LODESTAR Advisory Services

Outsourcing is a powerful business tool. If executed successfully, the outsourcing of Information Technology services and non-core business functions can have a very positive impact on the bottom line. However, with reported failure rates of up to 60%, it is necessary to approach outsourcing initiatives with due consideration and care.

LODESTAR Advisory Services offers a range of services tailored to meet your needs and ensure that your outsourcing or insourcing projects are delivered on time and have incorporated how future changes will be managed. That old adage of "the devil is in the detail" may have been created specifically for the outsourced world.

For those evaluating outsourcing, LODESTAR offers a range of services tailored to your needs.
These include:

	assistance with building a sound business case
	advice on service providers in the market
	establishment of the right blend of retained and outsourced services
	implications of using sole source or multi service provider approach
	determination as to the use of off-shore resources
	development of an effective governance structure and approach

All of these choices have trade-offs and it is important to get the right blend for your organisation. Knowing that many Chief Purchasing Officers and other CXO members have completed one or more outsourcing transactions, LODESTAR offers the next generation of outsourcing tools, ranging from the latest templates for the development of all aspects of the Request for Proposal process through to having very experienced on-site sourcing advisors working with your team providing insight, knowledge and objective advice. Sourcing support can be tailored to your specific needs, including web and telephone based support as well as computer based training to assist your team through the process. Outsourcing is about people. Much of the value erosion in an outsourcing transaction occurs during transition. While the service levels may be met, the productivity of the transitioning employees is at a very low point as they try and adjust to their new environment - rebuilding the aircraft while flying it. Value erosion that is experienced in the early part of the contract may well persist for the entire life of the contract of not effectively managed. Using years of experience as both service providers and outsourcing consultants, LODESTAR has developed tools and processes to address this critical area and ensure the smooth management of the contract and the relationship for the life of the agreement. Again, each corporation is different and so LODESTAR offers to work with you to develop and refine the most effective governance structure for your environment.