Decide strategically. Outsource with precision. Generate value.
Outsourcing Strategy
A well-considered outsourcing strategy is the foundation for successful outsourcing decisions. It defines which services should be outsourced, what objectives are being pursued, and how governance is structured. We support you in developing a tailored strategy.
- ✓Focus on core competencies through strategic sourcing
- ✓Clear decision-making foundations for make-or-buy decisions
- ✓Optimisation of the value chain and enhancement of competitiveness
- ✓Risk minimisation through a systematic and strategic approach
Your strategic success starts here
Our clients trust our expertise in digital transformation, compliance, and risk management
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For optimal preparation of your strategy session:
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- Desired business outcomes and ROI
- Steps already taken
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Outsourcing Strategy
Our Strengths
- Many years of experience in developing tailored outsourcing strategies
- Combination of strategic consulting with practical implementation expertise
- Consideration of current trends and regulatory requirements
- Cross-industry expertise with a focus on regulated sectors
⚠
Expert Tip
A successful outsourcing strategy focuses not only on cost aspects, but also takes into account strategic factors such as access to specialised capabilities, innovation potential, and long-term business flexibility. Regularly analyse your sourcing landscape and adapt your strategy to changing market and competitive conditions.
ADVISORI in Numbers
11+
Years of Experience
120+
Employees
520+
Projects
Our approach to developing an outsourcing strategy is systematic, structured, and tailored to your specific requirements.
Our Approach:
Analysis of the current situation and strategic objectives
Development of strategic guidelines and principles
Elaboration of the outsourcing policy and governance structure
Integration into existing corporate processes and structures
Implementation support and knowledge transfer
"A well-considered outsourcing strategy creates the framework for successful outsourcing decisions and helps companies deploy their resources optimally. It is not only about cost optimisation, but about the strategic positioning of the company in an increasingly interconnected economy."
Sarah Richter
Head of Information Security, Cyber Security
Expertise & Experience:
10+ years of experience, CISA, CISM, Lead Auditor, DORA, NIS2, BCM, Cyber and Information Security
Our Services
We offer you tailored solutions for your digital transformation
Strategy Development
Development of a tailored outsourcing strategy aligned with your corporate objectives.
- Analysis of the current sourcing landscape and strategic positioning
- Identification of strategic outsourcing potential and boundaries
- Development of strategic guidelines for outsourcing decisions
- Integration into the corporate strategy and objectives
Outsourcing Policy
Elaboration of a comprehensive outsourcing policy with clear principles and requirements.
- Definition of fundamental principles and decision criteria
- Establishment of processes for outsourcing decisions
- Integration of regulatory requirements and best practices
- Development of guidelines for various outsourcing categories
Governance Framework
Design of an effective governance framework for outsourcing management.
- Definition of roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authorities
- Development of appropriate reporting and escalation paths
- Establishment of an effective management and control framework
- Integration into existing governance structures of the company
Looking for a complete overview of all our services?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Outsourcing Strategy
What elements should a comprehensive outsourcing strategy include?
A comprehensive outsourcing strategy provides the framework for all outsourcing activities within an organisation and ensures that these are aligned with overarching corporate objectives. It goes beyond individual make-or-buy decisions and treats outsourcing as a strategic lever for optimising the value chain. A well-designed strategy encompasses various elements that together form a coherent framework for decisions and governance.
🎯 Strategic alignment and objectives:
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Clearly defined strategic objectives and principles for outsourcing in line with the corporate strategy.
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Identification of the company's core competencies that should be retained in-house.
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Definition of areas and functions that are potentially suitable for outsourcing.
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Alignment of outsourcing objectives with long-term corporate goals such as growth, innovation, or market expansion.
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Consideration of the company's specific market and competitive situation.
📋 Decision framework and criteria:
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Systematic evaluation framework for make-or-buy decisions with defined criteria.
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Balanced consideration of quantitative and qualitative factors in outsourcing decisions.
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Process for evaluating strategic risks and dependencies in outsourcing.
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Consideration of total cost of ownership aspects rather than a purely cost-based view.
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Integration of sustainability and ESG criteria into the decision framework.
🏛 ️ Governance model and organisational structure:
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Definition of a clear governance model for outsourcing management.
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Establishment of roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authorities in the outsourcing context.
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Establishment of an appropriate organisational structure for managing outsourcing relationships.
