Why nearshoring is the best option for network engineering services today
Introduction
The landscape of network engineering has evolved significantly since 1984, when I worked as a young network software engineer in the USA. At that time, nearly all engineering work was done domestically (onshoring), and companies and countries offered incentives to attract an overseas workforce like myself.
From the 1990s until 2018, we witnessed a strong trend toward offshoring, primarily driven by the need to reduce labour costs.
However, the rapid adoption of DevOps, the automation of network engineering with fewer resources, and the increasing challenges associated with offshoring—such as geopolitical risks—are prompting a shift back toward nearshoring.
Key Insights: Why Nearshoring is the Optimal Choice for Network Engineering
- Onshoring and the Rise of Reshoring for Sustainability
This refers to keeping your network engineering services within your own country. The main advantages include access to local expertise, a strong understanding of regional regulations, and seamless communication. However, these benefits often come at a higher cost due to local labour rates. In a few cases, companies like banks may not allow any data to leave the national boundary forcing mandatory onshoring.
Onshoring has seen a resurgence due to the challenges of offshoring and growing geopolitical risks. Reshoring, the practice of bringing operations back to the home country, has gained traction, particularly in industries focused on sustainability. However, for network engineering, where operational efficiencies are more crucial, the emphasis on reducing carbon footprints is less relevant.
- Offshoring
Offshoring involves outsourcing services to countries that are geographically distant, often with significant time zone differences..
While offshoring offers the potential for reduced expenses and access to a broader talent pool, it frequently introduces difficulties like physical and cultural separation. These challenges often lead to misunderstandings, slower project timelines, and compromised service quality, making offshoring a less reliable option for many businesses.
- Nearshoring
Nearshoring is outsourcing to nearby countries. This approach provides access to high-quality talent, similar time zones, and greater cultural alignment, which reduces costs, minimises communication barriers, and improves project delivery timelines. Nearshoring has emerged as a more balanced and efficient alternative to offshoring. It mitigates the risks associated with offshoring while maintaining cost advantages. This is particularly relevant in network engineering, where automation, advanced skills, and real-time collaboration are crucial for delivering high-quality outcomes.
How to Choose the Right Nearshoring Partner for Network Engineering
To maximise the benefits of nearshoring, it’s essential to select a partner with the right expertise, cultural alignment, and a strong track record of success. Consider the following factors when evaluating potential partners:
- Expertise: Does the partner have a proven history of delivering high-quality network engineering services?
- Cultural Fit: Is there good cultural alignment to ensure smooth and effective communication?
- Reputation: What feedback do their previous clients provide about their work and professionalism?
- Scalability: Can they scale their services to accommodate your future needs?
How Nearshoring Maximises Efficiency in Global SD-WAN Installation Projects
Imagine a company that requires designs and installs of over 2,500 global SD-WAN sites each year, maintaining a 100% success rate. They achieve this by strategically nearshoring their network engineering services, enabling seamless communication, swift issue resolution, high-quality, and highly automated outcomes.
Curious about how many full-time employees are required to sustain such a success rate? While every business is different, we’re happy to discuss tailored strategies that could work for your company. Contact us to explore further.
Cavell Group as your Nearshore Network Engineering Service Provider
At Cavell Group, our 20+ years of experience in cloud networking and security are backed by a skilled team capable of meeting your network engineering needs, offering expertise and support in seven languages. Want to do this with your own in-house team? Cavell Group can become part of your team, assist in the designs and migrations whilst analysing ways to improve processes, team knowledge and automation, so that after a period you’ll increase your productivity with our six sigma best practices program.
Check out some of our case studies below to learn more about how we can help:
Conclusion – Why Nearshoring is the Future of Network Engineering
We are witnessing a noticeable shift in sourcing patterns as businesses continue to seek the best balance between cost, quality, and efficiency, nearshoring is emerging as the future of network engineering services.
By combining the advantages of local expertise with the cost benefits of outsourcing, nearshoring offers a compelling solution for companies looking to optimise their network operations.