Niyamath Parveez

With so much technology and IT functions for firms to consider, there are many ways to think about how to get the best from them and the budget available. It would be great for every firm to stay at the top end of technology and have all the greatest products but this is not possible. There are many instances where older generations and models are more than capable for doing the job they are asked to but problems can arise from using older models in certain areas. Whether there are networking or communication issues with different rooms or departments, there is a need for firms to review their IT capabilities and ensure they are managing their mix as best as possible. This makes perfect sense and should be considered as good advice by most firms but when a company like Deloitte informs companies to do this, it should be taken as great advice. And this advice should be heeded by local government authorities as well.

Deloitte made the recommendation that local councils and government bodies should look to outsource a great deal of their IT functions and capabilities such as call centers, data centers, networks and even desktops in order to get the best value for money. However, the same advice was followed on with the fact that these bodies should maintain control of their technology and strategy issues in-house. These steps should help to make the best possible cost savings to anybody as well as providing a great deal of benefits as well.

If existing bodies do not believe they have the staffs that are capable of managing the services and functions properly, they may feel it is easier to outsource. With capable training and strong communication between management and staff there is not always the requirement to go running to outsourcing but in some case, it does make sense. This is where a body really needs to weigh up the best decision based on their needs and their budget. It can be straightforward to think that a government body or local council would consider price to be the all important issue. After all, with tax payer’s money at stake, it is important to keep costs as low as possible. However, if obtaining a low cost leads to a poor quality of work being returned, the long terms costs are likely to be higher. This in turn will be in-effective and cause a greater degree of problems and issues.

By outsourcing the physical elements of IT but retaining a skilled staff in house, it should be much simpler for a body to be able to communicate what they need effectively. Having experienced IT workers on board should ensure the outsourcing firm can be talked to properly and misunderstandings should be minimized. This level should also provide a clear link between all levels of staff and outsourced, creating a more focused approach to the work. Outsourcing can be the savior for bodies’ woes but only if it is managed correctly.

Although the benefits of outsourcing are far reaching, many people would probably assume that certain jobs or tasks would not be put out to tender but in this modern world where money is King, everything can be up for grabs. This is true for even the emergency services, with Fire, Medical and Police teams and services now being considered as fair game for outsourcing opportunities. This is obviously an aspect that causes much dispute and debate amongst people but when it comes to the business bottom line, it is easy to see why so many local councillors and governments are at least willing to examine the opportunities being offered by outsourcing to cut their wage bill and free up money for other vital areas.

The residents of Madeira Beach are the latest people to have this situation placed to them and a decision may be made by the start of July after tenders have been received to take over the running over the local Fire Department. Local residents have voiced their opposition to the potential moving of the fire service and have been quick to point out the benefits and speedy service that has been provided over the years. This high level of customer satisfaction should always be factored into any final decision that is made with regards to public bodies but with money being so tight nowadays, it is obvious that the bottom line is going to have a major influence on the decision.

This is brought to light by the fact that a fire department in one of the neighboring areas of Madeira Beach has claimed that they would be able to save Madeira Beach a sum around a few hundred thousand dollars every year if they are allowed to be take over the running of the fire department. There has been no indication of where the fire engines and services would be based or if the current fire department employees would be retained if another fire department takes over the running of the Madeira Beach. This may be the main area of trouble and concern for the local residents and the feelings and wishes of the citizens of Madeira Beach will need to be considered before the final outcome is made.

Although times are difficult for everyone, including local governments and departments, at the moment, not every outsourcing decision will be about the money. If the local residents’ fears about the standard of service supplied by the fire departments dropping are met and anything bad occurs, then no amount of cost saving in the world will justify the decision for some people. Outsourcing is clearly a wonderful tool but there has to be a consideration about all the aspects, including service, fairness and efficiency and not just about how much money can be saved. The month of June is shaping up to be an extremely important one for anyone who has an interest in the well being of Madeira Beach and it is likely to cause a few sleepless nights in trying to make the right decision that balances the needs of everyone in the area.