Welcome to our third issue of the Profiles Advisory Group quarterly telecom advisory.  Our goal with this newsletter is to provide you with information you can use to effect a more productive and cost effective telecommunications relationship.  We hope you'll stay subscribed and provide us with feedback on what you'd like to see in future issues. 

Telecommunication/Wireless Expense Management Selection Process

How to make the best choice for your needs

Whether it's called Telecommunication Expense Management (TEM), Wireless Expense Management (WEM), Mobility Expense Management (MEM) or even Mobile Device Management (MDM) the selection method for determining the best fit across the many Telecommunication Expense Management providers requires a disciplined approach and a proven process. There are many important steps to making the best Telecommunication Expense Management provider selection to meet your firm's specific needs.  

If you are consider­ing implementing a Telecommunication Expense Management provider for the first time or look­ing to transition from a previous Telecommunication Expense Management provider, the areas of focus remain the same. Clients seek assistance with selecting a Telecommunication Expense Management provider because of the crowded field and the many claims the different Telecommunication Expense Management providers have made. Inevitably the largest problem company's face is getting control of this run-away corporate cost. Today, wireless and all telecommunication services are a top 5 expensive for most companies. It is, by many estimates, the third-largest enterprise expense after real estate and health care.

Some Analyst Opinions:

According to a market review from Telecommunications Industry Association, the amount of money spent on telecommunications by both consumers and the enterprise will rise from $500 billion in 2010 to $620 billion by 2014. A study conducted last summer by In-Stat, a consultancy focused on technology, reported that enterprise spending on wireless data will approach $17 billion by 2015. And according to a Gartner report this month, telecom equipment manufacturers will see their revenues increase 6.9% this year - that's all those snazzy smart phones and tablets your executives, sales people, and just about everyone else is clamoring for. Gartner also predicts that 80% of enterprises will overspend on wireless services through 2014 and beyond.

With these opinions as a backdrop you would be wise to have the very best Telecommunication Expense Management provider to assist with gaining control on your Wireline/WAN and mobility spending. More and more clients are seeking an independent, third party advisory firm with selecting Wireless/Mobility Expense Management and Telecommunication Expense Management providers by out-tasking this important selection process. Essential is having a clear strategy, a proven Telecommunication Expense Management selection process, and intimate knowledge of a client's current needs and telecom inventory. Determining the type of solution that best fits the corporate environment needs to include complete outsourcing or what components are best managed in house, what type of platform is desired, a hosted environment or one in house as well as the type of services that will ensure an ROI for the process. Once needs are determined coupled with a complete inventory of services to be considered for Telecommunication Expense Management the multitude of options that make the most sense based on your current and evolving needs become easier.

Many firms struggle with the "how to" of choosing the best partner to outsource their Wireless/Mobility Expense Management. This choice will have a significant impact on your business by improving the quality of operations and administrative services along with reducing fixed and variable costs. Establishing the right solution can result in substantial optimization of critical business functions like your Wireless/Mobility expenditure.

Some important considerations follow:

* Ability to Automatically Enforce Mobile Policy
* Knowing best provider(s) to match your firms needs
* Central approach to Managing Wireless Expenses and Wireline Expenses
* On-going and immediate Optimization of Wireless Plan
* Plan to Reduce Wireless Helpdesk Burden
* Dashboard for Improved Expense Visibility

Your partner/advisor within this practice area should assist you with the strategic business expertise and operational experience needed to create the foundation for successful sourcing solutions and partnerships. It is critical to establish value now and flexibility for the future when engaging in this important sourcing relationship.

From the needs assessment to implementation, your partner's guidance and insider knowledge should always vastly improve the leverage on your side of the negotiating table. Their expert capabilities and in-depth knowledge in all areas of Telecommunication Expense Management and Wireless Expense Management Services become your advantage in every step of the outsourcing life cycle. There are so many outsourcing options and a vast array of suppliers, your partner's in-depth understanding of the industry can be an essential element in analyzing the cost and risk, implementing the right sourcing solution and minimizing the impact to your business. The result should drive increased process efficiencies and deep carrier contract savings that directly impact your bottom line while increasing profitability.

ABOUT US:

Profiles Advisory Group is a consultancy specializing in global telecommunications sourcing, procurement and contract negotiations for carrier services as well as the TEM selection process. Each client scenario is unique, determined by current services, technology needs, contract cycle, pricing, terms and conditions. Our industry expert resources deliver market leading rates, terms and conditions for clients. Clients benefit from years of insider experience which is put to work on their behalf.

Core services that we offer include:

* Assessment and Benchmark of both wireless and wireline
* Technology review of existing and planned for services
* Sole source negotiation
* RFP demand set creation
* Multi carrier RFP development, bid review and evaluation
* Negotiate contract terms and conditions
* Wireless Optimization
* Telecommunications Expense Management (TEM/WEM) RFP selection process that includes:

Selecting the TEM Provider to fit your needs

Identifying and assessing the right areas for discovery and understanding

A "Proven Process" that delivers the optimal management reports during the evaluation

Specific checklist to help confirm you are making the right TEM provider choice