Revolutionizing Contingent Labor Management: Andrew Erlichman's Vision for the Future of MSPs

The MSP Advantage: More Than Just Staffing

When we asked Andrew to define the role of an MSP, he emphasized that it goes far beyond simply filling positions. A qualified MSP creates efficiencies, provides business insights for informed decision-making, identifies cost savings, mitigates risks, and improves the overall quality and value of the contingent workforce. Core benefits include:

Direct Access to High-Quality Talent: Ensures access to top talent at the right price.
Streamlined Processes: Creates efficiencies, improves worker quality, and reduces cycle time.
Advanced Technologies: Utilizes best-in-class workflow automation tools and the latest technologies for attracting, curating, engaging, and analyzing talent.
Supplier Management: Enhances vendor performance through responsible management services.
Cost Management: Implements practices to drive down direct and indirect costs.

Organizations often implement an MSP to address issues like lack of quality talent in a scarce market, inefficient and non-standard labor processes, lack of compliance or controls, and missed savings opportunities. MSPs consolidate invoices and supplier payments, improve supplier and labor performance, and mitigate risks such as co-employment and worker misclassification.

“What separates Guidant Global from other MSPs is our big-picture view of our customers' businesses. We manage the entire staffing process with the courage and vision to deliver what our clients need. Our worldwide operations are supported by client-facing and back-office staff dedicated to every phase of managed services, from solution design and delivery to recruitment, reporting, market research, and technical support. This comprehensive approach ensures that we address the growing complexity of today’s contingent workforce programs, helping our clients build better businesses.”- Andrew

Technology as a Catalyst for Change‍

Adopting an MSP solution brings immediate value through improved visibility, control, and enabling technology. Key areas of focus include:

Assurance of the Right Supply Chain: Optimizing the client's external workforce.
Reducing Total Cost of Ownership: Minimizing overall costs associated with contingent labor.
Process Efficiency Improvements: Streamlining operations.
Policy Compliance: Ensuring adherence to regulations and reducing risks.
Improved Decision-Making: Utilizing data and intelligence for strategic decisions.

Tools for achieving quick wins include VMS technology, data and market rate analytics, automation and AI, and niche technologies like Network for shift management. These strategies and tools collectively offer a comprehensive approach to managing and optimizing contingent workforce spending, ensuring both immediate and long-term cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Crucial Advancements for the Future of MSP Advancement

From a services standpoint:

SOW and Services Procurement management through the MSP will continue to drive incredible value to customers. Key focus areas that will continuously evolve include:

Cost Savings Vigilance: Persistent efforts to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities.
Efficiency Gains through Technology and AI/Automation: Leveraging advanced tools to streamline processes and maximize procurement productivity.
Advanced Analytics: Utilizing tools for analyzing indirect spend, reducing risk, optimizing procurement, and enhancing strategic decision-making.

“We see the continued rise of direct sourcing and direct fulfillment strategies as an additional tool for clients to access skilled global talent on-demand. The MSP will continue to work with our customers to closely plan for demand and using the right mix of technology that includes AI/automation functionality, and market insights, and talent curation expertise, our customers will quickly engage the right fit talent at the right costs.”

Direct Hire and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Strategies for attracting direct employees; align closely with our core best practices for finding contingent talent. With the advancements in technology and the interconnectivity between core systems, clients can realize a Total Talent Management strategy under the scope of the MSP.

From a technology standpoint:

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and the increasing presence of AI, robotics, automation, and machine learning is revolutionizing talent management. MSPs must identify and integrate technology that complements their service teams, enhancing customer centricity and solving clients' workforce challenges. This includes:

AI and Automation: Using advanced technologies to improve efficiencies and outcomes.
Strategic Technology Partnerships: Collaborating with tech partners to provide cutting-edge solutions.

Market trends:

The global workforce is dynamic, and the competition for talent is intense. Evolving MSP solutions is critical to maximizing value for customers. Key trends include:

Supply Optimization and EVP: Utilizing company branding, direct talent sourcing, and niche suppliers.
Hybrid Work Models: Balancing remote and onsite resources.
Gig Economy Growth: The gig economy will continue to outpace other worker categories.
Global Talent Utilization: Increasing use of talent from around the world.
Bias Reduction through Technology: Leveraging technology to promote fairness in hiring.
Skills-Based Hiring: Focusing on skills to achieve project outcomes.

By staying ahead of these advancements and trends, MSPs can ensure they provide maximum value and effectiveness for their clients.

The Rise of Network and Real-Time Insights

Platforms like Network are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. By offering real-time forecasting, benchmarking, and safeguards against inefficiencies, Network empowers MSPs to optimize their services and deliver greater value to their clients.

Platforms like Network are invaluable in optimizing MSP services, particularly as companies increasingly rely on a flexible workforce, with contingent labor making up 30-40% of the global workforce. These platforms support a variety of workforce needs, from niche technical roles to high-volume industrial positions. Key benefits include:

Real-Time Forecasting and Benchmarking: Providing visibility and data-driven insights to report, manage, and improve workforce programs.
Efficiency Safeguards: Identifying inefficiencies and offering solutions to enhance program performance.

Deploying the right solutions and technology is essential for MSP success. Network, integrated with our VMS partner SAP Fieldglass, exemplifies this by addressing core concerns like visibility, scheduling, and user adoption. It offers an exceptional user experience, enabling seamless management of shift workers and improving fill rates and attrition. Continually evaluating and integrating such technologies allows us to solve both large and small problems, add total value, and help our customers succeed in the global war for talent.

The Future of MSPs: Adapting to a Dynamic Landscape

Andrew sees a bright future for MSPs, but he also recognizes the challenges ahead. The global workforce is constantly evolving, with trends like the gig economy, hybrid work models, and skills-based hiring reshaping the way companies find and manage talent.

To stay ahead of the curve, MSPs must embrace these trends and adapt their strategies accordingly. Andrew believes that by focusing on supply optimization, leveraging technology, and promoting diversity and inclusion, MSPs can continue to play a vital role in helping businesses thrive in the digital age.

About Guidant Global

Guidant Global is an industry-leading workforce solutions company, providing services, quality talent, and insights to global firms. They support management programs for over 230 clients worldwide, with 2,000 employees managing 282,000+ contingent workers annually across 70+ countries.

Their diverse range of digitally enabled multi-disciplinary workforce solutions include: Contingent Worker Solutions, Statement of Work (SOW) and Services Procurement Management, Integrated Talent Solutions leveraging STEM Talent, Advanced Direct Sourcing, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and Direct Hire, Independent Contractor, Freelancer, and Payroll Management, and Workforce Consulting and Professional Services.

To learn more about Guidant Global services, you can visit their website at guidantglobal.com or connect with Andrew Erlichman on Linkedin.

About Network

Network is the next-generation VMS solution, purpose-built for the unique challenges of managing contingent labor and shift-based workforces. Our platform empowers businesses to optimize vendor onboarding, sourcing, procurement, and management, ultimately driving cost savings and operational efficiency.

For businesses seeking a more comprehensive solution, Network's customizable workforce management capabilities enable streamlined scheduling, talent deployment, and performance tracking, all within a single, integrated platform.