MAKE / BUY

Even important activities can benefit from outsourcing, provided the supplier relationship is managed as a strategic asset

• As outsource markets become more sophisticated and global, the "best owner" of an array of different activities and processes is increasingly outside the company
• Even when the activity is strategically important, an outside supplier can be in a better position to specialise and invest in the expertise to deliver it more effectively
• There remains the challenge of managing the strategic relationship - encouraging the external supplier to innovate on your behalf.