Shared Services and Outsourcing

How can the supply chain and outsourcing be optimised?

Interdependence and globalisation have created new opportunities for co-operation. Although initially such opportunities were exploited for cost reasons only (e.g. the outsourcing of IT), today they are increasingly used for the purpose of gaining strategic advantage. Core activities, such as research and development, are now being outsourced to specialised third-party companies. Although this means products and customer satisfaction can be improved and time to market reduced, the complexity of the whole value and supply chain is increased. An integrated review of the company's entire internal and external supply chain is necessary to manage it in a secure and optimal manner.

Shared service centres: opportunities and challenges in HR transformation
Greater efficiency through centralisation and clear split of HR duties
	In recent years a combination of globalisation, constant pressure to improve cost efficiency and changes in the workforce has led to significant changes in what HR is required to deliver. These days boosting efficiency entails dividing the tasks performed by HR into strategic and operational activities. This has prompted many organizations to rethink and transform their human resources (HR) function by outsourcing standardised routine tasks to a shared service centre (SSC). Download the Executive Summary

The challenges you face

• You would like to reap the benefits of global markets, e.g. via outsourcing.
• You would like to better control and use supply chain complexity.
• You would like to clarify which benefits a shared service centre brings.
• You would like access to the resources that appear to be tied up in your supply chain.
• You would like to reduce delivery lead times and costs.
• You need to be fully informed about legal regulations and environmental obligations in other countries.
• You would like to identify the reputational risks in your supply chain and insure yourself against them.

How PwC can support you

• We advise on shared services, outsourcing and offshore projects.
• We assist you in choosing suppliers in the supply chain and in sourcing decisions.
• We implement Six Sigma and Lean Supply Chain.
• We help with integration and collaboration in the supply chain.
• We optimise control over your supply chain.
• We reduce the amount of money tied up as working capital.
• We advise you in post-deal management of the supply chain.
• We support you in reviewing and reporting on risks and ethics.