Latest news with #outsourcing
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
The moving target that is RTÉ's woes
If there were one thing to be gleaned from Wednesday's Oireachtas media committee session with RTÉ 's leadership team, it is that the political focus has well and truly moved on since last summer. One of the big talking points to come out of last June's session with director general Kevin Bakhurst and co was the issue of outsourcing. The former BBC News editor was forced at the time to deny that the national broadcaster's transformation plan – a central plank of which is a contentious move to increase spending on outsourced, 'independent' productions – was tantamount to privatisation of in-house programming. All this after he was peppered with questions on the matter by members of the committee. Very little oxygen was expended on that issue on Wednesday. Instead, attention had largely shifted to RTÉ's latest financial foul-up: the €3.7 million or so written off on a troubled capital spending project to replace a legacy IT system in the organisation. But outsourcing has not gone away. Just last week, RTÉ announced plans to switch production of some religious programming – specifically, 'Christian worship content', as the broadcaster put it in a statement – to outside producers. It means Masses will no longer be broadcast from Donnybrook and will, instead, be produced by churches nationwide. READ MORE Asked briefly about it on Wednesday, Bakhurst said RTÉ hopes to get a 'different and a better product' out of the move and denied the broadcaster is phasing out religious programming. [ Ryan Tubridy has not repaid RTÉ €150,000 he received for Renault deal, Bakhurst tells media committee Opens in new window ] That will be cold comfort for staff, who are already concerned about the outsourcing of flagship programming such as Fair City and the Late Late Show, as announced last year. RTÉ's group of unions has reportedly written to the organisation's head of HR to request a meeting about last week's announcement. Asked on Wednesday about morale within RTÉ, Bakhurst diplomatically noted that it was 'very mixed'. Change is 'very difficult', he said, and there remains 'a very high level of anger and disappointment' about the 2023 secret payments scandal. In some areas of the organisation, however, morale is 'very good', the director general claimed. Against a backdrop of redundancies and outsourcing, it is difficult to imagine where these pockets of good feeling might be.
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
IBN Technologies' Accounts Receivable Outsourcing Services Transform AR Operations with End-to-End Solutions
"Accounts Receivable Outsourcing Services (USA)" Virginia businesses are turning to IBN Technologies for expert accounts receivable outsourcing services, streamlining collections and improving cash flow visibility. By outsourcing, companies overcome complexities like slow payment follow-ups and manual processes. They deliver customized AR solutions, ensuring accurate invoicing, real-time reporting, and compliance, helping clients boost financial control and support sustainable growth. MIAMI, Florida - May 28, 2025 - The sector is continuously strategizing accounts receivable management, and outsourcing has made it possible to achieve watchful results in financial oversight. Across Virginia, the adoption of accounts receivable outsourcing services is accelerating as companies seek expert solutions to enhance collections and improve cash flow. This strategic approach is reshaping financial workflows and providing clearer insights into outstanding receivables. Virginia businesses increasingly value the speed and accuracy that specialized outsourcing partners deliver. Efforts to optimize accounts receivable are gaining traction as organizations leverage providers like IBN Technologies to improve revenue cycle efficiency. With tailored strategies designed to streamline payment collection and increase visibility, Virginia companies are better positioned to support sustainable growth and maintain strong fiscal health in a competitive marketplace. Simplify AR processes with expert-led support. Tackling Receivables Complexity Virginia enterprises increasingly face operational challenges as the complexity of managing receivables intensifies. The growing demand for faster collections and reliable cash flow tracking makes relying on internal teams alone a challenge. Leaders prioritize enhanced visibility, responsiveness, and ownership within financial processes. Inefficient or disconnected invoicing tools Payment follow-up delays High Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) restricting cash access Insufficient real-time receivables tracking Dependence on manual spreadsheets and workflows Variable communication of credit terms to clients Coordination issues among finance units across locations To meet these demands, many Virginia businesses seek external expertise. IBN Technologies provides customized accounts receivable outsourcing services, enabling companies to tighten control, reduce errors, and synchronize receivables management with overall business objectives. Efficient AR Services Supporting Growth Virginia businesses transform their accounts receivable operations through service-focused outsourcing solutions designed to enhance financial precision and scalability. Utilizing accounts receivable outsourcing services allows finance departments to achieve consistent cash flow and actionable insights. These services streamline revenue cycles and bolster organizational growth. • Invoicing, follow-ups, and reconciliation handled externally • Integration with existing platforms • Real-time reporting by real people • Credit validation and dispute resolution • Compliance with U.S. accounting standards • Full visibility into financial status • Actionable insights into collections performance 'Modern accounts receivable strategies focus on flexibility, data integrity, and operational excellence,' noted Ajay Mehta, CEO at IBN Technologies. Verified Operational Success Companies collaborating with IBN Technologies for accounts receivable outsourcing report substantial gains in financial and operational performance. This growing practice supports better cash handling and efficiency across industries. Cash flow improved by 30%, allowing quicker reinvestment opportunities. Customer payment rates increased by 25%, strengthening revenue certainty. Finance teams saved over 15 hours weekly, boosting capacity for strategic work. These documented achievements highlight the effectiveness of professional accounts receivable services. IBN Technologies continues to deliver trusted solutions for optimizing finance operations. Modern AR Backed by Insight Virginia businesses are building smarter infrastructure around receivables, rethinking how payment cycles and client interactions impact their financial rhythm. Empowering teams with real-time data and technology integration has become essential. Many have taken the leap by introducing accounts receivable outsourcing services, which bring a structured rhythm to collections and significantly enhance working capital agility. A renewed focus on AR Management on Financial Success allows companies to operate proactively rather than responsively. Finance teams can identify bottlenecks, forecast collections, and act on credit trends—all in a single system. This intelligent approach removes friction and increases team bandwidth for strategic execution. Supporting these shifts, companies like IBN Technologies serves customized receivables solutions that integrate existing tools and workflows—delivering measurable impact with solutions crafted for each business's financial goals and industry structure. Related Service: AP and AR Automation Services: About IBN Technologies IBN Technologies LLC, an outsourcing specialist with 25 years of experience, serves clients across the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East, and India. Renowned for its expertise in RPA, Intelligent process automation includes AP Automation services like P2P, Q2C, and Record-to-Report. IBN Technologies provides solutions compliant with ISO 9001:2015, 27001:2022, CMMI-5, and GDPR standards. The company has established itself as a leading provider of IT, KPO, and BPO outsourcing services in finance and accounting, including CPAs, hedge funds, alternative investments, banking, travel, human resources, and retail industries. It offers customized solutions that drive AR efficiency and growth. Media Contact Company Name: IBN Technologies LLC Contact Person: Pradip Email: Send Email Phone: +1 844-644-8440 Address: 66, West Flagler Street Suite 900 City: Miami State: Florida 33130 Country: United States Website:
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Plans to offload Derby community libraries scrapped
Derby City Council has scrapped plans to hand over the running of 10 community libraries to an outside group for a second community interest group Sporting Communities had been appointed to run the libraries and had been in discussion with the council about creating a trust to take over the sites, in a money-saving drive for the the authority said that it had become clear during negotiations that "outsourcing was not the best approach" to protect the libraries in the long term, which have in recent years been at risk of libraries will now remain in council hands and their futures will be considered at a later date. The council first made the decision to transfer the 10 libraries to a community-managed model in 2017 in bid to save just under £700,000, whilst maintaining five statutory had faced an uncertain future in March 2023 when the then Conservative-run authority launched a consultation on the administration subsequently invited outside groups to bid to run them. But this was paused when Labour took control of the council in May 2023 and suggested an independent charity could be appointed to run them - a decision agreed in March last Communities was appointed to take on the sites in Allestree, Allenton, Blagreaves, Chaddesden Park, Chellaston, Derwent, Mackworth, Sinfin, Spondon and Springwood in December last year. 'Committed to future success' Councillor Sarah Chambers, the city council's cabinet member for communities, said that the decision had been made despite "considerable optimism" in the initial phases of talks with the preferred bidder."The decision to withdraw from negotiations means the council will continue to run the libraries. "I want to reassure public, staff and volunteers that we remain committed to the future success of our libraries and our manifesto commitment to protect them."I'd like to thank our dedicated staff and invaluable volunteers who have continued to provide an excellent standard of service throughout this period of review," she said. The leader of Derby Conservatives Steve Hassall said: "It seems for all Labour's bluster about saving libraries they have massively dropped the ball on this and made a complete hash of the situation. "It's a case of headline grabbing before substance, yet again. "There is also the absolute contempt and lack of communication towards staff that also needs highlighting here. "Labour's actions and behaviour are shameful and they should be apologising to all staff and volunteers for how they have treated them."
