IT-BPM Industry Overview for Students
IT-BPM Industry Overview for Students
The geographical diversification of BPO firms is poised to significantly influence economic growth in provinces outside Metro Manila by fostering local employment and encouraging infrastructure development. As the industry aims for a 50-50 distribution by 2022, such growth can distribute economic activities more evenly, reducing congestion in the metro and enhancing regional economies. This strategic dispersion can also attract foreign investments to these areas, further amplifying economic progress and resilience across the nation .
Companies choose to outsource primarily for reasons such as capacity management, cost reduction, better performance by focusing on core competencies, swiftness and expertise through specialized vendors, risk-sharing, and reduced operational and recruitment costs. Outsourcing allows firms to manage fluctuating demand flexibly while using foreign companies with lower wages. It enables better concentration on core business by utilizing vendors' specialized knowledge and can mitigate risks through vendors' expert planning. However, companies lose some control over resources and processes, which can introduce challenges in maintaining service quality .
The Filipino IT-BPM sector seeks to address this challenge by positioning itself as a global strategic partner that attracts opportunities beyond traditional call center roles, such as Knowledge Process Outsourcing, Software Development, Animation, Game Development, and Engineering Design. These sectors aim to provide opportunities for Filipinos to grow professionally and economically, thus fostering a locally cultivated highly skilled workforce .
Specialized associations within the Filipino IT-BPM industry, such as the Animation Council of the Philippines Inc., Game Developers Association of the Philippines, and the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines, contribute by fostering industry standards, promoting professional growth, and facilitating strategic collaborations. These associations act as platforms for sharing expertise and technological advancements, which enhance the overall capability and reputation of the industry both locally and globally .
The Filipino IT-BPM industry leverages its current position by focusing on geographical diversification, targeting an equal split of BPO firms inside and outside Metro Manila by 2022. It also aims to sustain rapid growth by catering to non-traditional markets like South Africa and Bangladesh, alongside traditional markets like Europe and the US. This diversification is coupled with strategic partnerships with companies like Frost & Sullivan, ensuring robust roadmap development that is crucial for sustaining competitive advantage .
The Filipino BPO industry challenges the perception of being limited to call center operations by diversifying into various services such as Knowledge Process Outsourcing, Software Development, Animation, Game Development, and Engineering Design. By highlighting opportunities in these areas, the industry demonstrates its capacity to provide high-value services beyond traditional voice-based operations. This diversification attracts a broad range of global clients, thereby reinforcing its role as a comprehensive solutions provider .
The Filipino IT-BPM industry is expanding at a rate "two to three times faster" than the global industry growth of 6 percent yearly. Two key factors contributing to this include the planned geographical diversification with a target of 50-50 distribution of companies within and outside Metro Manila by 2022, and the substantial interest and investment from European and US companies, as well as new markets from South Africa, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and the Asia Pacific. These efforts are supported by strategic collaborations with growth solutions providers like Frost & Sullivan and the formulation of strategic roadmaps .
Outsourcing influences operational efficiencies by allowing companies to delegate non-core functions to external specialists, thus enabling them to concentrate resources on their core competencies. By leveraging the economies of scale of service providers that can efficiently manage resources, processes, and supervision, companies can achieve cost savings and enhance performance. This strategic delegation also frees up internal capacities for innovation and growth in core business areas .
Companies are attracted to the Filipino BPO industry due to its rapid growth rate, which is "two to three times faster" than the global average, creating momentum and confidence among investors. Additionally, the presence of a skilled workforce capable of handling diverse services—from technical support to software development—makes the Philippines a strategic global partner. The commitment to expanding operations outside Metro Manila further assures companies of scalable operations across the country .
Employees in the outsourcing industry may face disadvantages such as irregular schedules, often requiring night shifts, and dealing with irate customers. To address these, companies provide training support to handle difficult customer interactions, offer floor support, and create environments with facilities and activities to help employees unwind. Despite these challenges, the industry also offers opportunities for professional growth and financial independence .