GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Analysts are mapmakers who use GIS technology to capture and organize spatial information and present it in a digital format. They work at the intersection of data analysis, programming and cartography. GIS Analysts add significant value to your business by analyzing and presenting solutions to the spatial components of business problems. A GIS Analyst’s skills provide simple visual ways to integrate, display, and analyze otherwise complex geographic information that means nothing on its own. Their maps, graphs and reports provide the foundation for increased revenue, lower costs, greater efficiency and productivity, and reduced risk. So why should GIS Analyst outsourcing form a key part of your risk mitigation efforts in today’s volatile and uncertain world? Here are three key reasons:-

1/ SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS 
Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing world of geospatial data and technology is challenging. Everything about how data is collected, stored and shared is constantly evolving. Recent years have seen cloud-based technologies and web app delivery mechanisms fundamentally transforming the entire industry. Keeping up can feel like hard work - hardware, software and trained tech-savvy staff (not to mention the office space required) all come at a cost. This is where outsourcing your GIS or Geospatial department comes in as a smart approach. Working with talent in offshore developing country hubs like the Philippines or Vietnam can afford you a 50 to 70% cost arbitrage - a saving that will bring a significantly higher - and faster - return on your investment. This protects your budget and supports greater agility for growth, allowing you to scale faster.

2/ ACCESS TO A GLOBAL TALENT POOL
Like most STEM skills, the supply of GIS Analysts is far outweighed by demand. There simply aren’t enough skilled and experienced candidates to choose from - and when you do find them, they’re expensive. Hiring outsourced GIS Analysts will allow you to expand your search across borders, giving you access to a global talent pool, and increasing your opportunity to find the ideal candidate. It will mean affordable access to top-line rather than average candidates who apply knowledge, experience and insight to achieve your goals. When considering GIS Analyst outsourcing partners, make sure you choose one who places a strong focus on a positive and engaging culture as this leads to high staff retention, ultimately adding more value for you.

3/ INCREASED DIVERSITY
Another key advantage of hiring outsourced GIS Analysts is the diversity they will bring to your business.  Diversity on your team isn’t just an asset, it’s a must. Stephen Covey (author of ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’) once said: “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” Diversity is critical for an organization’s ability to innovate and adapt in a fast-changing, disruptive environment. Importantly, diversity helps a business’s bottom line. Diverse companies are better able to attract and retain top talent, improve their customer orientation, and have higher employee satisfaction rates than less diverse companies. Inc.com lists five key benefits to diversity in the workplace:- 

• • Increases creativity 
  • Fosters innovation
  • Better consumer understanding
  • Richer brainstorming
  • Better decision making

A geographically-distributed workforce leads to greater employee diversity and new ideas. Different perspectives and fresh approaches can help reach a broader audience than you usually do. Having a team of employees that includes outsourced GIS Analysts from varying backgrounds results in truly great ideas and tangible business returns. 

While other outsourcing providers often focus on staffing customer service and back-office positions, Sharesource specializes in sourcing, recruiting, placing and managing highly technical talent in the Philippines and Vietnam. These countries offer access to outstanding offshore candidates who have what it takes to identify, analyse and solve complex problems from the ground up and to collaborate successfully with other team members. We will work closely with you to choose the ideal candidate for your hiring objectives and working environment. 

If you’re looking for a GIS Analyst outsourcing partner who can provide cost-effective, highly skilled and diverse talent, Sharesource could be the answer you’re looking for. Download our eBook, '30 Essential Questions to Ask a Provider Before You Outsource’ to ensure you're informed and have the right questions to ask when considering the next step.