Gaining a competitive edge through outsourcing

Can law firms, known for running lean administrative operations, keep up with the challenges presented by new technologies and gain a competitive edge?   Given the broad scope of expertise required to run a firm, are Administrative Managers spread too thin trying to keep up with these challenges?

Outsourcing some services, particularly those services which rely on the strategic use of technology, can provide the Administrative Manager some control at a time when change is rampant and a strategy is necessary.

The value of a service is often determined by its impact on the bottom line and outsourcing companies can offer cost efficient solutions.  As experts in specialized fields, outsourcing companies, by their very nature, are focused on delivering a service that is measurably better than[…]

Top 10 Reasons to Outsource Information Services

• Reduce overhead – forego some administrative and human resource costs and reduce space requirements
• Solve costly succession issues – contract with a reliable professional service will reduce the KM and HR issues that arise as employees retire
• Improve competitiveness and service flexibility – shifting business needs and changes in technology and resources affect the amount and type of information required. Economics favour the use of contract labour over direct employment because service levels can be improved or expanded at an equal or lower cost
• Capitalize on professional relationships that outsource companies foster and the purchasing advantages and expertise that may be available
• Provide temporary assistance – manage a special project, deal with a backlog, or temporary staff absences
• Ensure timeliness – outsourcing company appreciates the business constraints of time,

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Is outsourcing a viable strategy for your firm?

“The possibilities for process outsourcing as part of the response to market changes are significant. The nature and extent of the outsourcing will vary from firm to firm but, to be successful, must be appropriate to the firm’s internal and external environment. As proven in so many other business sectors, for those firms that get it right, it can undoubtedly provide a competitive edge.” Managing Partner Sept. 2010

The first step in evaluating whether outsourcing is appropriate for your firm involves conducting an information needs assessment. This involves surveying key members of your firm to determine critical information needs, reviewing the use of existing information resources and analyzing the current service model. The results will provide the information needed to customize the most appropriate cost effective information service for your[…]

Outsourcing pros and cons

Q. Can an outsourcing service fully understand the needs and culture of a client?

A.  The first task of the outsourcing company is to assess the client’s operation and current resources.   Mapping the information flows through the organization reveals inefficiencies or redundancies that, if amended, could improve systems and reduce business costs.  In addition the assessment reveals how decisions are made within an organization and identifies unique cultures.  This exercise informs the outsourcing company making it possible to work very effectively within that environment.

Q.  We have a librarian, thank you very much

A.  There are two issues to consider here.  Firstly, outsourcing can help with a succession plan should your librarian leave or retire.  Secondly outsourcing is a flexible alternative and can be used for work sharing. For instance,[…]