Data entry vs Back office. Many people need to understand the difference, in particular companies that need to outsource a service and to understand precisely which one.
Data entry is among the most popular services lately. The quantity of data generated every day, called “Big Data”, is enormous and companies encounter difficulties in coping with high volumes. As a result, they have created dedicated teams within the company or have decided to outsource the service.
Another service necessary to many businesses is the Back Office. It is an unclear term since data entry and Back Office are treated as synonyms. Despite the confusion, they are completely different things. However, one thing is certain. Both complete each other and are very important for the carrying out of operations in a company. Below, we will highlight the differences and the similarities between data entry and back office.
Data Entry
First of all, let’s try to define data entry. It is a broad term that describes various services relating to the processing of data. It can be manual or automatic. In another article, we defined what data entry is, namely the process of entering data into a computer or another electronic device.
Data entry can take place offline or online, depending on the need for an Internet connection to carry out the activities. The data itself can be copied from one digital format to another or from a paper copy to a digital one. It is a process that takes time, which is why outsourcing the service is among the most optimal and effective trends nowadays.
But what is the data entry outsourcing process like?
It begins with a close collaboration between the contractor and the contractee. The contractee (or the client) shares the necessary information with the contractor (or the outsourcer) so that the latter can correctly organise the operations and the training sessions. Then, the outsourcer makes sure that the agents are qualified enough to put in place cleansing, classification, processing or transformation of the data required by the client. The continuity of the process is supervised by responsible people and communicated to the client.
It is a virtuous circle that aims to provide a high-quality service.
Back Office
Back Office, instead, is a more generic term. As indicated by the name, it is linked to behind-the-scenes work. Every company has a Back Office Team to support its activities and operations. These activities vary depending on the company’s project or services. They can be data entry or the control of the quality of calls, archiving, invoicing and so on. Invoicing, for example, is very important for many companies. E-commerce companies, by their entrepreneurial nature, deal with a high volume of invoices every day. In this case, dedicated people can be required to cover the service; however,
outsourcing can be a smart move.
The main Back Office activity is linked to the “control” of the work carried out by the respective front offices. For example, when a customer service representative receives the customer’s data to then be entered into the system, the Back Office carries out a double check to verify whether there are errors in the data received by the representative on the phone. In that case, it adopts the necessary measures to correct them while keeping in contact with the representative. In addition, the Back Office has a quality-control role so that the project management will be adequately assessed. Overall, this department is of great importance and its contribution to people is valuable in checking the work carried out.
Differences between data entry and back office
Both data entry and Back Office are indispensable parts for every company. It must be emphasised that data entry can be considered part of the Back Office, but Back Office never of data entry. Below is a list of elements that differentiate or unify these services (offices) from one another.
Skills
First of all, there is the range of tasks. This element also depends on the nature of the service performed. However, in general terms, the Back Office has a wider range of tasks compared to data entry. This assessment is the result of the type of activity that each department carries out. Data entry is simply related to the entry of a certain database into specific systems, while the Back Office deals with more data-processing activities. The Back Office department also manages all the processes necessary to keep a company in business.
It is the “Backstage” of a company.
Level of difficulty
Secondly, the level of difficulty. On the basis of what was said in the last part, one could conclude that the Back Office is much more difficult than data entry. However, this might not always be the case.
Many times, for tasks related to these types of services, specific systems are used that can be difficult for the person dedicated to the service to assimilate. Therefore, the level of difficulty increases depending on several factors resulting from the clients’ needs, dealing with personalised tasks and systems.
Department sizes
If we have to compare data entry and Back Office in terms of size, data entry would certainly be the winner. The Back Office department, for most of the time, deals with administration activities that employ from 2 to 5 people, but it also depends on the size of the company’s activities as a whole. On the other hand, the Data entry department can be large due to the nature of the work and the time it requires. For example, this department can employ even more than 100 people.
Seniority
The last of the elements of comparison between data entry and Back Office is seniority. This term refers to the profile of the staff hired. Usually, Back Office activities require specialised staff. For example, most of the time they should be highly qualified in Excel or other programs compared to data entry staff.
As you can see, the comparison of these two departments is quite difficult. In fact it is complex because everything depends on the nature of the service and on the client’s requirements.
When to outsource Data Entry and Back Office
Outsourcing has turned into a key strategy to help companies reach their objectives. Startups, for example, outsource a certain type of service in order to be able to focus on their core business and at the same time receive a high-quality result. On the other hand, many companies find this option more convenient than developing the service internally. In addition, there can be unexpected volumes in the business activity that could lead to a collapse of many operations if the work is not allocated correctly. This is the moment when outsourcing is of great help.
Are you looking for an option?
We Are Fiber
At We Are Fiber we support our clients with the highest-quality data entry and back office services, convinced that QUALITY MATTERS. We have worked with well-known companies all over the world, for which we have carried out tasks from the easiest to the most difficult. So in reward we have always received loyalty from our clients and it is the thing we value most.
If your needs and your ideals match ours, we would be happy to receive a call or email from you.
We are waiting; it is your turn now!
Phone (It) +39 02 42 10 11 22
Phone (Uk) +44 20 38 70 44 08