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Integration of outsourcing decisions into existing decision-making bodies and processes.
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Establishment of a cross-functional sourcing board for strategic outsourcing decisions.
📝 Policies and principles:
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Development of an outsourcing policy with fundamental principles and requirements.
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Definition of minimum requirements for service providers and outsourced services.
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Definition of no-go areas or restrictions for certain types of outsourcing.
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Integration of regulatory requirements into outsourcing policies.
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Consideration of data protection and information security aspects in the principles.
🔄 Lifecycle management and continuous optimisation:
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Establishment of a structured lifecycle approach for managing outsourcing relationships.
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Definition of processes for regular review and optimisation of the sourcing landscape.
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Development of mechanisms to adapt the strategy to changing market and business conditions.
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Integration of innovation and technology trends into strategic outsourcing planning.
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Establishment of a continuous improvement process for the outsourcing strategy.
How do you develop an outsourcing strategy that is aligned with the corporate strategy?
Developing an outsourcing strategy that aligns smoothly with the overarching corporate strategy is critical to the long-term success of outsourcing initiatives. A strategically aligned outsourcing strategy supports corporate objectives, strengthens competitive advantages, and minimises strategic risks. The process of developing such a strategy involves several steps and incorporates multiple perspectives.
🔍 Analysis of the corporate strategy and strategic objectives:
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In-depth analysis of the corporate strategy, vision, and long-term objectives as a starting point.
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Identification of the company's strategic priorities and value drivers.
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Understanding of the competitive position and target market positioning.
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Analysis of core competencies and strategic differentiators.
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Consideration of planned transformation initiatives and change programmes.
📊 Assessment of the current sourcing landscape:
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Inventory of all existing outsourcing relationships and their strategic significance.
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Analysis of the effectiveness and strategic value contribution of current outsourcing arrangements.
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Identification of inconsistencies between the current sourcing landscape and strategic objectives.
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Assessment of the maturity of outsourcing management and existing governance structures.
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Identification of optimisation potential and strategic gaps in the sourcing portfolio.
🧩 Definition of the strategic role of outsourcing:
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Determination of how outsourcing should contribute to achieving the company's strategic objectives.
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Identification of the primary strategic objectives for outsourcing (e.g. cost reduction, access to innovation, flexibility).
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Development of a strategic framework for classifying functions in terms of their suitability for outsourcing.
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Identification of strategic partnerships versus transactional outsourcing relationships.
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Definition of long-term target pictures for the sourcing landscape across various functional areas.
🛠 ️ Alignment of processes and decision criteria:
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Development of decision criteria that directly support strategic corporate objectives.
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Integration of strategic KPIs into the outsourcing process and supplier management.
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Establishment of stage-gate processes that include strategic alignment checks for outsourcing initiatives.
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Implementation of governance mechanisms for continuous monitoring of strategic alignment.
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Definition of escalation paths for decisions with strategic implications.
👥 Involvement of the right stakeholders:
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Active involvement of senior management in the development of the outsourcing strategy.
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Participation of strategy, finance, and business unit leaders in the strategy process.
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Coordination with other strategic initiatives and functions (IT, HR, procurement).
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Implementation of a continuous dialogue between outsourcing management and the strategy function.
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Ensuring company-wide understanding and commitment to the outsourcing strategy.
How do you incorporate regulatory requirements into the outsourcing strategy?
Integrating regulatory requirements into the outsourcing strategy is of central importance, particularly for companies in heavily regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, or energy supply. Proactive consideration of regulatory requirements minimises compliance risks, avoids costly remediation, and creates legal certainty for outsourcing decisions. A systematic approach to integrating regulatory requirements encompasses various dimensions and process steps.
📜 Identification of relevant regulations:
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Systematic capture of all regulatory requirements relevant to outsourcing in the industry.
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Consideration of different regulatory levels (national, EU, international).
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Inclusion of sector-specific requirements (e.g. MaRisk, BAIT, EBA Guidelines, HIPAA).
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Analysis of data protection and data security requirements (e.g. GDPR, BDSG).
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Monitoring of regulatory trends and upcoming requirements for proactive adaptation.
🔄 Integration into the strategic framework:
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Anchoring regulatory compliance as a fundamental principle in the outsourcing strategy.
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Development of a risk appetite framework for regulatory risks in outsourcing.
