What is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)? Definition, Examples, Benefits & Models

Table of Contents

We are all familiar with the concept of outsourcing business processes. With improved IT capabilities and reduced international trade barriers, organizations interlink with each other for flourishing their business globally. However, they are mostly focusing on cost reduction while accessing global resources to meet the demands of the industry. Here comes the concept of BPO Business Process Outsourcing that leads the organizations to increase the scope of business as a whole by generating avenues on a global scale.

Every successful organization can adapt, solve, and find efficient ways to conduct its business operations. However, fixing problems couldn’t be the ultimate goal. Adopting a Business Process Outsourcing business model for selective work functions can lead to streamlining businesses effectively.

What is Business Process Outsourcing – The BPO?

The Business Process Outsourcing definition is a type of outsourcing in which one organization contracts with an additional business to handle one or more of its business processes. Customer service, back-office operations, payroll, HR tasks, data entry services, market research, etc. are among the company functions that are most frequently outsourced.

Additionally, the idea of BPO has been changing. These days, BPO services also cover fields like social media analytics, software development, search engine optimization, and more that call for specific knowledge. These are additionally referred to as KPO regions (KPO). Organizations of all sizes outsource processes, and demand is increasing as new innovative services are offered in the BPO services that provide a competitive advantage.

Business Process Outsourcing Examples

Example #1:

Let’s examine a real-world instance of business process outsourcing. One activity that is frequently performed by BPO is payroll. Additionally, it’s one of the most frequent responsibilities that every company must complete. 

You have the option to have a business process outsourcing accounting to a business that specializes in doing so rather than paying to employ and run a full payroll department. Assume, for instance, that your business manufactures toys for kids. You might outsource payroll management to a different business rather than devoting time away from your primary business operations.

You could save money, supplies, and priceless production time by outsourcing. By utilizing the outsourcing firm’s expertise in optimizing essential business processes for other businesses, your company can concentrate on its core competency—in this case, creating toys—while also benefiting from its area of expertise.

Example #2:

Healthcare business process outsourcing is an action or process that gives medical organizations, staff, and institutions support (administrative or otherwise). Coding, billing, transcription, and other common outsourcing projects fall under this category.

It is safe to state that healthcare business process outsourcing is used by medical companies. Pharmaceutical business process outsourcing in the insurance and industries is not seen as being the most customer-centric. Businesses must make sure that patients and customers have better experiences given the rising demand for healthcare services. A review of the operational capacity of healthcare brands is necessary in light of the ageing population and the current situation with healthcare emergencies.

The implementation of excellent CX and digital-first touchpoints would be a significant change. Shifting beyond sick care to proactively healthcare experiences will involve, among other things, escaping the concern and fear that come with being sick and beginning to incorporate frictionless patient-doctor and consumer interactions.

The new standard is to anticipate issues and address them before they affect the patient or consumer. Medical business process outsourcing has made great strides in improving the customer experience. However, judging by its modest level of popularity, there is still much space for improvement. And here is where customer care business processes outsourcing for healthcare is useful.

What Are The Business Process Outsourcing Advantages?

The benefits of business process outsourcing are explained as follows;

  • Lower Pricings 

Cost savings is one of the primary justifications for outsourcing for businesses. They can outsource the jobs to a service provider, lowering or even eliminating overhead costs, rather than purchasing IT equipment and recruiting more staff to execute diverse tasks.

  • Greater Efficiency

BPO firms have a wealth of industry knowledge and deliver excellent work. They also use the most recent technologies and best practices. Naturally, it leads to increased production and efficiency.

  • Focuses Core Business Features

Many businesses, typically start-ups, struggle with supplementary company activity. The organization has more time to concentrate on its core business operations when non-essential functions are outsourced to a BPO firm.

  • Internationalization

Some tasks that call for familiarity with the local market, understanding of national law, or proficiency in a different language can be delegated to a BPO business if an organization wishes to enter a foreign market. It aids in accelerating expansion and increasing efficiency.

Large companies that work on significant projects have long employed a variety of business process outsourcing strategies. Folio3 here has compiled 5 models where each model will describe to you what it is so you may decide which one best suits your company’s needs.

Five Most Common Business Process Outsourcing Management Models

  • Global Outsourcing

Most large companies that offer a broad array of services frequently choose this outsourcing approach. To finish large projects, they collaborate and link up with enterprises abroad in addition to those in the nation. In this model, clients contract out work to numerous specialized companies in various nations. In addition to benefiting those in developing nations, this arrangement benefits both sides. As a consequence, the project is profitable for the client, and service companies will profit greatly as a result.

  • Joint Venture Contract

In this model, two companies sign joint business process outsourcing contracts under which they will split assets, earnings, and even losses. Additionally, the terms and conditions frequently stipulate that the client company and the service provider will split the personnel, resources, and time until the project is finished.

  • Project-Based Outsourcing

As the name implies, project-based outsourcing benefits businesses with irregular or sporadic tasks. The majority of such projects feature low to medium intricacy along with clearly defined deliverables and requirements. Companies outsource them so they may carry on with their usual business operations and, at the same time, pay a dedicated workforce to concentrate on the task.

  • Staff Leasing

In this model, a company outsources a small group of workers or a portion of their time rather than an entire team or business. When businesses require the services of higher-skilled workers but not on a full-time basis, they frequently choose this option. A few of them engage personnel to provide additional services they are lacking or if they are unable to put together a new internal team.

  • Offshoring

In this model, a corporation instead spreads out throughout multiple nations, with the main company overseeing employee training. In addition to delegating some of their work to other businesses, they also share jobs across the branches. They can use this strategy to make the most of their resources and reduce operating expenses while retaining control over their workflow and service delivery. Additionally, this approach enables the parent company to tap market opportunities and grow closer to clients to where they outsource.

When employed for the correct purposes, each one of these business process outsourcing models is effective. To know what’s best for your company, though, first assess the state of your operation and speak with our specialists.

Related Post