ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

A new white book from global facilities services provider ISS and the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies (CIFS) examines future trends in outsourcing and perspectives for facility management (FM).

It points towards a shift in strategy - outsourcing is no longer merely a cost exercise, but a strategic element creating increased innovation power based on transparency and trust.

The ISS 2020 Vision White Book is the fourth in the series that aim to provide tangible solutions to the changing outsourcing environment in the future.

it says one of the key solutions for outsourcing providers is to innovate and sophisticate their technological capabilities, and to further enhance their service delivery models to match the strategic outcome of the customer.

Increased specialisation will result in a closer collaboration based on shared goals and risks. For the FM outsourcing process to be successful, both parties will work on establishing open and mutual beneficial business processes built on transparency and trust.

"Our research shows that the nature of outsourcing is undergoing a profound change. From strong focus on cost reduction towards supporting strategic objectives and pursuing advantages in terms of innovation, growth, brand protection, risk mitigation, access to talent and increased change," says head of group marketing at ISS Peter Ankerstjerne.

"The FM outsourcing relationships will change from traditional client-provider transactions primarily focused on cost-reductions to value based strategic partnerships especially focused on increasing workplace efficiency," he continues.

"Outsourcing providers increasingly need to differentiate themselves around technological sophistication, sustainability and innovation processes which directly influences the customers' ability to attract talent or getting their products and services faster to market."

To download the full white book click here