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Definition of no-go criteria based on regulatory requirements.
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Consideration of compliance costs in the total cost of ownership analysis.
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Alignment of the outsourcing strategy with the company's overarching compliance strategy.
📋 Process integration and governance:
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Implementation of compliance checkpoints at all stages of the outsourcing lifecycle.
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Establishment of a regulatory change process for continuous adaptation to new requirements.
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Integration of compliance reviews into due diligence and selection processes for service providers.
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Involvement of compliance and legal functions in outsourcing decisions and governance.
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Establishment of clear responsibilities for regulatory compliance in the outsourcing context.
📝 Contract design and management:
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Development of standardised contract clauses to fulfil regulatory requirements.
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Definition of minimum requirements for service providers based on regulatory requirements.
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Implementation of audit and inspection rights to monitor compliance at service providers.
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Definition of service levels and KPIs for compliance-relevant aspects of outsourcing.
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Development of escalation and exit strategies in the event of regulatory violations.
🔍 Monitoring and reporting:
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Development of a specific monitoring concept for regulatory aspects of outsourcing.
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Integration of regulatory risks into the overarching risk management framework for outsourcing.
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Implementation of structured reporting on regulatory compliance.
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Establishment of regular compliance assessments at service providers.
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Preparation for regulatory reviews and audits by supervisory authorities.
How can effective sourcing portfolio management be implemented as part of the outsourcing strategy?
Effective sourcing portfolio management provides a structured overview of all outsourcing relationships and their strategic significance for the company. It supports the optimisation of the sourcing landscape, the management of risks, and the maximisation of the strategic value contribution of outsourcing arrangements. Integrating systematic portfolio management into the outsourcing strategy creates transparency and enables targeted management based on data-driven insights.
🗂 ️ Structuring and classifying the portfolio:
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Development of a comprehensive taxonomy for categorising outsourcing relationships.
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Classification by strategic significance, risk profile, type of service, and other relevant dimensions.
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Implementation of a multi-dimensional assessment approach for various portfolio perspectives.
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Consideration of dependencies and interconnections between different outsourcing arrangements.
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Establishment of a central information base on all outsourcing relationships as a single source of truth.
📊 Portfolio analysis and assessment:
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Regular execution of structured portfolio analyses from various perspectives.
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Application of methods such as risk-value matrices, dependency analyses, or maturity assessments.
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Identification of optimisation potential, synergies, and consolidation opportunities.
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Detection of risk clusters, concentration risks, or strategic dependencies.
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Comparative assessment of the performance of various outsourcing relationships and categories.
🎯 Strategic portfolio management:
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Development of a target portfolio structure based on the outsourcing strategy.
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Definition of development paths for various segments of the sourcing portfolio.
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Prioritisation of measures to optimise and further develop the portfolio.
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Establishment of a structured demand management process for new outsourcing requirements.
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Integration of the portfolio perspective into strategic decisions and budget processes.
🛠 ️ Governance and processes:
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Implementation of dedicated governance structures for sourcing portfolio management.
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Establishment of regular portfolio reviews at various decision-making levels.
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Integration of the portfolio perspective into the procurement and supplier management process.
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Development of portfolio-based decision criteria for new outsourcing initiatives.
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Coordination of cross-functional portfolio optimisation initiatives across business units.
🔌 Technology support:
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Implementation of specialised portfolio management tools for outsourcing management.
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Development of meaningful dashboards and visualisations for portfolio management.
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Integration with other relevant systems (contract management, risk management, etc.).
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Use of analytics capabilities for more in-depth portfolio analysis.
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Automation of data collection and evaluation to increase efficiency in portfolio management.
How do you develop effective make-or-buy decision criteria as part of the outsourcing strategy?
Make-or-buy decisions are among the most fundamental strategic choices in any organisation, significantly influencing the depth of the value chain, resource allocation, and competitive position. A structured decision framework with clearly defined criteria supports making these complex decisions in a systematic, transparent, and strategy-aligned manner. Developing effective decision criteria requires a multi-dimensional approach that takes various perspectives into account.
🔄 Development of a multi-dimensional criteria catalogue:
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Identification of relevant dimensions for make-or-buy decisions (e.g. strategic, operational, financial, risk-related).
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Definition of specific criteria within each dimension with clear definitions and metrics.
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Development of a weighting model that reflects the relative importance of various criteria.
