| Are you considering off shore outsourcing? If so, | | | | things. Make sure there is synergy between you |
| focusing on the fundamentals will save you a few | | | | and the supplier. Strong supplier relationship |
| headaches and keep your project on track. | | | | management is critical to a successful outsource |
| From computers and car parts, to software | | | | partnership. |
| development and consumer electronics, | | | | 6. Be sure you know and understand the logistic |
| outsourcing has become a way of doing business, | | | | requirements of the country you are shipping |
| and it is accelerating at a quick rate. According to | | | | product. It's always good to identify a good |
| market research firm Meta Group, offshore | | | | logistics partner to assist with shipping and |
| outsourcing is expected to grow nearly 20 | | | | customs. |
| percent a year through 2008. | | | | 7. Develop contracts and service level |
| The fundamentals of any successful outsourcing | | | | agreements(SLA) that speak to your specific |
| project begin with the following: | | | | needs and expectations. - Don't be afraid to |
| 1. Assemble a outsource project team. | | | | engage your supplier on issues of concern. Being |
| 2. Develop a clear and concise RFP / Statement | | | | proactive with possible issues early in the contract |
| of Work / Design specification. | | | | negotiation process will help to eliminate future |
| 3. Due diligence should be used when selecting | | | | problems. |
| suppliers to send RFP - a little leg upfront work | | | | 8. Make sure you and your outsource partner |
| goes a long ways when it comes times to form | | | | agreement on an acceptable ramp-up time. This |
| your short list. Be sure to have non-disclosures | | | | will help if required by the supplier. |
| signed prior to releasing any proprietary | | | | 9. Never take anything for granted. Do your |
| information. | | | | homework and you'll okay. |
| 4. Evaluate all proposals for technical competency, | | | | The points mention above should cover the basic |
| thoroughness and understanding of the | | | | frame work of your offshore outsourcing project. |
| requirements. | | | | Please realize that every project and situation is |
| 5. Supplier selection criteria should be based on | | | | different and will require planning and risk |
| technical capabilities, IT infrastructure, financial | | | | mitigation on your part. |
| strength, capacity and references among other | | | | |