Effective Quality Control In Outsourcing: How to Monitor and Improve the Quality of Work

Outsourcing is a popular strategy for businesses looking to cut costs, increase efficiency, and access a wider pool of talent. However, one of the main concerns for businesses when outsourcing work is ensuring that the quality of the work provided meets their standards. This is where quality control comes in. Quality control is a process that helps businesses to monitor and improve the quality of the work provided by outsourced vendors. In this article, we will discuss effective quality control strategies for outsourcing and provide examples of how they have been implemented successfully.

One effective quality control strategy is setting clear quality standards and expectations. Before outsourcing any work, it is essential to clearly define the quality standards that the work must meet. This includes specifying the level of accuracy, completeness, and timeliness that is required.  Example: A software development company outsourced the development of a new application to a vendor. The company set clear quality standards such as a 90% test coverage, no more than 2 critical bugs per sprint, and a maximum of 5 days for bug fixing. These standards were clearly communicated to the vendor, and expectations were regularly reviewed and updated as needed.

Another effective quality control strategy is monitoring the work throughout the project. Regular monitoring of the work helps to ensure that the quality standards are being met and that the work is progressing as expected. Example: A manufacturing company outsourced the production of a new product to a vendor. The company set up a system of regular progress reviews, conducted quality audits, and inspected the work at key milestones. By monitoring the work throughout the project, the company was able to identify and address any quality issues as they arose, reducing the risk of costly rework.

Another effective quality control strategy is using quality control tools and techniques. There are many quality control tools and techniques that businesses can use to monitor and improve the quality of the work provided by outsourced vendors.  Example: A finance company outsourced the processing of invoices to a vendor. The company used Six Sigma methodology to monitor the work and identify areas for improvement. This helped the company to reduce the number of errors in the invoices processed by 50%.

Finally, providing feedback is an effective quality control strategy. Giving feedback to the outsourced vendor helps them to understand the areas in which they are excelling and where they may need to improve.  Example: A consulting firm outsourced the creation of a market research report to a vendor. The firm provided regular feedback to the vendor on the quality of the work provided. This feedback was timely, specific, and actionable. It helped the vendor to understand which aspects of the report were meeting the client’s expectations and which needed improvement. As a result, the vendor was able to make necessary changes and deliver a final report that met the client’s high standards.

In conclusion, effective quality control is essential when outsourcing work. By setting clear quality standards and expectations, monitoring the work throughout the project, using quality control tools and techniques, and providing feedback, businesses can ensure that the quality of the work provided by outsourced vendors meets their standards. Remember that quality control is a continuous process, and it is important to regularly review and update quality control strategies to ensure that they remain effective.

In addition to implementing effective quality control strategies, businesses should also establish clear communication channels and set clear expectations in order to improve the quality of the work provided by outsourced vendors.  By following these best practices, businesses can ensure that the work provided by outsourced vendors meets their high standards, and ultimately, helps them to achieve their business goals.