Contact Center Glossary

BPO (Business Process Outsourcing)

What is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)?

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) refers to contracting external service providers to handle business functions such as customer support, sales, IT services, and back-office operations. Many companies outsource their call center operations to specialized BPO providers to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Types of BPO Services

  • Inbound BPO – Handles customer service, tech support, and inquiries.
  • Outbound BPO – Includes telemarketing, lead generation, and surveys.
  • Back-Office BPO – Manages data entry, HR, and finance tasks.

Why Do Companies Use BPO Services?

  • Cost Savings – Reduces expenses related to hiring and infrastructure.
  • Access to Skilled Workforce – BPO providers have trained call center professionals.
  • Scalability & Flexibility – Easily scale operations based on demand.

Challenges of BPO Outsourcing

  • Quality Control – Maintaining service quality across third-party vendors.
  • Data Security Risks – Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
  • Cultural & Language Barriers – Adapting to customer service expectations in different regions.

Major Industries That Use BPO Services

  • Finance & Banking – Fraud detection, customer inquiries.
  • Healthcare – Insurance claims, patient support.
  • E-commerce & Retail – Order processing, returns management.

Related Topics for Further Reading

  • Inbound vs. Outbound Call Centers – How BPO services are categorized.
  • Call Center KPIs – How outsourced call centers measure performance.
  • Workforce Management (WFM) – How scheduling is handled in BPO call centers.

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