Looking For An Outsourcing Consultant? Here’s Your Checklist

Looking for an Outsourcing Consultant? Here’s Your Checklist
Sourcing Program Rises or Falls on Trust, Not Cost, Says Alsbridge CEO

DALLAS, December 9, 2008 – Corporations that look only at the cost of a sourcing program should broaden their focus.

“Rather than look only at the lowest cost, companies should strive for a sourcing program that achieves strategic and tactical outcomes aligned with its business objectives and that creates sustainable client value,” said Ben Trowbridge, CEO of Alsbridge, Inc. the leading outsourcing consultants. “This approach will produce the most effective outcome for the client in the optimum time.”

He said organizations must invest time to find the advisor that best matches their business objectives, consistently demonstrates excellent delivery, and is aligned with their organizational culture.

Approach and methodology are also important, Mr. Trowbridge said. “Consistently applied methodologies, use of standard frameworks, models and templates, access to critical benchmarking and other informational resources produce an efficient, effective sourcing process.

“Besides the sourcing company, it’s also about the individuals who do the actual work,” Mr. Trowbridge said. Client organizations should investigate the capabilities and credentials of advisory services firms, and conduct thorough reference checks to confirm that both the company and the individuals doing the work can deliver value.

A few important principles “make your sourcing journey far less painful and the outcome more certain and sustainable,” Mr. Trowbridge said.

Make sure that your outsourcing advisors are committed to:

• Full, collaborative, unrestricted interaction between all parties
• Fast, efficient and effective process without excessive documentation
• Suppliers that co-design the solution
• Best use of the client's and supplier's time
• Interest-based, not adversarial, negotiations

• Does not promise what it will not contract for or cannot deliver
• Is clear and complete about services, service levels and pricing
• Involves delivery staff early and puts the client solution before the deal
• Ensures that the economics of the deal align with client goals and are sustainable
• Recognizes that the negotiating process needs give and take