Outsourcing of some or all payroll sub-processes in two or more countries is an increasing trend for large multinational companies, according to a new study by the Everest Research Institute. Among the buyers of outsourced payroll solutions, 44 percent of buyers took a global approach during the 2007-2008 timeframe analysed by the Institute as compared to just 35 percent from 2003 to 2006.

Buyers are achieving 10-20 percent direct cost savings and, in some cases, savings of more than 30 percent, according to the Institute’s study, HRO Market Update: Multi-Country Payroll Outsourcing (MCPO): A New Approach to an Old Problem. While manufacturing continues to remain the leading adopter of MCPO, the financial services sector remains the second leading adopter despite a slowdown in decision making processes due to the economic crisis.

“MCPO enables North America-headquartered companies a strategic option in managing non-North American payroll requirements,” said Katrina Menzigian, Vice President, Everest Research Institute. “Historically, multiple challenges restricted MCPO adoption, but adoption is rising due to increased maturity of suppliers, availability of innovative technology solutions and multiple delivery options.”

The study analyses MCPO across dimensions that include market overview and key business drivers, buyer adoption, solution and transaction characteristics and supplier landscape.

Other findings from the report include:

• 66 percent of MCPO deals cover four or more buyer countries

• Companies find MCPO an especially attractive option for addressing issues of complexity in the Asia Pacific and EMEA regions

• Three dominant technology models prevail, with 76 percent of engagements leveraging an integrated hybrid technology solution

• Most buyers prefer variable pricing models and phased-in implementation in contracts

• Supplier ‘co-opetition’* is prevalent throughout the market, with partnerships forming key components of solution strategies

• Only a few suppliers have the capability to cover a high number of countries in each region

• Since 2007, offshore suppliers that combine ERP capabilities with a global sourcing delivery have entered the market – and more suppliers are expected to emerge this year

“Suppliers must continue to offer MCPO solutions that leverage buyers’ existing investments and can be implemented quickly to meet companies’ needs to cut costs in the current economy,” said Rajesh Ranjan, Research Director, HRO. “Partnerships are important to suppliers that seek to strengthen and broaden their service offerings, which will be important as new suppliers enter the market and compete for market share.”

Sourcingfocus.com readers can access an extract and make enquiries into purchasing the report here: HRO Market Update: Multi-Country Payroll Outsourcing: A New Approach to an Old Problem,