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
16 FinTech firms licensed, leading digital transformation in non-banking sector: Egypt's FRA
Egypt - Sixteen companies have obtained financial technology (FinTech) licences from Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) and are spearheading digital transformation efforts in the non-banking sector, its chairperson Mohamed Farid said on Monday. Four companies currently offer outsourcing services and are registered with the authority, with new entrants anticipated, Farid stated. Speaking at the fourth edition of Caisec25, an information security and cybersecurity conference and exhibition in Cairo, Farid said that approximately 110 institutions and entities currently comply with the FRA's cybersecurity requirements. He noted, however, that the total number of companies and institutions under the FRA's supervision across various activities and markets exceeds 3,500. Farid added that four companies currently provide outsourcing services, with significant potential for this number to grow into the dozens. 'These companies are listed in a special FRA registry and conduct electronic identification, verification, and authentication; electronic customer identification; electronic contracting for non-banking financial products; and electronic registration, storage, and retrieval from digital records,' he detailed. In his conference address, Farid outlined the FRA's ongoing efforts to foster a secure and stable environment that strengthens the non-banking financial sector's contribution to the national economy. This is part of its continuous endeavour to implement all necessary measures and policies to protect customer data and ensure market stability. 'The Authority, as the regulator of the non-banking financial sector—which encompasses the capital market, insurance activities, and non-banking financing activities—places significant importance on cybersecurity,' Farid stated. 'This involves developing policies and systems to protect customer data, thereby ensuring market stability, a key role for any financial sector regulator.' He emphasised that the FRA is working to create a secure data environment and stable markets for non-banking financial institutions, aiming to bolster the non-banking financial sector's role in the national economy. Farid added that the regulatory framework established by the FRA primarily recognises that 'cyberattacks and database breaches have become the new battleground.' Therefore, enhancing cybersecurity measures is crucial, 'especially given the accelerating pace of digital transformation across all sectors, which, while creating new opportunities, also generates increased cyber threats,' he said. He explained that this 'necessitates swift action to develop policies and operational systems that strengthen FinTech governance and ensure non-banking financial institutions utilise these technologies in a manner that promotes market stability.' The FRA chairperson noted the 'rapid and revolutionary pace of development in artificial intelligence (AI),' stressing the importance of enhancing the recovery capabilities of institutions and markets, particularly as development inherently involves risks. He advocated for increased preparedness to ensure 'a resilient non-banking financial sector capable of leveraging technological advancements and managing associated risks more efficiently and effectively.' Farid also highlighted that 'technological capability development must go hand-in-hand with enhancing human resource efficiency to achieve desired objectives and bridge information gaps.' He explained that 'the human element remains paramount in corporate business models,' and consequently, 'specialists in electronic and cybersecurity technologies and innovations must focus on providing extensive, varied, and continuous training for personnel.' The FRA chairperson affirmed that such training has become essential following the recent acceleration in the digitisation of non-banking financial transactions. This acceleration was spurred by the FRA's issuance of a package of executive decisions to implement Law No. 5 of 2022, which provides the regulatory and legislative framework for organising and promoting the use of technology in non-banking financial activities and services. He continued: 'The Financial Regulatory Authority issued Decision No. 139 of 2023 concerning the technological equipment, infrastructure, information systems, and protection and security measures necessary for using FinTech to conduct non-banking financial activities. This was followed by Decision No. 140 of 2023, regarding digital identity, digital contracts, digital registries, and the scope of FinTech use in non-banking financial activities, along with compliance requirements. This latter decision is considered the first regulatory directive from financial sector supervisory bodies to detail requirements for electronic customer identification. Furthermore, Decision No. 141 of 2023 pertains to the outsourcing registry for FinTech in non-banking financial activities, specifying companies authorised to provide electronic customer identification and contract record services to financial firms in the sector.'
