Our Services

LODESTAR offers a range of services tailored to your position on the sourcing journey. These include:

	Developing a clear sourcing strategy
	Providing executives with the necessary methodologies and processes to develop Centres of Sourcing Excellence
	Reducing the time taken and improve the overall full outsourcing transaction lifecycle through the use of tools
	Providing impartial, objective advice to executives regarding likely outcomes of sourcing initiatives
	Supporting the organisation as it navigates the complexity of options and opportunities inherent in outsourcing Information Technology and/or Business Process Outsourcing (Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, Call Centres, Facilities Management)

We offer a continuum of service including full on-site support for the development of the Request for Proposal (RFP) through service provider selection, evaluation, negotiation, transition and the establishment of the ongoing contract and relationship management. Naturally, we can assist you at any part in the outsourcing lifecycle, helping you through that phase, by providing our methodologies and processes with either on-site or remote support.

Outsourcing lifecycle

Assessment

• Alignment of project to corporate strategy
• Definition of value proposition for the company
• Definition of key versus core
• Definition of in-scope and retained
• Definition of possible future state organisations post outsourcing
• Development of business case
• Identification of likely risks and benefits
• Overview of possible service providers
  

Preparation

• Definition and approval of project objectives
• Decision on whether to use Request for Information, Request for Proposal or Request for Tender
• Sole source or multi service provider
• Preparation of detailed statements of work
• Accurate definition of in-scope components
• Definition of service levels
• Development of draft contract terms
• Issuing of document to the market
• Development of evaluation plan

Evaluation

• Work with service providers as they develop their responses
• Review of service provider proposals
• Due diligence as necessary
• Ranking of proposals based on agreed evaluation plan
• Short listing of finalists

Negotiation

• Updated draft contract sent to short listed service providers
• Preparation for negotiation
• Training of negotiation team
• Negotiate until balanced agreement reached
• Prepare for transition

Transition

• Decide on a "flash cut" or phased transition approach
• Update information on people, assets, operations
• Identify transition teams from all parties involved
• Train teams and develop integrated project plan
• Identify milestones and responsibilities
• Develop contingency plans

Supplier relationship management

• Review agreed contract
• Ensure core governance processes have been tested
• Implement governance processes and ensure all aspects of the contract and relationship are addressed
• Identify issues and address them before they develop into crises
• Manage the relationship and contract on a daily basis