Independent Outsourcing Advisors can certainly help avoid failures. However, be sure the advisor has significant experience that can be brought to bear. They will have seen different situations first hand and can help the client avoid the same pitfalls. Lack of planning, lack of follow up in execution, miscommunication, not understanding cultural differences, poor process, et cetera, are just a few of the areas that an outside advisor can help with.
If a client has not established an offshore outsourcing relationship, having an independent advisor can help formulate clearly articulated objectives and bring their expertise to the table with regard to process, selection, contract negotiations, and getting the transition going in an accelerated fashion. Frankly, this applies to offshore outsourcing and to creating a captive center in popular offshore locations.
