This is the age of outsourcing. Starting from early 2000s, the IT boom in Bangalore, India prompted a slew of American companies sending their customer service-related jobs to India and other similar offshore locations. This was, however, just the beginning. Gradually, the sphere of outsourcing witnessed a slow and steady expansion. Presently, technical jobs considered menial and ‘basic’ in nature (such as data entry, data mining, forms processing etc.) are being outsourced to India at a high rate. Outsourcing data entry services to India has always been popular; and now, outsourcing forms processing is catching up fast.

And here, we’re going to discuss the concept of form processing and why it is necessary to outsource it. So, what exactly is the term ‘form processing’ all about? Form processing, to define it succinctly, is a definite kind of data processing which assists in storing huge volumes of data which is absolutely critical to the core functioning of a business. It helps in reducing paper work to a great degree and contributes to a greener office. It also helps in procuring accurate reports and other details. In the function of form processing, there are a variety of processes involved. There are various kinds of structured forms in existence which pertain to it; such as questionnaires, membership forms and legal documents of different kinds. This also involves the systematic and organised data extraction from a plethora of customised forms and database.

The formats of form processing are quite varied and huge in number. The appearances and formats vary a lot from one company to other, and they are tailored according to the needs and functions of the company in question. A whopping majority of big companies are currently using online form processing services, in order to take care of all their data processing needs. The documentation which is provided by outsourcing companies after form processing, is normally quite useful where the various institutions are concerned. This effectively converts the office into a completely digitised, paper-less space.

Below are listed some of the most effective and profitable benefits of outsourcing form processing:

• When you outsource jobs such as data entry and forms processing, you’re normally assured of total and complete confidentiality. Therefore, your data will be worked upon in a completely secure environment and manner.

• If you decide to do all the work yourself, then it would cost you a lot of time and money; since extra workforce would be needed. However, at an outsourcing unit, they hire an army of experts who carry out the task in a nimble and efficient manner; and present before you the competed task within the deadline. Therefore, you get to hire the services of a lot of people at a cost which is about half the expenses of hiring them yourself.

• Outsourcing companies are normally extremely flexible towards the needs and demands of the client. They would tailor their services and modes of operation exactly the way you require.

• A firm, which is made up of professionals, is seen to harbour talent and expertise in every type of form processing. It assists in saving up a lot of time, enhances the efficiency and keeps the data stored in a secured form.

Thus, it is clear from all the above points that it is necessary to hire a suitable outsourcing firm whose work ethics and functions are compatible with the needs and demands of the client. This is necessary in order to strengthen the efficiency of the company and enhance its productivity.