Out-Tasking

The Necessity of Service Definitions

Published August 2005 Out-sourcing versus out-tasking....

New usage of the term "out-task" emphasizes the need to clearly define terms when discussing management programs with others. Typically "outsourcing" means turning a very large chunk, if not all, of the FM function over to a fully integrated contractor. "Out-tasking" meant keeping your management team in place and outsourcing elements such as custodial, food services, reprographics, etc. But how about the contract employee who is welded into the core management team and is an integral part of management planning and decision-making, that is a key, core outsourced contract service person? So far, no label for this kind of outsourcing exists, and at the Tradeline's Leading-edge Management Models for Capital Projects and Facilities Management Conference 2005 we heard such an outsourced person referred to as "out-tasked."