Programos.TechPIA.ITAN: the biggest Outsourcing Platform in Africa

Programos.TechPIA.ITAN Information-Technology-Enabled-Services and Business-Process-Outsourcing (ITES-BPO)
Our ITES-BPO provide specialized software, including human resources applications, specifically designed for the needs of small business. ITES-BPO can be much cheaper than ASPs for several reasons. ITES-BPO services have been designed specifically for the web, so users simply need a web browser for access rather than having to install the access software required for client-server ASPs. ITES-BPO can also connect to other e-services. As a result, on a single web page they can offer an integrated package of business services from various companies. Outsourcing IT services Why do companies outsource their IT services? Is it always successful? Outsourcing is the contracting of a company’s non-core, non-revenue-producing activities to specialists. Simply, it is the transfer of operational responsibility of either business processes or infrastructure management to an external service provider. Although outsourcing is not a new concept, it’s increasing acceptance among corporations as a mainstream alternative to in-house operations, as well as supplementation of IT services, has propelled significant growth over the several years. The two main types of outsourcing are Information Technology (IT) Outsourcing and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). BPO includes outsourcing related to accounting, Human Resources (HR), benefits, payroll, and finance functions and activities.
Is Outsourcing Right for Your Organization?
We say, YES!. So you can then face your core business functions squarely. One other reason why companies outsource their IT services is Technical capabilities and or cost of acquiring and maintaining the needed requirements. For an example PROGRAMOS SHOES COMPANY’s footwear business is £4 billion. It requires an achievement in global communication to keep this worldwide web of PROGRAMOS SHOES designers, product developer, production experts, marketing teams, sales staff, distributors and dealers in step with product developments and marketing plans. Just how do PROGRAMOS SHOES’s employees and partners around the world stay plugged into production? Without flying them into headquarters or shipping expensive samples across the globe? It is important to engage ITAN members for national credibility and business protection. With the collaboration of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, member manufacturers will benefit world-class ITES-BPO services from quality service-provider members of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria, ITAN and many other ICT Industry stakeholders. Loss of strategic flexibility is another risk in outsourcing; By outsourcing, companies may reduce cost, but may loss the ability to react to new strategic challenges and changes in their operating environment in future. This loss of flexibility may manifest itself in the ability to introduce innovative new products or the inability to upgrade existing products. It is risky for the client to reveal its strategy business plan to the vendor who may simultaneously be providing services to the client’s competitors. This will limit flexibility and could cause serious problems if the vendor decided to become a direct competitor. As companies look for ways to improve profitability and streamline the efficiency of their operations, the practice of outsourcing parts of the operations has become increasingly attractive business option over recent years. Outsourcing can yield substantial cost saving, help management better focus its energies and provide companies with improved service as well as access to the latest technology. Because in-house service providers do not face the same types of market pressures as outsourcer, it is often difficult for them to provide the same level of services an outsourcer on the cost competitive basis. That’s also the reason why outsourcing is an attractive business option.

HR and Payroll Outsourcing (HPO)

General ICT Training Outsourcing (GITO)

ICT-Based Stockbroking Training Outsourcing (ISTO)

ICT-Based Banking Training Outsourcing (IBTO)

ICT-Based Insurance Training Outsourcing (IITO)

ICT-Based Marketing Training Outsourcing (IMTO)

ICT-Based Public Administration Training Outsourcing (IPATO)

Institutional Effectiveness Outsourcing (IEO)

Equity Research Outsourcing (ERO)

Recruitment Outsourcing (RO)

ICT Events Automation Outsourcing (ICTEAO)

Procurement Outsourcing (PO)

Equipment Maintenance Outsourcing (EPO)

Agro-Ebusiness Management

GIS Solutions

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1. HR and Payroll Outsourcing (HPO)

Technology Partnership Initiative for Africa (TechPIA), has joined global e-service provider firms in specialization service in respect of human resource management function outsourcing. Some many big organizations now choose to outsource the payroll preparation functions of all its subsidiaries and branch network to an outsourcing agency such as TechPIA. The execution of such a function most of the time will involve high tech experiences and capacity which a solid software company such Programos Software Group can effectively fulfill the required automated processes and procedures which will satisfy the outsourcing company and encourage them to face its core business operation. These are more mundane functions, but often require significant resources; such functions might include human resource information system (HRIS) design or payroll design and administration. Generally, these systems provide the best opportunities to gain efficiencies through automation and are most often outsourced to TechPIA.
The goal of the company is to gain competitive advantage by outsourcing the activity. Several issues must be considered, such as the following:

