Business services are activities that help companies but do not result in a tangible product. They cover a large portion of the business industry and are indispensable to large firms.
They include a range of services such as management, accounting, consulting, engineering and information technology. These can be delivered internally or externally to businesses. They are essential to the economy of a country and have been known as the backbone of the global services sector.
The services provided by this sector are highly diverse and can be used in almost all sectors of the economy. Some examples include warehousing and shipping, engineering, IT support and financial services. These services are essential for a company to be successful and contribute to its profitability.
Managing a business can be complex and requires a lot of expertise. Outsourcing certain business services to a third party can help a company focus on their core operations and improve customer service. Some services require special certifications, permits, insurance or authorization that may be difficult to manage in-house.
Some popular business services include warehousing and shipping, accounting, consulting, engineering and IT support. Other business services are animal control and pest extermination, maintenance services, human resources support and legal advice.
A successful service design focuses on understanding the needs of those who are receiving the service. It also looks at the context and environment in which the service operates. It involves defining what the service is, who it targets and what its value proposition is. It subsequently defines what is required to deliver the service and how it will be measured.