Order In

Last time I heard someone shouting "Order In", I was waiting for my take out order. Over the last several months I have shared many recipes. But let it be known that I also very much enjoy ordering out from some great restaurants.

The question is what is better? If someone has the talent to prepare a great meal, why bother ordering from a restaurant?

I think the same holds true for Customs Compliance. Does a corporation outsource the compliance portion of their supply chain or is it better to establish a robust internal compliance department that can navigate the unique world of Customs Compliance?

So let's look at the pros and cons of both...

What are the benefits of cooking at home?
1) Control over the various ingredients used. (Quantities of salt can be monitored. Additives for prolonged flavor and freshness are not usually used.)
2) The timeout factor. Stop the constant hustle and bustle and spend some quality time enjoying the cooking experience and maybe even pair it with a glass of wine.
3) Portions can be made so that there would be expected leftovers that can be used for lunch the next day.

What are the negatives of preparing a home cooked meal?
1) Clean up and dishes
2) Taking the time to shop for ingredients
3) Did I mention clean up and dishes?! 

How about ordering out. Any benefits? I think so...
1) Time saved by not having to shop or cook can be used to spend more quality time with family and friends
2) Convenient
3) Variety of choices

Then again, ordering out does have its pitfalls...
1) Costly
2) Dish may not be what you were hoping to have.
3) Could have ingredients that are not healthy

We can agree that ordering out may be convenient but from a health perspective preparing a home cooked meal will usually benefit ones health and is definitely more cost effective.

Now let's look at Customs Compliance. Is there a reason to outsource compliance? 
In-house compliance can benefit a corporation in that they...
1) Have total control of the supply chain
2) Gains extensive visibility of the declaration process
3) Could produce efficiencies within the supply chain

But, there are some obstacles to in-house compliance departments such as:
1) Cost of payroll and HR oversite. The hiring process is complex.
2) Not fully focused on business growth
3) At times, the inability to obtain answers internally regarding complex Customs issues

If we now look at outsourcing compliance, there are some clear benefits:
1) Partnering with professionals
2) Able to gain insights and ideas from experts that may not be so apparent to in-house compliance teams
3) Providing the necessary time to focus on your business allowing experts to support the compliance.

Of course, some of the downside to outsourcing is:
1) Cost
2) Finding the right partner to outsource these functions to
3) Constant and consistent oversight of the team

There are definitely arguments for both in-house and the outsourcing of compliance departments. However, just like cost is not the only deciding factor when determining if one is preparing their own dinner or ordering in, cost should not be the ultimate factor on deciding about how to set up a compliance program for a corporation.

Whether one chooses to outsource compliance or to have an in-house team, constant communication internally as well as with the service provider will benefit the corporation. Set up consistent communication sessions to review KPIs and determine a short/medium/long term plan on how to ensure compliance is at the top of the priority listing for both the in-house team and the outsourced experts that are being utilized. 

ORDER IN!
OUTSOURCING!

Both have their pros and cons.
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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