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Adaptation of criteria to the specifics of different functional areas or types of service.
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Consideration of industry-specific characteristics and regulatory requirements.
🎯 Strategic decision criteria:
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Assessment of the strategic importance of the function/service for the core business and differentiation.
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Analysis of the impact on core competencies and competitive advantages of the company.
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Evaluation of market and technology trends and their strategic implications.
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Assessment of long-term flexibility and innovation aspects of various sourcing options.
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Consideration of the impact on the business model and strategic partnerships.
💰 Financial and economic criteria:
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Development of a total cost of ownership model for the various sourcing options.
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Consideration of direct and indirect costs as well as transaction and coordination costs.
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Assessment of investment requirements, capital commitment, and financial risks.
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Analysis of cost structure (fixed vs. variable) and its impact on financial flexibility.
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Integration of opportunity cost considerations into the financial assessment.
🛡 ️ Risk and compliance criteria:
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Identification and assessment of various risk categories for make-or-buy options.
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Analysis of dependency risks, supply risks, and quality assurance aspects.
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Assessment of data protection, information security, and compliance risks.
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Consideration of regulatory requirements and their implications.
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Evaluation of reputational and liability risks for various sourcing options.
🔄 Operational and organisational criteria:
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Assessment of internal competencies, capacities, and resources for in-house delivery.
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Analysis of market maturity and availability of suitable service providers for outsourcing.
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Evaluation of integration requirements and interfaces for various options.
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Assessment of the impact on existing processes, systems, and organisational structures.
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Consideration of scalability and flexibility requirements.
How do you integrate ESG criteria into the outsourcing strategy?
Integrating ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, Governance) into the outsourcing strategy is becoming increasingly important as companies place greater emphasis on sustainability and responsible business practices — not only in their own operations, but across the entire value chain. Systematic consideration of ESG factors in the outsourcing strategy reduces reputational risks, fulfils regulatory requirements, and contributes to achieving company-wide sustainability objectives.
🌱 Strategic anchoring of ESG:
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Integration of ESG objectives and principles into the overarching outsourcing strategy and policy.
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Alignment of ESG objectives in the outsourcing context with the company-wide sustainability strategy.
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Development of a clear vision and roadmap for the gradual integration of ESG criteria.
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Definition of measurable ESG objectives and KPIs in the context of the outsourcing strategy.
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Establishment of clear governance for ESG topics in strategic outsourcing management.
📋 Development of ESG criteria catalogues:
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Creation of a comprehensive ESG criteria catalogue for supplier selection and assessment.
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Differentiation by procurement category, industry, and geographic context.
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Definition of minimum standards and exclusion criteria with regard to ESG aspects.
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Consideration of international standards and frameworks (e.g. UN Global Compact, GRI, TCFD).
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Integration of ESG criteria into existing assessment and decision-making processes.
🔍 ESG due diligence and risk assessment:
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Implementation of a systematic ESG due diligence process for potential service providers.
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Integration of ESG risks into the overarching risk assessment of outsourcing arrangements.
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Development of specific assessment methods for environmental, social, and governance aspects.
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Consideration of ESG factors in strategic portfolio analysis and management.
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Establishment of continuous ESG risk management throughout the entire outsourcing lifecycle.
📝 Contract design and performance management:
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Anchoring of ESG requirements and objectives in outsourcing contracts and service level agreements.
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Integration of ESG KPIs into performance management and regular service provider assessments.
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Implementation of incentive structures for the achievement of ESG objectives by service providers.
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Definition of reporting obligations on ESG-relevant topics and corresponding evidence.
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Establishment of escalation mechanisms in the event of non-compliance with ESG requirements.
🤝 Collaborative ESG development:
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Development of a partnership-based approach to jointly improving ESG performance with service providers.
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Conducting training and capacity building on ESG topics with strategic partners.
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Establishment of platforms for sharing best practices and joint innovation in the ESG area.
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Promotion of transparency and open communication on ESG challenges and objectives.
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Participation in industry-wide initiatives for more sustainable supply chains and business practices.
Which key performance indicators (KPIs) are suitable for measuring the success of an outsourcing strategy?
Measuring the success of an outsourcing strategy requires a balanced set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that covers various dimensions and objectives. Effective KPIs help quantify the strategic value contribution of outsourcing, identify optimisation potential, and support data-driven decision-making. A well-considered KPI framework takes into account both short- and long-term success factors and connects operational metrics with strategic objectives.
