What additional factor should be considered when assessing external providers?

When assessing external providers, considering the flexibility and scalability of services is crucial because these factors directly impact the ability of the service to adapt to changing business needs. Flexibility refers to how easily the services can be modified or adjusted, while scalability concerns the provider's ability to grow or shrink services in response to fluctuations in demand.

In a rapidly evolving business environment, stakeholders must ensure that the services offered can accommodate growth or changes in strategy without resulting in significant disruptions or additional costs. A provider that offers flexible and scalable solutions demonstrates a commitment to evolving with its clients, thus enabling a more resilient and sustainable partnership.

Evaluating these aspects allows organizations to anticipate future requirements and requirements due to market dynamics, thereby ensuring a better alignment between the service offered and the organization's goals. This strategic consideration helps prevent the pitfalls associated with being locked into rigid contracts or legacy systems that do not serve the organization well as it develops.