Introduction
In order to cut costs, manufacturers are re-focusing on their core competency production. To do this, many are outsourcing non-critical processes to service providers in the hopes of gaining greater overall efficiency with a lower cost base. This review report combines Datamonitor's research into the outsourcing theme.

Scope
Looks at manufacturers' views towards changing their outsourcing strategies.
Covers PLM and BPO as solutions to help manufacturers with their outsourcing strategies.
Sizes the market for BPO services in five countries from 2002 till 2008.
Highlights
Outsourcing within the manufacturing industry is a hot topic within multiple different industries. As manufacturers look to cut costs, outsourcing appeals to many, however there are multiple areas where they can begin. There are two core types of outsourcing manufacturers are looking at: operational and horizontal.

Reasons to Purchase
Understand what intentions manufacturers have with regard to changing their outsourcing strategies.
Assess how PLM and BPO helps manufacturers achieve their outsourcing goals.
Identify the market opportunity for BPO services in five key countries: Italy, France, the UK, Germany and the Nordics.