Geek Vibes Nation
5 days ago
- Business
- Geek Vibes Nation
The Ultimate Guide To Game Art Outsourcing For 2025
The gaming industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, driven by innovative technologies, player expectations, and the ever-increasing demand for high-quality visuals. For studios of all sizes – from indie developers to global giants – game art outsourcing has emerged as an indispensable strategy to stay competitive, reduce production timelines, and focus internal resources on core creative tasks. Outsourcing game art offers incredible opportunities to tap into global talent pools, access specialized expertise, and deliver visually stunning experiences that captivate audiences. However, navigating this process can be daunting, especially with the various options and challenges involved. Why Outsource Game Art in 2025 Growing Demand for Quality Visuals With the rapid advancement of gaming technology and players' increasing expectations, the demand for high-quality visuals has never been higher. According to a recent survey, 90% of gamers prioritize graphics as a major factor in their gaming experience. To meet these escalating visual standards, studios must produce top-notch art while keeping costs in check. By outsourcing, studios can access specialized talent worldwide, ensuring their games stand out in a competitive market. Saves Time, Cost, and Internal Resources Game art outsourcing allows studios to streamline their production pipelines. By leveraging external talent, studios can save significant time and resources. This results in faster time-to-market for games, reduced overhead costs, and the ability to allocate internal resources to other critical areas of development. An efficient game outsourcing studio can provide high-quality assets at a fraction of the cost of maintaining a full-time in-house team. What You Can Outsource 2D/3D Art, Animation, Environments, UI/UX The scope of game art outsourcing has expanded significantly. Today's studios can outsource almost every aspect of their art production, from 2D and 3D art to animation and environment design. UI/UX design, which plays a crucial role in player engagement, can also be outsourced to ensure the game interface is intuitive and visually appealing. Examples of Common Use Cases in Game Projects 2D Art: Concept art, character design, and asset creation for indie and mobile games. 3D Art: High-poly and low-poly modelling, texture mapping, and rigging for AAA titles. Animation: Character and environment animations, motion capture clean-up, and cutscenes. Environment Design: Level art, background creation, and scene composition. UI/UX Design: Game menus, HUDs, icons, and player interfaces. How to Choose the Right Studio or Artist Portfolio Relevance and Style Match When selecting an art outsourcing studio, start by examining its portfolio. Ensure its previous work aligns with the visual style and quality you're aiming for. Look for versatility and originality in its projects. A game art outsourcing studio with a diverse portfolio indicates its ability to adapt to different styles and meet various visual requirements. Experience with Game Engines (Unity, Unreal) Another crucial factor is experience with widely used game engines like Unity and Unreal. A studio well-versed in these engines will better understand game art's technical constraints and optimization requirements. This expertise ensures smooth integration of outsourced assets into your development pipeline, minimizing potential compatibility issues. Communication and Reliability Effective communication is key to a successful outsourcing partnership. Choose a studio with a record of clear, prompt, and transparent communication. Evaluate their reliability by checking client reviews, testimonials, and case studies. Reliable studios are responsive, meet deadlines, and proactively address any issues that arise during the project. Budgeting and Scope Basics Pricing Models and What's Included Understanding the pricing models of game outsourcing studios is essential to budget planning. Common models include: Fixed Price: Clearly defined project specifications with a fixed cost. Hourly Rate: Payment based on the hours worked, suitable for flexible or ongoing projects. Milestone-Based: Payments tied to the completion of specific deliverables or project phases. Ensure you understand what's included in the pricing, such as revisions, asset optimization, and technical support. Defining Clear Deliverables and Timelines A successful outsourcing project requires well-defined deliverables and timelines. Detailed briefs and thorough documentation of your requirements will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure both parties are on the same page. Establish clear milestones and deadlines to monitor progress and manage expectations effectively. Tips for Smooth Collaboration Setting Creative Briefs and Feedback Loops Start your outsourcing project with a comprehensive creative brief. Outline your vision, art style, and technical requirements. Establish regular feedback loops to review progress, provide constructive feedback, and make necessary adjustments. Consistent communication ensures the project stays on track and aligns with your expectations. Using Tools Like Trello, Slack, or Figma Utilize project management and communication tools to enhance collaboration. Platforms like Trello or Asana can help track tasks and deadlines, Slack enables instantaneous communication, and Figma facilitates real-time design collaboration. These tools streamline the workflow, making remote collaboration seamless and efficient. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Misaligned Expectations One of the most common challenges in outsourcing is misaligned expectations. Ensure both parties clearly understand the project scope, quality standards, and deadlines. Regular check-ins and progress updates help keep expectations aligned throughout the project. Poor Asset Optimization Optimized assets are crucial for performance, especially on mobile platforms. Partner with an art outsourcing studio that understands optimization techniques to ensure your game runs smoothly across all target platforms. Lack of Documentation or Legal Agreements Proper documentation and legal agreements protect both parties. Outline terms of service, confidentiality agreements, and intellectual property rights. Clearly define the ownership of assets and usage rights to avoid legal complications. Final Thoughts View your outsourcing partners as an extension of your team. Foster a collaborative environment where their creative input is valued. This approach leads to a more harmonious working relationship and often yields higher-quality results. Building long-term relationships with outsourcing partners can accelerate your studio's growth. By consistently collaborating with the same teams, you benefit from their deepening understanding of your brand and vision, leading to more cohesive and polished game art. In conclusion, outsourcing game art offers many opportunities for studios to enhance their visual quality, optimize production processes, and reduce costs. By carefully selecting the right partners, setting clear expectations, and leveraging practical collaboration tools, studios can create stunning, engaging games that captivate players worldwide.
