Optimisation

 We help clients extract full value from their shared services organisation using optimisation techniques and maturity models, which address four key questions:

 

We review all aspects of shared services operations from process automation and standardisation to performance management, from organisation structure and governance model to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and charging models.  We then benchmark these against industry standards to find opportunities for process optimisation.

 

Although transaction based activities have traditionally been the main target for shared services, the scope has widened with decision making support activities and specialist services now being included. We help clients transform their shared services operation into centres of expertise by providing new services such as tax planning, treasury services and internal audit – services that may originally have been considered out of scope.

Moving operations to near-shore or offshore low cost locations can open up significant cost reduction opportunities via wage arbitrage whilst also giving access to the specialist talents of particular economies in delivering specific service offerings.  We help clients consider the alternatives and guide them through the many alternatives that influence location choice, including availability of skilled labour, wage cost, tax benefits, government subsidies and economic/infrastructure/political stability to name a few.

 

A number of models have emerged ranging from Captive shared services (owner operated near or offshore facility) to outsourced (near/offshore services provided by third party services providers).  There are also several hybrid models including BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) and Joint Venture.  We help clients understand the options available to them and guide them through the transition to a new business model if the benefits are there for them.