Outsourcing has become a central strategy for businesses aiming to cut costs, access global talent, and focus on core competencies. While companies across nearly every sector use outsourcing to some degree, certain industries lean into it more heavily than others. Here’s a look at the industries that outsource the most—and why it makes strategic sense for them.
According to some reports, it is believed that around 80% of businesses globally outsource at least some of their business processes to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and access specialized expertise. Global business processing outsourcing (BPO) is expected to reach $525 billion by 2030, and outsourcing is not limited only to large organizations. In fact, 37% of small businesses outsource at least one business process.
1. Software Development and Platforms
Why they outsource:
The software development and platforms industry (part of the overarching IT industry) has long been a leader in using BPO services. Software development, technical support, cybersecurity, and infrastructure management are often outsourced, especially in countries with strong tech expertise and knowledge of trust and safety legislation on a global scale.
83% of IT leaders are considering outsourcing their security efforts according to Syntax. This consideration stems from a combination of budget cuts, staff reductions, and increased cyber threats which are leading businesses to seek outside solutions for cybersecurity.
Popular outsourced functions:
- Software and app development
- Help desk and technical support
- Content moderation
- Cloud computing and infrastructure services
- Data security and AI labeling
2. Healthcare
Why they outsource:
Organizations in the healthcare industry often outsource non-essential business operations to reduce administrative costs and improve operational efficiency. Many healthcare providers outsource back-office tasks and specialized services that improve customer service while allowing them to care for more people in a shorter amount of time.
With growing patient data, regulations, and demand for telehealth, outsourcing also helps healthcare systems scale quickly without sacrificing quality.
Popular outsourced functions:
- Medical billing and coding
- Transcription services
- Claims processing
- Telehealth and remote patient monitoring
3. Finance and Banking
Why they outsource:
Financial firms and departments and banking organizations outsource both routine accounting tasks and complex financial analysis to save costs and improve accuracy. Outsourcing helps organizations in the finance and banking industry remain compliant with evolving financial regulations in local markets while freeing up internal resources to focus on revenue generating activities.
Popular outsourced functions:
- Bookkeeping
- Payroll processing
- Tax preparation
- Financial reporting and auditing
- Customer service
4. Manufacturing
Why they outsource:
Manufacturing was one of the first industries to embrace outsourcing—especially through offshoring production to countries with lower labor and material costs. Outsourcing allows manufacturing companies to scale production and test new products without heavy capital investment.
Popular outsourced functions:
- Product assembly
- Component manufacturing
- Quality control
- Logistics and supply chain management
5. Customer Service
Why they outsource:
Customer service outsourcing is actually common across almost every industry. Outsourcing customer support center operations allows companies to provide 24/7 service, support multiple languages, and handle high call volumes without building expensive in-house teams.
Popular outsourced functions:
- Call centers
- Live chat and email support
- Technical support
- Order processing
6. Retail and E-commerce
Why they outsource:
Retail and ecommerce organizations outsource to help them handle everything from warehousing to customer service and digital marketing. Retail and ecommerce businesses often rely on outsourcing to enable them to stay agile, especially during peak seasons and special promotions.
Popular outsourced functions:
- Fulfillment and logistics
- Customer service
- Website development and maintenance
- Digital marketing and SEO
7. Energy and Utilities
Why they outsource:
From billing to customer service outsourcing, companies in the energy and utilities industry often utilize BPO solutions for non-core functions to streamline operations and ensure fewer service disruptions.
Popular outsourced functions:
- Accounts receivable and payable
- Customer support
- Sales and upgrades
Why Do These Industries Rely on Outsourcing?
Most industries rely on BPO solutions to provide trusted outsourcing services aimed at improving business efficiency and better serving customers.
Outsourcing can significantly reduce labor and operational costs. This cost savings allows companies to invest in new technologies and products that will improve their overall business offerings.
Outsourcing provides companies with access to a global talent pool. By outsourcing operations, companies can tap into localized talent expertise and improve overall service —- allowing them to grow quickly without losing their ability to focus on customer service.
Outsourcing allows businesses to scale. BPO services providers offer outsourcing services that allow companies to ramp operations up or down easily regardless of new product offerings, peak times or promotional offers that may be available.
Outsourcing allows companies to focus on core business processes and revenue generating activities. Delegating non-core functions to a trusted BPO solutions company lets organizations more effectively concentrate on strategic growth without being weighed down with the daily tasks of necessary business operations.
Finally, outsourcing provides companies with the ability to work 24/7 —- enabling round-the-clock productivity and customer support.
Why should you consider partnering with a BPO services provider?
Outsourcing isn’t just a cost-cutting tactic—it’s a strategic decision that can drive innovation, speed, and flexibility. While industries like IT and manufacturing have historically led the charge in using BPO solutions, sectors like healthcare, ecommerce, and energy are quickly catching up in the digital era. As technology continues to evolve, expect outsourcing trends to shift—but never disappear.
