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Home | Blog | What is Back Office Support and Why is it Important?

What is Back Office Support and Why is it Important?

By M. Edosma

Updated on January 23, 2024

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With so many businesses looking for Back Office Service BPOs, it’s only natural to wonder how important they are.

Outsourcing back-office support has numerous benefits for a company. 

Not only can you increase your operation’s load whenever you choose, but you can also delegate some of the jobs to someone else. You can also save money and other resources.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg for the benefits of having a back office support service provider. 

Furthermore, this article will explain back-office support and why it is essential for businesses of all sizes.

 

What is Back Office Support?

Back office support is part of a company that runs the company rather than dealing with customers or creating a profit. 

This old word alludes to when a store’s showroom and sales area were in the front while the accounting, manufacturing, and administrative sections were in the back. 

Even though this conventional style has been superseded over time, the phrase has stuck around except for very tiny businesses. 

Back office is the opposite of front office work, which refers to a company’s more direct revenue-generating activities.

Back-office support is defined in a variety of ways by different companies. 

Generally, if a department deals directly with customers, it is in the front office; if it does not, it is in the back. In certain firms, the concept is slightly different: the portions of the corporation that make money are in the front office, while those that don’t are in the back office support. 

Both definitions are correct and stem from different business tactics used throughout the early stages of a company’s development.

 

Why Outsourcing is Good?

A lot of people are apprehensive about the prospect of outsourcing. Despite this, this new business model, adopted worldwide in private and public sectors, offers several advantages.

A business intelligence solution enables an organization to achieve business objectives while adding value, tapping into a resource base, and mitigating risk. In other words, outsourcing everything from individual items to entire systems management allows the company or organization outsourcing a job (the “client”) to concentrate on what it does best.

While the widespread public perception of outsourcing is that it saves money by taking advantage of lower-cost labor in a foreign country (known as “offshoring”), outsourcing can be used domestically and internationally to reduce costs. It can also give the client access to expertise and a level of productivity that is not otherwise available to them. In situations with a skills or production shortage (as is frequently the case in information technology), and the service provider can provide a solution, an outsourcing solution may be appropriate for both parties.

Statistical data on the subject is eye-opening. Deloitte, a global accounting and consulting firm, recently released its free 2014 Global Outsourcing and Insourcing Survey, which examines the political implications, regulations, outsourcing destinations, technology, and vendor management of outsourcing and insourcing operations. For example, the online course platform udemy.com recently published some eye-opening statistics about its users in 2013. That year, outsourced IT services accounted for 43 percent of the total IT sector. In the following year, this figure increased to 60 percent.

In addition, Deloitte predicts that outsourcing will continue to grow at 12 percent to 26 percent across the functions investigated.

 

As an Entrepreneur, Why Outsource?

As an entrepreneur or a startup business owner, you are most likely a hardworking, never-say-die person who strives to make every aspect of your company flawless. Because of those characteristics, we tend to take on more than we can handle (and more than we are willing to admit). Eventually, however, when business is booming, it may be necessary to consider outsourcing your operations.

As difficult as it may be to delegate your work to a third-party company or contractor, we understand that doing so is in the best interests of the company both financially and in terms of human resource capacity.

Essential functions such as payroll, accounting, distribution, and transcription services are frequently outsourced to third-party companies so that business leaders and their employees can concentrate on the tasks they have been hired for. Many businesses outsource because they are short on human resources or have budget constraints, or because of economic factors such as low unemployment. Entrepreneurs can reap a variety of benefits from outsourcing their work.

Alternatively, businesses can reinvest the money saved in other aspects of their operations. Every entrepreneur and startup collaborating with investors will recognize the advantages of this decision-making process. Most potential investors will welcome that your company’s primary focus is on revenue-generating activities. Because you can effectively delegate specific business processes to third-party vendors, you can devote the time and energy necessary to train and lead your team as your company grows.

Even though outsourcing can be a frightening thought for some entrepreneurs and startups, in the majority of cases, it simply makes sense. Make it possible for the outsourcing company to assume and manage the risk in their areas of expertise on your behalf, so you can return to your desk with a clear understanding of where your company is and where it needs to go.

 

How to Outsource?

Are you thinking about outsourcing but aren’t sure where to begin? An easy-to-follow guide to the ultimate key driver of business success, presented in a step-by-step format.

1. Make a Plan and Get Ready

Conducting thorough research when seriously considering outsourcing should not be underestimated. Set up a meeting with your management team to discuss the objectives you hope to achieve through this venture, as well as a contingency plan if the experience fails, don’t forget to notify the individuals impacted by your relocation – your employees, investors, and customers (if needed).

2. Form a Strategic Partnership with a Reputable Outsourcing Company.

Now that all of the advantages and disadvantages have been carefully considered and the plans have been finalized, the search for a business process outsourcing provider can begin (BPO). Finding a reliable outsourcing company is easier said than done; it can be tricky. Please avoid flashy websites, low prices, or salespeople who seem too good to be true because their promises are too good. Check references, the company’s track record, client testimonials, infrastructure, pricing, and management before deciding. Finding a provider who understands and meets your business needs will be paramount to your success.

3. Delegate and Reorganize your Work

Once the agreement has been signed, it is time to delegate. Your selected outsourcing company will begin hiring and training your new employees. During this time, patience is required because it will still take time before you can officially launch the new setup. After all, your new employees will need to undergo training. Active participation throughout the process is highly recommended for maximum efficiency and support benefits. Additionally, transfer employees impacted by this change to a different department where they can contribute more.

