What is the definition of outsourcing? What are the benefits of outsourcing and should you use outsourcing for your business?

Outsourcing is a term used for hiring a consultant, independent contractor, or freelancer to do a specific task or tasks for an organization in which the organization either does not have the time or the expertise to do on their own.

There are many forms of outsourcing ranging from outsourcing payroll to outsourcing package handling, to everything in between.  It is entirely possible to outsource practically every business process or the entire function within an organization.

All businesses are consistently looking for ways to increase productivity and lower costs. From an economic standpoint, increasing productivity and lowering costs are essential elements for business success.   At the same time, an organization always faces challenges in using their resources wisely to boost the business to next level. This is where outsourcing can help.  In today’s economy, outsourcing has played a key role in the success of an organization.  Increasing organizations realize the advantages to outsource non-core operations to experts and focus their resources and talents in their core activities.

Outsourcing service providers are not just service providers, but as strategic partners.  Outsourcing is not merely due to cost saving but to introduce innovation and efficiency in business operations.  The service providers work with various businesses across industries.  Every business and industry has their own systems and procedures.  Working with multiple businesses and industries equipped service providers with knowledge and experience to offer professional services.  It is not cost efficient for small to medium organization to over invest in certain non-core business operations while they can shift this investment to the core business operation for a significantly higher return.  Outsourcing is considered to be a better alternative compared to in-house managed operations.