Businesses both large and small are always looking for ways to gain competitive advantage and grow. It may be to establish a branch in a new territory or focus on local expansion. Whatever the goal, one tried and tested tactic regularly pops up: outsourcing.
Outsourcing is for businesses of all sizes. It’s for startups in need of expertise in one or another core business area, and for enterprises looking for cost-effective methods of growing their business.
When you begin your search for an outsourcing services provider, you will likely come across the term “managed services”. But what are managed services and for that matter, what is outsourcing? Let’s find out…
What is Outsourcing?
Outsourcing is the practice whereby a business partners with a third-party provider to source talent that will undertake specific tasks and business functions. These functions could be payroll outsourcing or IT outsourcing.
Why businesses choose to outsource is another thing. It can be for one of many reasons, too, such as budget restrictions, extra hands needed on one project, or growth objectives. With Emapta, for instance, our flexible and transparent outsourcing model means zero hidden costs and scalability. On average, businesses who partner with us save up to 70% on staff costs when we source the top 5% of talent from locations such as the Philippines, Colombia, and Sri Lanka.
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
According to TTEC, a managed service outsourcing model offers “a comprehensive range of services within one or several areas, such as IT or ERP. Instead of supporting a few business processes, a managed services provider provides end-to-end operational support and enhancements for a seamless end-user experience.”
Companies choose managed services because it allows them to ingrate several solutions, service providers, and technologies within one plan.
Outsourcing vs Managed Services
Now that you know a little about outsourcing and managed services outsourcing, let’s assess the differences and opportunities of both.
The Difference
So, what are the key differences between managed services and outsourcing?
Simply put, managed services offer the same advantages as outsourcing except that they provide a range of services for one specific area. Managed service providers will also work to continuously improve the function you have outsourced whilst also providing you with advice.
So, should there be one area or function of your business you wish to wholly outsource, managed services will suit you better. And, just like an outsourced service provider, your managed service provider will assess your current situation, explore solutions, and return with their findings before your transition begins.
The Opportunity
Managed services and outsourcing offer businesses several similar opportunities. These include:
- Access to premium talent: Working with an outsourcing provider means you gain access to top talent. At Emapta, we source the top 5% of premium talent from our hubs in the Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Macedonia and Colombia.
- Pricing and cost savings: Offshore talent comes at a far more cost-effective rate than you’re likely to find within your jurisdiction. For instance, Emapta’s flexible and transparent pricing model save up to 70% on staff costs.
- Scalability: When your business breaks new ground, you won’t want to slow its progress. Outsourcing and managed services allow for instant expansion of your off-site team, saving you the hassle of recruiting and training new staff over longer periods.
- Reduced risk: At Emapta, we utilize bank-level cybersecurity, an on-site Australian management team, and proven internal systems and processes to back up your data.
- Productivity: When you outsource specific business activities, whether it’s IT functions or your Help Desk, you’ll notice that productivity will rise. That’s because outsourcing time-consuming tasks gives your in-house teams far more time to focus on their work.
These opportunities are available within both managed services and outsourcing. However, it’s important to remember that managed services allow you to outsource and connect several functions in one plan.
Emapta: The Choice of International CEOs
Now that you know a little more about outsourcing and managed services, it’s time to make your move.
When it comes to outsourcing, choosing a leading external provider like Emapta means you gain access to the top 5% of global talent. Trusted by international CEOs, we operate talent hubs in five countries: the Philippines, Colombia, Macedonia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. When you need to hire staff, we task our team of 120 experienced recruiters to find the very best talent available. Still, the benefits of partnering with Emapta go on and on.
To discover how Emapta’s outsourcing solutions can meet your business needs and help it grow, book a consultation with us today.