Integrating logistics into the outsourcing process

Journal article, 2009

A general outsourcing process was derived from the literature; areas of logistics important to consider during an outsourcing process were then categorised and related to this process. The process was applied to empirical data from three companies. All three companies included all phases of the general outsourcing process in their outsourcing projects. The derived process thereby mirrors how these companies work with outsourcing projects. This makes it possible for other companies to use the process. All the companies included logistics considerations in at least one of the phases as well as transportation cost. Using the general process including logistics would reduce the possibility of overlooking important considerations during outsourcing projects and decrease the problems discovered after implementation. An improved and more systemised outsourcing process would also probably decrease the time necessary for outsourcing projects. Further research should include studies of ongoing outsourcing projects using the general outsourcing process including logistics.