No Two MSPs are the same

Introducing a Managed Service Programme (MSP) should be a fairly straightforward process. Design a solution that is tailored to your requirements, based on current state and focussed on delivering against the objectives of the organisation.

So why is it that so many organisations make the mistake of buying into a concept and not a solution?

When choosing a provider of managed services there is not a one-size-fits-all policy. No two managed services are the same, no two providers are the same and no two end users are the same. Yet all too often end users choose a model on the basis of its current popularity.

Perhaps that’s where the end user first goes wrong?

I believe that choosing a model, and subsequently a provider, comes down to your drivers.  It is broadly accepted that a managed service is usually introduced to achieve improvements in any number of the following four categories: Quality (service to hiring managers, suppliers and candidates and the quality of contingent resource provided); Cost (visibility and control as a minimum with a desire for hard savings); Efficiency (speed of process, automation of administration, single framework agreement, purchase order and invoice); and Risk (mitigation and indemnification against legislative and regulatory considerations).

In truth, all managed service models should deliver improvements in quality, efficiency and risk, so it is often the cost driver which will dictate which model is most suitable.

In my experience, to introduce successfully a managed service, these are the four key steps all organisations should follow: 1) truly understand your ‘As Is’ or current state; 2) clearly define what you need to achieve from introducing a MSP; 3) select the right service model; and 4) select a partner who is an expert in providing this type of service model.

Following those steps will ensure you choose the right model for your requirements. All too often end users rush into selecting a MSP concept (vendor neutral, master vendor, etc.) without giving due consideration to their current situation, their critical requirements and their strategy. A managed service solution must be tailored to the requirements of the end user, if not, it will fail.

As far as I am concerned, the most important thing is that end users have positive experiences with managed services.  This is what matters to the end user and it is of paramount importance to the recruitment outsourcing industry as a whole.  With this in mind, please consult with a wide group of experts before selecting a model and please remember this one golden rule: don’t buy a concept or a trend, buy a model which is right for you.

Written by Simon Blockley