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Things to consider:
1. Size
Do you want to OUTSOURCE or you want to BUY? A company with fewer employees often doesn't have resources for an in-house HR department to manage centrally payroll processes for all the company employees at the head office as well as the branch offices and may find our outsourcing offer to be a viable solution. When these activities are
2 .Unique Human Resources Practices
Some companies have developed HR practices that are different from those of similar companies in their particular industry. Outsourcing such unique practices may be difficult or costly. A considerable up-front investment may be required if a service provider needs to learn about a company's complex in-house process. Additional fees will accrue if the vendor needs to tailor a package or create a custom program to accommodate the system design.
3 .Business Climate
The flexibility provided by HR outsourcing is particularly appealing to companies that face a great deal of financial or business uncertainty, or operate in industries subject to volatility. Such companies are able to respond more quickly to changing resource needs when they are not burdened by excess fixed costs in equipment and staff.

Choosing Outsourcing Providers

How do I choose a provider?

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A company should have an adequate understanding of all the functions of human resources in order to properly determine which activities should be outsourced. Then, an assessment is required of the current cost of activities identified for outsourcing. With this costing information in hand, the company can better understand and compare the value of vendor offerings.

Selection Criteria
Vendor responsiveness will be an important consideration. Try to determine whether the service provider can complement in-house efforts. Most important is clear communication with the vendor about your goals, service expectations, and timelines. Finally, you will need to establish a means of measuring the performance and effectiveness of the outsourcer. Before choosing a provider, check client references and any relevant certification for an industry-accepted standards model (for example, ISO 9000). Ask colleagues for details about any experience they've had with vendors. Ask the vendor for a demonstration of a running application. Gather as much information as possible from online reference sites, including forums and discussion boards. If the process seems overwhelming, consider hiring an IT consultant to help you handle the complexities of finding an affordable ASP service. Look for providers with a service orientation, as well as a good reputation and proven expertise. For example, do they offer 24-hour, expert technical support? Try to find a partner that's flexible, capable of understanding your organizational culture, and complementary to your human resources philosophy and management style.

The Contract
Once the vendor is chosen, the next step is to define in a contract the formal and legal elements of the outsourcing relationship. A company needn't accept a vendor's standard contract. Build in your measurement and performance standards to ensure that you achieve your goals. Establish clear roles and responsibilities — who does what, where, when and how? Include both vendor and end-user obligations. Specify the degree of control relinquished or retained by your company. Clearly define what constitutes non-compliance and the provisions and/or penalties if the vendor fails to comply with the agreed standards. Stipulate the expectations of the reporting system between vendor and organization. And specify contract renegotiation. Most contracts are renewable on an annual basis, so specify disengagement procedures for both parties in case of incompatibility. Ensure that all terms are clearly defined; assumptions can lead to trouble. The contract should specify the total cost as well as the payment method. Look for hidden costs; specify any bonuses, incentives and penalties. Finally, specify a mutually acceptable means of reviewing or altering the terms to address changing needs, or unforeseen circumstances.

• Pricing
• Competitive pricing is available
• Return on Investment

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You've carefully assessed the pros and cons of e-business and gathered information on various services and vendors. Now you will need to determine if it's worthwhile for you to change the way you're managing your human resources functions. • Technology Find out how to automate the human resources process. • Cost Comparison
Compare the costs of manual functions versus automated systems. Recommended here is that you outsource any part of a process that will create a burden on your overall work process. This is profitable! You can bestow onto your organization attractive cost-savings up to 75% of current costs of engaging in self payroll management across all your subsidiaries and branches. Outsource it!!! How can I distinguish among service providers? The most important issue in hiring a human resources outsourcing firm is to know exactly what you are getting. Ask for specific details about service offerings and contract obligations. Consider how the service will fulfill your needs and how it will fit in with any other services that you may currently have or expect to adopt in the future. What services can I outsource?
Some providers offer "packaged" human resources services, requiring a company to outsource all its human resources functions. Others provide "à la carte" services whereby a client can select from among a menu of human resources service offerings. Typical services include:

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• Payroll processing and administration, which includes issuing paycheques and withholding or deducting taxes, insurance and health premiums, pension contributions, etc.
• Employee benefits and plans, including health, dental, life and disability insurance, pensions, etc.
• Human resources management, including recruiting, selection, termination, salary reviews, job descriptions
• Risk management, including worker's compensation, dispute resolution, safety inspection, office policies and procedures, employee manuals
• Incentive design and implementation
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