Managing data entry in-house may be time-consuming and expensive in the dynamic business environment. This function can be effectively and more efficiently outsourced to a specialized provider and can be very cost-effective, technologically superior, and specialized.
The multifaceted benefits of outsourcing data entry:
- How to select the ideal data entry outsourcing partner
- Steps for managing distributed data entry teams
- Leveraging data entry specialists like Hugo
Let’s dive in.
What is Data Entry Outsourcing?
Data entry outsourcing means agreeing with a third-party service provider for the basics of data entry requirements for digitizing information.
This includes:
- Document digitization: Converting paper files, PDFs, and scans into digital formats
- Data capture: Transferring handwritten notes and forms into spreadsheets
- Claims processing: Entering information from medical/insurance claims
- Invoice entry: Inputting billing details into accounting systems
- Receipt processing: Logging purchase data into expense tracking systems
- Survey entry: Capturing survey responses into analysis software
- Image annotation: Labeling objects in images to train machine learning models
- Data enrichment: Appending additional dataset attributes
- ID card digitization: Capturing voter ID, driver’s license, passport data
The Multifaceted Benefits of Outsourcing Data Entry
Outsourcing data entry provides numerous tangible benefits:
Cost Savings:
Avoid the overhead costs of in-house employees, infrastructure, and software needed for managing data entry internally. Outsourced teams achieve economies of scale. Curious about potential savings? Check out our ROI calculator now!
Time Savings:
Specialized data entry teams complete work faster and more accurately than generalist in-house resources, juggling multiple responsibilities.
Focus on Core Initiatives:
Internal resources can concentrate on core functions rather than being bogged down by intensive, repetitive data entry tasks.
On-Demand Scalability:
Providers offer flexible capacity to instantly scale data entry volume up or down based on changing business needs.
24/7 Productivity:
Global outsourced teams with coverage across time zones allow round-the-clock data processing without delays.
Enhanced Data Security:
Reputable providers have stringent cybersecurity protocols, controls, and redundancy measures to protect sensitive data.
Higher Accuracy:
Purpose-built outsourcing processes minimize errors through specialization and rigorous quality checks.
Analytics Insights:
Outsourcers provide dashboards for work volume, productivity, accuracy, and other metrics to refine processes.
Reduced Workplace Infrastructure:
Avoid expenses related to workstation setup, office space, and HR needs by leveraging remote outsourced teams.
5 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Data Entry Partner
While outsourcing data entry has clear advantages, choosing the ideal partner depends on several critical aspects:
- Data Security and Compliance Track Record: Ensure rigorous controls exist around data access permissions, infrastructure security, and compliance certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 based on regulatory needs.
- Quality Assurance and Accuracy Processes: Evaluate robust QA processes, accuracy metrics, SLAs, error checking, and correction measures that ensure consistently high-quality deliverables.
- Tools, Technology, and Platforms: Assess key capabilities like data extraction tools, OCR, and data scraping that enable smooth workflows and platform integration.
- Communication Protocols and Collaboration: Clear protocols and adequate client access prevent errors and enable seamless collaboration with distributed data teams.
- Scalability and Global Presence: Look for sizeable global in-house staffing across time zones that provides flexibility to scale entry volumes instantly.
3 Steps to Manage Outsourced Data Entry Teams Effectively
While outsourcing provides immense advantages, managing distributed data teams requires focus:
- Set Clear Requirements and Guidelines: Create documentation on expected formats, specifications, tools, quality standards, and delivery timelines to set clear expectations.
- Closely Monitor Progress: Leverage project management platforms like Jira or Asana to set milestones, assign tasks, and track work completion 24/7.
- Provide Timely Constructive Feedback: Give regular constructive feedback on process improvements and recognize excellent work while realigning on changing priorities.
5 Key Questions to Ask Prospective Data Entry Partners
When evaluating providers, key questions to ask include:
- What security certifications and protocols are in place to protect our data?
- How do you ensure accuracy and quality across ongoing data entry tasks?
- What teams, tools, and technologies will be leveraged for our needs?
- How can we best collaborate and communicate with your data entry team?
- How quickly can you scale entry volumes up or down as our needs change?
The data entry experts at Hugo help leading companies accurately digitize information at scale with rigorous quality protocols tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more!