Food and beverage distributors and provisioners must operate in two worlds. On one hand, they must constantly identify and source the best that growers, processors, producers, and brewers have to offer. This is especially true when serving more distinctive taverns and restaurants whose businesses depend on quality and variety and will pay a premium for their supplies.
On the other hand, the food and beverage industry runs on tight margins under the constant threat of spoilage and sourcing difficulties. Any way that distributors can reduce operating expenses and bring consistency to those costs is a welcome change.
Given the physical and often local nature of their business, food and beverage distributors may never consider a remote resource for their operational needs. But advanced technology virtually eliminates the distance. And nearshore solutions can offer the added advantage of lower rates for comparable or even better-skilled personnel.
Here are some of the tasks where nearshore resources can be a superior solution, and guidance on how to manage such a relationship.
Cost-Effectiveness Is Where You Find It
Despite the special requirements of food and beverage, many back-office functions have the same requirements across industries. By outsourcing these to nearshore resources, you can reduce overhead without sacrificing performance:
- IT Management
Many small and midsize businesses already retain managed services providers to maintain their IT infrastructure. Unless you’re still trying to work with on-premises equipment, a more cost-effective remote resource may provide all the services you need.
- Accounting and Finance
Bookkeeping and other accounting and finance tasks are commonly outsourced under any circumstances. A remote team can usually offer comparable service, and may even be more responsive than local independent contractors with multiple clients.
- Marketing and Sales Support
These functions are usually reserved for larger organizations. But a nearshore resource can put them within financial reach of more specialized operations that would benefit from those services.
- Customer Service
Customer contact centers are often outsourced, both for convenience’s sake and because contact systems like chat use more advanced technology. A nearshore solution can address some of the cultural and language concerns often associated with remote contact centers.
- Human Resources
HR tasks like payroll, benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and recruitment call for knowledgeable specialists to be performed correctly. Outsourcing is a sensible way to get the necessary skills when needed.
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Locating and scheduling resources like LTL or refrigerated capacity can become a major drain on efficiency. Outsourcing the task to more cost-effective resources can minimize the impact to operating expenses.
From the Back Office to the Bottom Line
Nearshore outsourcing offers a range of operational benefits:
Cost Reduction: Outsourcing can lead to significant cost savings by leveraging economies of scale.
Increased Efficiency: Outsourcing can streamline operations and free up internal resources to focus on core competencies.
Improved Flexibility and Agility: Outsourcing allows companies to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and demands.
Access to Specialized Expertise: Outsourcing provides access to specialized talent and expertise that may not be available in-house or in your locality.
Reduced HR Hassles: Outsourcing can reduce the administrative burden associated with regulatory compliance and managing personnel.
Reduced Risk: Outsourcing can help mitigate risks associated with hiring, training, and managing employees.
Best Practices for Managing Remote Resources
While nearshore outsourcing of many back office functions can make perfect sense on paper, that only translates into real savings and improved service if it’s properly managed. Here’s how:
- Establish clear communication protocols: communication guidelines, regular team meetings, and check-ins
- Maintain oversight of staffing and onboarding. Be certain that your remote personnel have the personal and technical skills you require, and are properly welcomed to your team.
- Ensure the provider’s technology integrates seamlessly and securely with yours. Ideally, they operate like an extension of your home office.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of your remote team.
- Monitor compliance with tax and labor regulations. Your outsource provider should know applicable law and regulations and volunteer proof of compliance, taking proactive steps to protect your business and company.
Hire Top Remote Talent with Solvo
Unlike many other businesses, the products that food and beverage distributors and provisioners deliver may vary, but the service always needs to be top notch and super-responsive. By outsourcing some of the services to nearshore providers, the main office can focus on product quality and availability.
Solvo is organized to meet exactly these requirements; working like an extension of clients to staff highly educated and conscientious employees, train them specifically to the clients’ requirements, provide them with technology to match their clients, and provide continuous oversight.
If you’d like to see how Solvo might fit your needs, check out Back Office – Solvo Global. And if you’d like to know how much Solvo can save you, Contact Us – Solvo Global today.
