As businesspeople, it just makes sense to shop for the best deals available. In a global economy connected in real-time, resources can be drawn from just about every continent (sorry, Antarctica), some with very attractive discounts.
But when Measured Results creates its “best team” of vendor partners, we tend to stay within the United States and Canada. Why? Because our clients trust us with sensitive data, and it’s our responsibility to manage risk and ensure security.
Now, there are indeed great near-shore and offshore resources. But…they demand a large amount of oversight and quality control that may undermine their attractiveness.
Issues you need to consider
If you’re tempted to run with less-expensive offshore vendors, keep the following concerns in mind:
- Access risk: Can you trust cheap resources with your data and systems? They’ll have access; are you confident with their controls, or even their intentions?
- Internal resources: With cheaper resources, the burden of quality control shifts to your shoulders. Do you have the time and resources for QC management?
- Your vendor’s vendors: Your partners have partners, too. Do they take the proper steps (i.e., to your standards) to secure your data and infrastructure as your data is exposed to additional third parties?
If you’re a large enterprise with extensive resources, these issues may be moot. You can take advantage of discounted services because you have the internal teams necessary for sufficient oversight.
But if you’re a small or mid-sized company, the additional risks and responsibilities may outstrip the pricing advantages.
At Measured Results, we take pains to fill the quality control and security gaps. We work exclusively with vetted U.S. or Canadian partners. All our employees are background checked and then trained to reduce risk. Last year, we invested the time and talent necessary to become SOC 2, Type I compliant and are now in the formal audit process for becoming Type II compliant.
When it comes to business relationships, there’s no value if there’s no trust. Measured Results takes pains to secure the data, A.I. processes, A.I. agents, and infrastructure entrusted to us, so that our clients can engage us with confidence.
