Everest Research Institutes Provides Insight into the Accounts Payable SLA

Posted by Everest Research Institute in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Oct 15, 2008

The accounts payable SLA is considered to be one of the main factors that contribute to the success of outsourcing.  Understanding the key elements of the accounts payable SLA can help a buyer establish a profitable outsourcing partnership.

Tasks related to accounts payable are frequently outsourced to suppliers for many reasons.  Outsourcing provides buyers with the opportunity to cut costs, save time and allocate more resources to the strategic issues of the organization.  Generally, outsourcing relationships last for years and will be controlled by a contract that sets the terms and conditions.  An accounts payable SLA, also known as an accounts payable service level agreement, measures whether or not the arrangement is working.

The accounts payable SLA is an important component in an outsourcing relationship.  If drafted well, an accounts payable SLA will protect both the buyer and supplier.  It should clearly define the scope of work, responsibilities, goals, service levels and performance measures.  The accounts payable SLA should include the accounts payable services that will be provided by the supplier.

Everest Research Institute has created the OSS SOW/SLA to assist buyers with understanding and evaluating the accounts payable SLA.  The OSS SOW/SLA allows buyers to begin developing the desired scope and service level performance.  The toolkit is also helpful in clarifying required performance.

The OSS SOW/SLA provides buyers with a standard set of commonly outsourced responsibilities within the outsource functions.  Buyers can use the OSS SOW/SLA as a basis for negotiation with the supplier and as a guideline for legal documents that govern the quality of services rendered.  The OSS SOW/SLA is divided into multiple sections that focus on the major aspects of the accounts payable SLA.

Everest Research Institute’s OSS SOW/SLA includes the statement of work and typical service levels.  This toolkit identifies the business objectives of outsourcing, the scope of service, functions that are to be performed and the desired results.  The OSS SOW/SLA includes other components of the accounts payable SLA, including process constraints, key areas of responsibility and service level specifications.  One of the most important factors of the accounts payable SLA is the performance metrics, which is covered extensively in the OSS SOW/SLA.

Each OSS SOW/SLA comes with a user guide and glossary of key concepts for service level design.  This valuable toolkit gives buyers the necessary information they need to ensure the creation of an effective accounts payable SLA.

Everest Research Institute was founded by Everest Group and serves as an independent research and analysis organization.  The Institute is the outsourcing industry’s central source of strategic intelligence, analysis and insight on best practices, trends and developments.  Everest Research Institute provides products and services to assist buyers in the outsourcing marketplace.  
Valuable insight is given to buyers, including determining the functions that should be outsourced, structuring outsourcing programs and selecting the right suppliers, to help them make better outsourcing decisions.

For more information about Everest Research Institute’s OSS SOW/SLA, call (214) 451-3110 or visit www.everestresearchinstitute.com.


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