4. Maintain a Presence That Can Be Controlled

Others may require a more extended adjustment period, but this should not be a significant concern as long as they meet the program’s requirements. Maintain a record of the progress of both new and current employees. It is necessary to recognize and reward top performers while re-training and coaching must be provided to those not performing satisfactorily with their assigned tasks. Don’t be afraid to speak up with your provider if you notice something you don’t like, and don’t forget to express your appreciation for the progress they’ve made as well.

5. Assess the Overall Performance

Throughout the adjustment period, solicit feedback from your customers regularly. The provider’s performance at the end of the adjustment period can be used to assess the progress of your company’s development. If you are pleased with the outcome, you may wish to change your business contract with your BPO provider to extend it. If not, you can work with the provider to improve or terminate the agreement.

 

What are the most often outsourced back office jobs?

With the attraction of offshore back-office services, several back-office operations are unquestionably seizing the opportunity to gain from outsourcing.

Here are some of the most outsourced BPO services:

 

  1. Data Entry

This job requires retrieving data from a specific media and inputting it into a computer system via a data entry interface in a different medium. 

Simply, it is copying and pasting data from one system to another. The tricky part is when data needs to be studied, categorized, or interpreted or business rules applied before entering a system.

 

  1. Payroll 

A lack of experience in payroll practice typically causes calculation errors in payroll. When the crew is distracted, they are more likely to make mistakes.

One of the benefits of outsourcing is the ability to focus on a specific work that the client requires. 

Offshore employees are also given suitable training to improve their experience and skills. Outsourcing payroll activities allows firms to minimize payroll taxes while avoiding human error. This ensures that employees are paid correctly and on schedule.

 

  1. Human resource

Human resource outsourcing aids businesses in organizing their recruitment procedures, strengthening their personnel, and increasing employee satisfaction and retention. 

It also supports the development of a more robust human resource strategy and the establishment of systems and workflows. 

These advantages are possible because outsourcing HR services add significant experience and access to more advanced technologies.

 

  1. IT

One of the most essential jobs in any firm is technical support, one of the most diverse outsourcing fields. 

Outsourcing IT services will lead to the most up-to-date technological tools for a corporation. It also offers remote assistance, which might be difficult for a small organization to manage. 

Access to cost-effective storage, high-level security, and contingency plan services are advantages.

 

  1. Marketing

A startup, a small firm, or a vast company all understand the importance of brand marketing. However, it takes time to do so.

An outsourced marketing team will create and implement marketing programs across all channels, allowing the company to focus on its core duties. 

Furthermore, businesses can relax knowing professionals handle their marketing plans and execution.

The decision to outsource back-office operations is vital to reduce the workload of the in-house staff and focus on more critical parts of the business. 

 

Why is Back Office Outsourcing Important?

When discussing back-office outsourcing, it is essential to discuss its significance.

So here is a nutshell explanation of why you should start offshoring back office outsourcing services in a current competitive marketplace:

 

  1. Cutting Cost

Maybe the most apparent benefit of offshoring to the Philippines is that it helps you save money. 

Creating the infrastructure to handle your back-office requirements is costly and time-consuming. After you’ve built this infrastructure, the expense of maintaining it might be rather substantial. 

When you factor in labor costs, staff turnover, and investments in cutting-edge technology and training, you end up with a sizable and ever-increasing figure for many of your business expenses.

It is significantly more cost-effective to outsource your back-office support. 

You may use existing, well-maintained infrastructure and reduced overseas labor costs to create a more cost-effective solution that allows your company to thrive. 

Consider it an in-house staff with none of the costs of hiring, training, technology, office overhead, etc.

 

  1. Focus on Competencies

Back office assistance is essential, but devoting the time and effort to design and manage it yourself diverts attention away from your company’s primary skills. 

Spending so much time on administrative activities rather than business development can aggravate. 

You and your team will have more time to focus on the most important areas of your business by entrusting these critical but secondary operations to competent professionals.

Outsourcing helps you get the best team, and you no longer need to worry about it. It enables you to save money and resources.

 

  1. Gain Quality Talent

Speaking of the ‘best team,’ offshoring BPOs lets you get quality employees.

Finding employees with the talents and experience you require can be difficult, particularly in a tight labor market, but outsourcing allows you to hire excellent talent without the inconvenience. 

A BPO can engage administrative professionals adept at handling various back-office support needs, whether adding to an existing workforce or outsourcing practically all your back-office tasks. 

These professionals are then trained regularly on the latest technology, tools, and best practices to ensure you receive the best service to keep your business competitive.

While the talent market in the United States may be tight, leading outsourcing destinations such as India and the Philippines desperately need workers.

 

The Top BPO Company in the Philippines

Magellan Solutions is the leading SME-focused back office support in the BPO industry.

With over 18 years of industry experience, we offer high-quality customer support and call center services. On top of that, we are a certified ISO 27001:2013 and HIPAA-compliant company.

At Magellan Solutions, we combine technology such as ACD, CRM, and IVR with agent skills. We ensure our agents have all the necessary tools, equipment, and knowledge to serve customers. 

We believe progress shouldn’t break the bank, so our services remain flexible and competitive.

Contact us now to discuss how we can help your business succeed. Complete the contact form below and talk to us for free!

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      Author

      What is Back Office Support and Why is it Important?

      M. Edosma

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