Challenges of Engineering Outsourcing
In recent years, engineering outsourcing has seen unprecedented growth worldwide, as many of the world’s most competitive engineering companies are outsourcing engineering services to meet their business needs. This holds true both for companies with or without in-house engineers.
This growth does not come without pains. There are challenges to engineering outsourcing that companies need to address. Here are some of the challenges and how companies have overcome them.
Cultural Differences
When a company decides to outsource engineering staff, it is highly like that it will closely work with electrical engineers, civil design engineers, architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, etc. from different countries. Your outsourced engineering staff will probably have a different culture from you and your in-house employees. This could lead to some misunderstandings. But what can you do?
One step is to familiarize your outsourced engineering staff with your company culture to help address any problems moving forward. This is an adjustment for the outsourcing company and its staff, but your in-house staff should also adapt. Make sure that your staff does some research on the culture of their outsourced colleagues to avoid misunderstandings and disagreements.
Reduced Control
These engineering professionals with whom you are going to work will, most probably, not be under your company’s control 100%. Your in-house staff won’t have as much influence over these outsourced engineers as you would if they were working in your own engineering department.
To ensure that you can still exercise some control over your outsourced engineers, you mus partner with a reputable and trustworthy engineering outsourcing company that encourages open communication between you and your outsourced engineering team. This will keep you updated on the day-to-day concerns related to tasks and projects.
Being Locked into a Contract
Running your own business, surely you understand. Many outsourcing vendors offering engineering services require clients to sign long-term contracts. Others might ask you to spend a fixed amount for their services. Why? Well, these outsourcing vendors are fully cognizant that they are saving you loads of money in the long run. Before signing a contract with any outsourcing company, make sure that you choose one that won’t tie you to a disadvantageous long-term contract.
Threatened Employees
It should not come as a surprise that any in-house employee who sees their company taking on outsourced staff will feel threatened.
As a solution, you must select an outsourcing vendor that will handle the outsourcing process in a way that will not affect your team’s morale. In conjunction with this, another measure to take would be to assure your in-house staff that while the company is outsourcing, their jobs will not be affected.
Finding the Right Staff
With successful engineering outsourcing, it is imperative to have a high level of understanding between you and the outsourcing vendor. Before deciding on an outsourcing firm, find out first if the vendor and its engineering staff would be a good fit. How reputable or reliable is this outsourcing company? Asking around from their previous or current clients, employees and event suppliers. Anyone who has had experience working with the vendor that you are looking to work with.
Values-Driven Outsourcing
Engineering outsourcing, when planned well, can give you immeasurable benefits. If you are considering outsourcing some engineering functions, Yempo offers a pool of dedicated, skilled talent. To learn more, contact us today!