Atos Origin delivers complete shared services solutions, with proven approaches, processes and change management implemented by consultants with industry experience and market-leading expertise.
Our expertise extends from development of the business case, through to the design, build, operation and continuous improvement of existing shared services centres, always with the focus on maximising financial and non-financial benefits. From initial consultation through to delivery, we have extensive experience in financial shared services and shared services optimisation across a wide range of market sectors.
For full information visit our dedicated Shared Services microsite
The shared services evolution
During the last century, the regular swing between centralised and decentralised business models has reflected changing economic circumstances. Both approaches have their advantages.
A decentralised business model suits rapidly growing markets where entrepreneurship and revenue growth outweigh immediate shareholder returns. By contrast, stable or depressed conditions favour a centralised enterprise where success depends on firm command, control and cost reduction strategies.
In recent years, additional dynamics have entered the equation:
- Increasing regulatory controls are leading to the adoption of stringent processes and standards throughout the organisation
- The public sector drive to free up resources for frontline service delivery is accelerating the take-up of new models, including the implementation of shared services solutions
- Seamless interaction between web-enabled business applications is easing access to shared software components and data, wherever they are located
- The breakdown of traditional time and distance barriers is allowing organisations to exploit the benefits of innovative and flexible business models.
The shared services model has evolved in response to this new environment. By leveraging best practice from both centralised and decentralised systems, shared services models put functions such as IT, human resources, finance and procurement at the core of the corporation. This approach liberates individual business units to focus on product development, markets and customers. At the same time, the adoption of common standards across the organisation, safeguards regulatory compliance.
Shared services can deliver ‘quick win’ cost savings and financial advantages, but truly successful shared services solutions also provide a parallel opportunity to improve operational processes. Although this may initially involve additional capital investment and fundamental organisational change, the long-term rewards include a stronger return on investment and wider performance benefits across the enterprise.
A carefully planned and rigorously implemented shared services programme can deliver significant benefits. These include:
- Standardised, streamlined and, where appropriate, fully automated processes to ensure clarity and control
- Clear demarcation of responsibilities and the release of analyst resource to focus on business intelligence
- Scaleable structures with the capacity and flexibility to manage new business and higher volumes.
For full details about our shared services expertise, case studies and user group information, please visit our Shared Services web pages.