Transitioning to a New Offshore Provider
Last week we discussed the warning signs that are often seen when it’s time to walk away from a bad offshore vendor. Vetting and finding a new vendor is challenging, but making a smooth transition and setting your new relationship up for success is where the hard work begins.
First, you’ve got to end the relationship with your old provider. Be careful to not burn bridges. Just because you’re ending your contract doesn’t mean the relationship has to go sour. You may never know when you’ll need each other in the future, and you need their commitment to help transition their work back to your team. Acknowledge why you are moving on, but keep the conversation positive and constructive.
When you’re ready to transition, here’s how to minimize disruptions:
Allow Adequate Time
To guarantee a smooth transition, make sure you adequately estimate and plan for the time it takes to transition off an existing provider, to your team, to a new provider. Depending on your business, this can be anywhere from three to six months, and in some cases longer.
Manage Your Assets
In your termination agreement, make sure to outline how your project’s data and assets will be managed. What do they own that needs to be given back to you? What systems need to be transferred, backed up, or have privileges revoked?
Prepare Your Team
Be transparent with your team about why you are transitioning to a new provider. It’s important to get the team’s buy-in and understanding of how the new vendor will work with them. At this point, it’s helpful to appoint transition leaders to make sure all of your bases are covered.
Set Relationship Goals
Poor performance can be a thing of the past if you’re clear about your KPIs and timeline upfront. Be certain that your new relationship is set up for success by clearly communicating your definition of success and needs.