💰 Financial performance indicators:
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Total cost of ownership (TCO) for outsourced functions compared to in-house delivery.
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Realised cost savings through outsourcing relative to target values.
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Return on outsourcing investment (ROI) taking into account direct and indirect costs and benefits.
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Degree of cost variabilisation and increased cost structure flexibility through strategic sourcing.
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Capital commitment and release through outsourcing decisions within the framework of the strategy.
🎯 Strategic value contribution indicators:
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Measurement of focus on core competencies (e.g. resource allocation for strategic vs. non-strategic activities).
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Innovation contribution through strategic partnerships (e.g. number of jointly developed innovations).
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Time-to-market improvements through strategic sourcing decisions.
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Improvement in competitive position in relevant market segments.
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Degree of achievement of strategic outsourcing objectives in accordance with the defined strategy.
📊 Governance and compliance indicators:
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Degree of fulfilment of regulatory requirements in outsourcing.
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Governance maturity of outsourcing management according to defined maturity models.
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Number and severity of compliance violations in connection with outsourcing.
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Effectiveness of risk management for outsourced activities.
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Quality and completeness of documentation for regulatory purposes.
🔄 Portfolio and process indicators:
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Degree of strategic alignment of the sourcing portfolio in accordance with the defined target portfolio structure.
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Consolidation level of the supplier portfolio and reduction of fragmentation.
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Efficiency and throughput times of sourcing processes from planning to implementation.
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Degree of standardisation and automation of outsourcing processes.
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Quality of make-or-buy decisions based on retrospective evaluations.
🤝 Relationship and collaboration indicators:
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Degree of strategic alignment between the company and key sourcing partners.
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Effectiveness of collaboration and communication with strategic partners.
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Degree of innovation and value creation contribution from partnerships beyond transactional relationships.
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Satisfaction of internal stakeholders with the implementation of the outsourcing strategy.
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Sustainability and long-term stability of strategic partnerships.
Which change management approaches are effective when implementing a new outsourcing strategy?
Implementing a new outsourcing strategy is a far-reaching change process that affects ways of working, responsibilities, processes, and often the corporate culture as well. Effective change management is critical to overcoming resistance, building acceptance, and ensuring the lasting embedding of the strategy within the organisation. Since outsourcing frequently touches on sensitive topics such as shifts in responsibility or personnel changes, a well-considered change approach is particularly important.
🧭 Strategic change planning and governance:
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Development of a dedicated change strategy as an integral component of the outsourcing strategy.
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Establishment of clear change governance with defined roles, responsibilities, and decision-making paths.
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Alignment of the change process with other transformation initiatives within the company.
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Prioritisation and sequencing of change steps in a realistic roadmap.
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Provision of sufficient resources and support for the change process.
📢 Communication and stakeholder management:
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Development of a transparent, consistent communication strategy for all phases of implementation.
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Early and continuous involvement of all relevant stakeholders with tailored messages.
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Creation of a clear narrative that conveys the purpose and rationale of the outsourcing strategy.
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Establishment of bidirectional communication channels for feedback and questions from those affected.
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Active management of concerns and resistance through targeted communication measures.
👥 Leadership enablement and sponsorship:
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Securing strong sponsors at the highest leadership level with visible commitment to the strategy.
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Enabling leaders at all levels to actively support and communicate the change process.
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Conducting specific leadership workshops to engage with the strategy.
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Development of leadership toolkits with arguments and responses to frequently asked questions.
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Creation of incentives for leaders to actively support and drive the change.
🧠 Enablement and competency development:
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Identification of new competency requirements arising from the outsourcing strategy.
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Development of targeted training and development programmes for changed roles and responsibilities.
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Promotion of a continuous learning culture for working with strategic partners.
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Support in developing new career paths for employees in changed functions.
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Mentoring and coaching for key individuals in new strategic roles.
📊 Progress monitoring and adaptation:
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Establishment of systematic monitoring of change adoption and acceptance.
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Regular pulse checks and feedback surveys among those affected and stakeholders.
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Identification of areas with particular support needs or resistance.
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Continuous adaptation of change measures based on feedback and experience.
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Celebrating and communicating quick wins and successes to motivate and reinforce progress.
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