Over the past two decades, the global business environment has changed profoundly, thanks in part to the increasing popularity of solutions such as the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).
Digitalisation, international competitiveness, new consumption patterns and dynamic supply chains require a strategic approach to business organisation, in which tools such as BPO and business strategic sourcing take centre stage, to increase efficiency, accelerate innovation and meet the challenges of global markets.
The export success - now more than ever - comes from knowing the target markets (through targeted research) and the ability to source intelligently and resiliently (strategic sourcing).
Business Process Outsourcing consists of outsourcing the management of certain corporate operational activities, traditionally carried out in-house. Born in the manufacturing sector for optimise supply chains and support the internationalisation of companies, BPO has rapidly spread to areas such as healthcare, pharma, energy, professional services, ecommerce and logistics, becoming a real driver of growth and transformation, especially for companies interested in exporting.
Initially adopted mainly for back-office activities (accounting, IT, payroll, administration, purchasing), BPO now includes front-office processescustomer care, sales support, digital marketing and customer experience management. The recent turning point is the combination with advanced digital technology: chatbots, cloud platforms, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA), make outsourcing a lever of true innovation.
Today, adopting BPO no longer just means outsourcing certain activities to contain costs, but represents a strategic opportunity to transforming ordinary operations into real value-added processes. Outsourcing allows companies to access specialised skills that are often not available in-house, to catalyse digital transformation and to make the organisation more agile and competitive. The main benefits are reflected in two key axes: on the one hand we talk about increased efficiency, access to expertise and flexibility, on the other hand the company can concentrate resources and talent on its core business activities. Delegating non-core activities to external providers means reducing fixed costs, streamlining internal staff and freeing up budgets. Moreover, BPO providers are often specialists on very specific processes, with skills and best practices that are difficult to replicate in-house.
In an increasingly competitive and complex global environment, companies wishing to expand their presence in foreign markets face challenges that go beyond simply selling products or services. Entering new markets implies the management of strategic and operational activities That require specific skills, dedicated resources and a deep knowledge of local dynamics. In this scenario, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) takes the form of a strategic lever to outsource key functions, reducing risks and optimising costs, without compromising process quality.
Relying on qualified consultants means being able to count on an experienced partner, present on international markets with technical expertise, able to offer integrated and customised support for each stage of the internationalisation process.
Wanting to mention some of the important activities that should not be underestimated when embarking on a path of expansion into foreign markets, which, not being strictly related to the core business, can be entrusted to external consultancy:
To enter a new market, it is essential to understand the competitive environment, local demand, consumption trends, the structure of distribution channels and the regulatory framework. This is why it is ideal to rely on consultancy that can carry out tailor-made market studies, providing detailed analysis and up-to-date information to support informed decisions and targeted strategies.
The global supply chain requires reliable, competitive suppliers that comply with international standards. This includes support in selecting, auditing and qualifying suppliers in target countries, ensuring on-site audits, quality control and transparent negotiations to secure long-term partnerships.
Identifying the right business partners is crucial for building an effective sales network abroad. Identifying and evaluating potential distributors, agents and local partners, taking care of preliminary contacts, B2B meetings and assistance in formalising agreements, are delicate activities that require qualified professional experience.
For companies wishing to make use of specialised expertise without hiring in-house staff, a Temporary Export Managerwho acts as a reference figure for business development in foreign markets, managing scouting, sales and local coordination activities.
Setting up production or business activities abroad often implies the need to recruit local resources. The right partner must be able to support companies in the personnel selection, recruitment and management in target countries, ensuring compliance with labour regulations and facilitating the integration of multicultural teams.
This refers to the complete management of administrative, accounting and tax aspects related to foreign operations, working with local partners to ensure proper adherence to current regulations, simplifying compliance and reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Establishment of companies abroad, drafting of international contracts, protection of intellectual property and customs and tax management, legal, tax and administrative advice.
To successfully set up a Business Process Outsourcing project, it is essential to proceed methodically and rigorously along a well-defined path. It always starts with theanalysis of business needs, which involves the precise mapping of processes, the assessment of internal competencies and the identification of gaps to be filled to achieve strategic objectives. This phase is followed by the selection of activities that can actually be delegated: not all functions lend themselves to BPO; therefore, a distinction must be made between core processes - to be kept in-house - and ancillary ones, favouring those that are more standardised and repetitive.
Once it has been clarified what to outsource, one proceeds with the search for and choice of a provider, the ideal partner to support one's business in a path of entry and growth in foreign markets.
Choosing a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) service provider goes beyond a simple consideration of cost. For companies, particularly those engaged in exporting, some criteria to evaluate are:
It is important to emphasise that quality control procedures and data protection guarantees are fundamental requirements for establishing a effective and secure partnership.
The Business Process Outsourcing takes several formswhich can be distinguished according to both the outsourced business function and the geographical location of the service providers.
Depending on the business function:
Based on geographical location:
Entering or consolidating in international markets requires more than ever an in-depth knowledge of local dynamics: product quality alone is not enough, one needs the understanding of consumer specificities, emerging trends and global competitors. Here, market research plays a crucial role: analyses of pricing, positioning, purchasing preferences, barriers to entry and opportunities must be monitored with continuity and sophisticated tools (both primary and secondary).
Targeted surveys of target audiences, interviews, focus groups, document analysis and observation of purchasing behaviour are just some of the levers available. Thanks to digital technologies and new platforms, today both the collection and data analyses are fastereconomically viable and in-depth, enabling more conscious export strategies.
In the current international context, marked by geopolitical turmoil, commodity volatility, logistical crises and environmental risks, the strength of the supply chain is decisive. Strategic sourcing means going beyond the logic of the 'cheapest supplier' and building strong and flexible partnershipsable to withstand shocks, reduce corporate vulnerability and seize opportunities in global markets.
As part of modern internationalisation strategies, companies are moving towards integrated and structured approaches to select, manage and optimise their global network of suppliers and partners. In this perspective, the synergy between strategic sourcing and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is a crucial factor: the combination of these levers enables expansion into new markets with greater efficiency, flexibility and innovation, facilitating the creation of a resilient and competitive supply chain.
Companies that exploit this synergy pursue objectives such as:
In the current context, companies wishing to expand abroad must maintain high standards of efficiency and flexibility, supported by a truly global vision. Digitising processes, strategically analysing operations and carefully selecting partners are essential steps to seize new opportunities and successfully tackle international markets.
What distinguishes Octagona from others is its ability to offer a integrated and customised approachEach project is built around the specific needs of the client company, taking into account the sector, target country, available resources and development objectives.
With its combination of strategic, operational and legal expertise, Octagona does not only provide advice, but becomes an integral part of the internationalisation processaccompanying companies at every stage, from initial assessment to full operation on the foreign market.
If you want to integrate Business Process Outsourcing into the development of your business outside national borders, Octagona, an internationalisation consultancy firm, offers concrete support, dedicated expertise and an extensive international network. Contact us to find out how to strengthen your company's presence in global markets and turning expansion into a true competitive advantage.
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