The outsourcing industry has evolved tremendously over the past few decades from just focusing on cost reduction to providing more strategic and transformational services. A new model called Functional Service Providers (FSP) is emerging that takes outsourcing to a whole new level by virtualizing entire business functions.
The Rise of the FSP Model
Traditional outsourcing focused on individual tasks like payroll processing, facilities management or call center services. However, organizations now want partners that can take ownership of complete business functions like finance, human resources or IT infrastructure management.
This need gave rise to the concept of Functional Service Providers around 5 years ago. Leading consultancy firms like Accenture were one of the pioneering proponents of this model. They realized that outsourcing entire functions rather than discrete tasks allows a higher level of automation, standardization and cost optimization.
FSPs essentially act as an external virtual department for a client organization. They take complete responsibility for managing all aspects of a function right from strategic planning to routine operations. This allows companies to focus on their core competencies rather than non-revenue generating support tasks.
How does the FSP model work?
An Functional Service Providers (FSP) takes a consultative approach to understand a client's operating model, processes, technology and functional needs in depth. Based on this, they create a tailored transformation roadmap focusing on automation, centralization and digitization of the function.
The key steps involve:
Assessing the 'as-is' operating model and identifying areas of improvement
Designing an optimized 'to-be' state functional model tailored for the client
Implementing changes like system consolidation, data migration, re-organization etc.
Managing day-to-day functional operations from their own facilities
Continuous innovation and functional upgrades to deliver higher value
Benefits of Partnering with an FSP
Cost Savings
By leveraging standardized templates, centralized infrastructure and economies of scale, FSPs are able to deliver functions at a much lower total cost of ownership compared to in-house teams. Estimates show savings of 30-50% are achievable.
Access to Skilled Talent
FSPs maintain large pools of skilled resources that are continuously re-skilled on the latest technologies. This helps clients overcome challenges of talent crunch and high recruitment costs.
Operational Excellence
Proven methodologies, well-defined processes and performance metrics help FSPs achieve world-class quality and efficiency levels that may be difficult to replicate internally.
Increased Strategic Focus
Outsourcing non-core functions to expert providers frees up management bandwidth to focus more on revenue generating initiatives and strategic objectives.
Risk Mitigation
FSPs ensure business continuity through robust infrastructure, standardized disaster recovery plans and seamless scalability. This substantially reduces operational risks for client organizations.
Transitioning Towards Cloud-Based FSP Models
The pandemic has accelerated digital transformations globally and many FSPs are transitioning their service delivery onto cloud platforms. This enables even higher levels of flexibility, scalability and cost optimization for clients.
Some key advantages of cloud-based FSP models include:
- On-demand provisioning of computing power based on real-time usage patterns
'Pay-as-you-go' opex model with no large upfront investments
Access to best-in-class applications, automation tools and technologies
Superlative levels of reliability, security and disaster recovery capabilities
Responsiveness to changing business environments and future risks
The outsourcing industry is increasingly evolving from simple labor arbitrage towards more strategic partnerships. Functional Service Providers represent the pinnacle of this evolution by virtualizing complete organizational functions. As digital technologies continue to disrupt traditional operating models, the FSP model is poised to play a transformative role in how global enterprises will structure non-core operations in the future.
For more insights, read-https://www.insightprobing.com/functional-service-providers-fsp-trends-size-and-share-analysis/
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