Back Office Support: The Complete Guide

Back office support: A laptop in an office with analytics on the screen.

When it comes to back office operations, companies have a few options: they can do it all in-house, outsource specific functions to third-party providers, or outsource the entire operation. The last option is becoming increasingly popular as more and more businesses discover the benefits of hiring back office support.

If you’re considering outsourcing your back office operations, this guide will tell you everything you need to know. We’ll cover the different types of back office outsourcing services, the pros and cons, and how to select the right provider for your business. Let’s get started!

What Is Back Office Support?

The back office is the department of a company that deals with behind-the-scenes work, such as administration, technology, and human resources. It’s the engine room of the business. It goes without saying that a company would quickly grind to a halt in the absence of a solid back office.

A person busy looking at analytics.

Most businesses subcontract at least some of their back office functions. It’s often more efficient and cost-effective to outsource non-core activities so that your in-house team can focus on what they do best.

There are many different types of back office support services. Common examples include:

  • Scanning Services
  • Desktop Faxing and Email Handling
  • Data Entry Services
  • White Mail Processing
  • 3rd Party Verification & Audits
  • Consulting—Six Sigma call center optimization
  • Payment Processing
  • Fulfillment
Back office support: A messy back office.

Whether you’re a large company looking to streamline and improve your back office operations or a small business just starting, hiring back office support can help you focus on growing your business and achieving your goals.

The Importance Of Back Office Support

The back office is responsible for the day-to-day running of a business. It’s where all the essential but non-glamorous work happens, from keeping the lights on and the computers running to processing payroll and managing employee benefits.

A person busy with a backup back office backup.

While the front office—a.k.a., your customer-facing team—makes first impressions and generates revenue, it’s the back office that keeps everything ticking along smoothly. In other words, the back office is just as important as the front office – if not more so.

The Benefits Of Outsourcing Your Back Office

Back Office Outsourcing: A person looking into outsourcing.

Hiring support for your back office can provide many benefits for your business, including:

Cost Savings

Back office operations are often cheaper to outsource than to keep in-house because you only pay for the services you need when you need them. You also don’t have the overhead costs of maintaining a separate back office team, such as renting office space and furnishing it with the latest equipment.

Improved Efficiency

When you outsource your back office functions, you can benefit from the latest technology and processes. As a result, it can help your business run more efficiently and improve your bottom line.

Increased Focus

Outsourcing your back office can free up your in-house team to focus on what they do best—growing the business. In the end, this can lead to increased revenue and profitability.

Flexibility

Hiring support services gives you the flexibility to scale up or down as needed, without the fixed costs of an in-house team. It can be helpful if you’re a small business with seasonal fluctuations in demand.

A busy back office that needs to outsource.

High-Quality Back Office Staff

When contracting back office support, you have access to a pool of highly skilled and experienced professionals. These experts can give you a competitive edge and help you maintain high customer service standards.

Access To Better Technology

Support companies invest in the latest technology and processes to stay ahead of the competition. Therefore, it can help your business run more efficiently and improve your bottom line.

The Drawbacks Of Back Office Outsourcing

While there are many benefits to back office support, there are also some potential drawbacks, including:

Security Risks

When you outsource your back office functions, you entrust sensitive data to another company. Unfortunately, this data sharing can create security risks if the company doesn’t have adequate security measures.

Loss Of Control

When you hire your back office support services, you lose some degree of control over the day-to-day running of your business. It can be a problem if you’re a hands-on manager who likes to be in the thick of things.

Communication Problems

If you outsource your back office to another country, there is a possibility of communication problems due to language barriers and time differences. This communication gap can make it challenging to resolve issues quickly.

However, you can avoid all these disadvantages if you choose the right company to run your back office. The following section will discuss selecting the company that best suits you. 

How To Choose A Back Office Support Company

Business people shaking hands.

Not all back office support companies are created equal. When choosing a provider, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

Reputation

Choose a company with a good reputation. You may be wondering, how should I know whether they have a good reputation? The answer is simple, look for reviews and testimonials from past and present clients and see what they say.

Most online companies will have reviews and testimonials on their website. So, a quick Google session should reveal the company’s reputation.

Experience

Look for a business that has experience in your industry. It will ensure the company understands your business needs and can provide the best possible service. If you can’t find this information online, it’s best to ask the company about their previous experience. 

Cost

Outsourcing is usually cheaper than keeping your back office functions in-house. However, cost should not be the only consideration. Be sure to compare the services and fees of several providers to get the best value for your money.

Quality

Make sure the company you choose can provide high-quality services. The easiest way to do this is by asking them about their quality control procedures and getting samples of their work. In doing so, you can also better compare each company’s portfolio.

Customer Service

Even though they will not be working with your customers directly, you need to ensure the company responds well to your needs. Therefore, choose a company that values customer service. Look for a provider that is responsive to your needs and takes the time to answer your questions.

Technology

Back office support companies need to have the latest technology to stay ahead of competitors. Therefore, look for a company that uses the latest technology. It will ensure they can provide the best possible service and support.

The Bottom Line

Hiring support for your back office can be a big win for your business when done correctly. As you now know, back-office outsourcing can save you money, improve efficiency, and free up your in-house team’s time to focus on what they do best. So, if you’re thinking about outsourcing, don’t hesitate – it could be precisely what your business needs to take things to the next level.

Are you ready to take the next steps? Then, head over to iCall Services’ back office support service and request a quote today. You can also find more guides on the solutions iCall services offers in our blog.

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