How to Assess Service Provider Relationships

It is very difficult to develop a comprehensive assessment of service provider relationships without some structure or framework. This is due to the complexity inherent in commercial outsourcing relationships, the number of individual relationships present, and the number of intangible aspects of which they are comprised. Without a framework, identifying problems and prioritizing meaningful improvements is a hit-or-miss proposition. However, the use of a framework provides a systematic and holistic method that produces more consistent and effective results. This paper provides an overview of the six determinants as well as how they can be used to assess service provider relationships.