Telecom, communications and network assets are the lifeblood of most businesses today. An effective telecom infrastructure keeps businesses connected to customers and ensures employees can be productive and have access to the tools they need to be successful. Companies also need to support a growing mobile workforce and to deliver always-on connectivity to cloud-based apps and data-rich services. The challenging part is that as telecom becomes a bigger and more critical leverage point for both large and small businesses, telecom assets are also becoming much more complex to manage and expensive to maintain. Telecom expenses can include everything from hardware and software to mobile, IT management and data services.
That’s why it’s no surprise that more than ever companies are looking to outsource much of their telecom operations. In fact, Analysts tell us that the global telecom expense management market is poised to grow at a CAGR of around 14.2% over the next decade to reach $5.62 billion by 2025 (Source: Research and Markets). Outsourced Telecom Management (OTM) providers are an attractive option because businesses can strategically offload complex telecom responsibilities to highly-skilled telecom management experts. This helps keep IT staff focused on core business objectives while saving time and cutting expenses. An experienced telecom manager can help manage everything from ongoing inventory, expense optimization, and project management to service procurement and contract negotiation with telecom providers.
If you’re considering outsourcing, talk to OTM providers that understand your business and are focused on turning your telecom investments into assets. Here are some additional benefits you should expect:
- Saving time- Given the complex nature of the IT and telecom market, including everything from mobile contracts to new rules and regulations regarding telecom, navigating the environment can be extremely time-consuming. By outsourcing critical telecom responsibilities, business owners and team members can focus on higher-level strategic issues facing the organization, instead of managing day-to-day invoice inquiries or technical challenges.
- Consolidating inventory management- Ask your potential OTM provider to perform an initial audit of your telecom inventory. This will help them better track all telecom devices and assets across the business and perform ongoing management. Overtime, a consolidated inventory management process can help organizations take a more strategic approach to management, including identifying mobile phones that are disconnected or defunct, evaluating duplicated services and negotiating better contracts.
- Ordering and provisioning new services- A key part of the onboarding process is getting new employees access to the mobile phones and devices they need to do their jobs. The best telecom managers provide complete order management, including order provisioning, new product and services, order tracking and billing management.
- Optimizing telecom spend- There are several ways skilled telecom managers can help you get more out your telecom budget. First, most providers have greater negotiating power with vendors because they buy services in bulk. Next, there’s the ability to monitor and manage all the devices used across the business from a single vantage point. This could be as simple as identifying unused devices and turning off devices and lines that are not being leveraged or conducting a wireless expense audit. Telecom specialists can also better navigate disputes with carriers and ensure invoices are optimized, and there’s a consolidated monthly invoice.
- Turning telecom into an asset- One of the biggest advantages of working with a telecom specialist is your organization can get accurate insight into the company’s total telecom spend and technology infrastructure. Greater transparency into these areas can help business leaders validate investment decisions, demonstrate ROI and better track technology usage and investments.
When it comes to outsourcing telecom management, organizations should look for providers with an excellent track record for delivering proven results. Look for specialists that can manage every aspect of the telecom lifecycle, from ongoing inventory and project management to service procurement and contract negotiation and your business will have a substantial competitive advantage for years to come.