizations can focus their resources on core business functions.
- Collaboration Tools: Software like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace facilitates communication and collaboration among global and remote teams.
- Project Management Tools: Software like Asana, Trello, or Jira provides comprehensive oversight of tasks, deadlines, and project workflows, keeping all team members updated regardless of their location.
- Cloud-Based HR Software: This technology simplifies the process of onboarding, training, and managing remote staff, allowing for seamless integration of these employees into the company’s workflow.
- Secure Remote Access Solutions: VPNs and other secure access solutions ensure that remote workers can safely access company resources, protecting both company and employee data.
- Time Tracking Software: Tools like TimeDoctor or Toggl help to monitor productivity and ensure accurate billing for outsourced workers.
By leveraging these technologies, businesses can optimize their outsourced workforce and effectively manage the complexities of managing a diverse, remote team. With the right technology solutions in place, companies can unlock the full potential of their contingent staff and drive greater value for their organization.
The Role of Helpdesk Outsourcing in Effective Contingent Staff Management
Helpdesk outsourcing presents a significant opportunity for more effective management of contingent staff. This approach delegates the responsibility of dealing with technical issues, user inquiries, and IT-related problems to a third-party provider.
Consequently, this frees up valuable time and resources within the organization, allowing the management to concentrate more on the supervision and direction of their outsourced teams. With more focus on contingent staff, the management can better monitor their productivity and ensure alignment with the company’s objectives.
Efficient Resolutions
Furthermore, helpdesk outsourcing ensures a more efficient resolution of technical problems that the contingent staff may encounter. With a dedicated team of experts readily available to address these issues, downtime is minimized thereby maintaining the productivity of the outsourced team.
This not only improves the overall performance and output quality of the contingent staff but also fosters a smoother, more streamlined operational workflow. With fewer disruptions and more focused management, companies can harness the full potential of the outsourced workforce.
Reducing Cybersecurity Risk from an Outsourced Workforce
A comprehensive cybersecurity suite is crucial when employing an outsourced workforce due to the increased risk factors associated with remote working. With staff accessing company data from various locations and networks, the potential for data breaches and cyber-attacks significantly escalates.
According to an article by Cyber Security Intelligence, “It’s important for [organizations] to have a plan in place. The plan must cover what data the third-party group can access, how to track that access, and what will happen if a breach does take place.”
Cybersecurity measures such as secure remote access solutions, robust anti-malware software, and network security protocols are instrumental in safeguarding sensitive company information and maintaining the integrity of business operations.
Using Managed Cybersecurity
Opting for a managed cybersecurity solution offers the most effective strategy for mitigating these risks. A managed service provider brings specialized expertise and up-to-date knowledge of ever-evolving cyber threats, ensuring your company’s cybersecurity measures are always at the forefront of protection. Not only does this alleviate the burden of maintaining and updating these measures in-house, but it also provides continuous monitoring and swift response to potential security incidents. This ensures minimal disruption to business operations and allows a company to leverage its outsourced workforce securely and confidently.
Harnessing the Right Technologies for Outsourced Staff Management
In the evolving landscape of business operations, leveraging outsourced workforce has become an integral strategy for many companies. Effective management of this contingent staffing model is crucial, and technology plays a pivotal role in achieving this.
From Vendor Management Systems to managed IT services and collaboration tools, organizations can harness the power of these technologies to streamline their processes, enhance productivity, safeguard their data, and ultimately, optimize the benefits of outsourcing.
Moreover, outsourcing specific functions like IT helpdesk and cybersecurity management further enables companies to focus on core business operations and staff supervision. With the right technology and strategic outsourcing, organizations can transform their workforce management, drive value, and remain competitive in the global market. To learn more about your technology choices when it comes to outsourced staff management, contact us at Option One Technologies.
