Data entry process outsourcing – the good, the bad and the ugly

August 25, 2009

Over the last few years, data entry services outsourcing has emerged as one of the fastest growing outsourcing segments and there is no denying its applicability and usability for businesses large and small. However, since there have also been a few cases where data entry process outsourcing projects have skidded off of their predetermined track and failed to achieve targeted goals and objectives, it is recommended that businesses do not take things lightly and insist on following prescribed guidelines. Here’s a basic overview, describing the good, the bad and the ugly of data entry process outsourcing that will help businesses in their decision making process.

The good things about data entry process outsourcing

Time tested – a proven method of reducing operational costs, operational efficiency and accuracy
Highly customizable – can be used for a wide variety of data entry processes
Universal applicability – does not get adversely affected by regional or language issues
Compatible – can be used by all businesses, irrespective of size, domain or industry type
Reverse process integration – data entry process outsourcing projects can be linked back to onshore crm systems for improved efficiency
Reduces clutter – allows businesses to concentrate more of their efforts and resources on core business processes such as production, sales, business acquisition, advertising & marketing etc.
Highly secure – the loss and consequent misuse of confidential data and information is eliminated by increasing reliance on advanced data encryption technology and tools

The bad things about data entry process outsourcing

Being overtly ambitious creates problems – not following the basic tenets of starting small has created problems for data entry process outsourcing providers and businesses alike
Communication gaps – for ensuring the success of data entry process outsourcing projects, it is necessary that targets be properly quantified and conveyed to the outsourcing service provider. When there are communication gaps, achieving the same might create a problem
Resource crunch – if the data entry process outsourcing provider does not have the adequate resources, achieving desired goals and objectives becomes a problem. Same applies when a business fails to provide the required integration support to its outsourcing partner

The ugly of data entry process outsourcing

Improper selection of service provider – the success of data entry services outsourcing projects depends a lot on the expertise and experience of outsourcing service providers. Not all data entry process outsourcing providers are as effective as they might claim to be and if the wrong one is selected, it might create an ugly situation. That’s why it is recommended that businesses exercise due diligence while choosing their data entry process outsourcing partner.

Data entry process outsourcing – the good, the bad and the ugly