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Loss of Control

Another common myth is the customer loses control when the work is externally sourced to a contract service provider. This same argument was touted when vertically integrated organizations started to externally source manufacturing in the 1980s. In reality, when the vertically integrated organization used the right evaluation criterion to select the external manufacturer, then insignificant project control was lost.

Success in sourcing technical services can be achieved when a technical service provider is selected that has creative, experienced, and trained personnel who are committed to achieve results that are in compliance with the customer's requirements and appropriate regulations.

While important, the education level of project personnel, in both customer and service provider organizations, is less critical than having personnel and organizations that have demonstrated a history of success.

In internal projects, excellent communications, defined objectives, and planning are the keys to success. In external sourcing, these are still the key elements between the customer and supplier to achieve project goals.