Intel, an American multinational corporation and technology company, announced a cost reduction plan that includes layoffs and reduced outsourcing to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) by 2026. TSMC is the world’s largest semiconductor foundry, providing essential services to tech giants like Apple, AMD, and Qualcomm. The change will improve profitability and capital efficiency amid financial challenges. BruntWork, an outsourcing company, provides insights into the implications of Intel’s decision.

Intel’s Financial Struggles and Plans

Intel has been facing financial difficulties, with drops in revenue, net income, and earnings per share. In Q2 2024, Intel’s revenue decreased by 1% year-over-year to $12.8 billion. The company recorded a net loss of $1.61 billion, compared to a net income of $1.48 billion the previous year. Intel’s reported earnings-per-share (GAAP EPS) was $(0.38), and non-GAAP EPS was $0.02.

Intel initiated a cost-reduction plan to save over $10 billion by 2025 to address these challenges. The plan focuses on increasing in-house production and reducing reliance on external foundries. The strategy will give Intel greater control over its supply chain, foster innovation, and better meet market demands. However, it raises questions about the outsourcing industry and the risks of such a weighty change.

The Critical Role of Outsourcing in Business Efficiency

Outsourcing has long been important to business strategy, providing flexibility, cost reduction, and access to specialized expertise. For Intel, it benefits chip design, software development, and manufacturing. BruntWork’s CEO, Winston Ong, states, “Outsourcing allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while leveraging external expertise for non-core functions. The approach reduces operational costs and enhances overall business performance.”

Outsourcing benefits areas like data entry, customer support, and IT services. For data entry, it reduces errors and increases throughput, crucial for businesses handling large data volumes. Customer service outsourcing enables 24/7 assistance across time zones, maintaining high customer satisfaction. 

In IT, it provides access to diverse expertise without in-house hiring, allowing flexible scaling of operations. BruntWork’s virtual assistants exemplify these benefits, using advanced tools like data entry automation software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and IT service management platforms to enhance efficiency and accuracy beyond in-house capabilities.

Why Cutting Outsourcing May Not Be the Answer

Intel’s decision to reduce its reliance on outsourcing has sparked debate about the potential risks and benefits. In-house production can offer greater control and potentially faster innovation but also presents challenges. The transition requires investment in infrastructure and talent, and missteps could lead to operational disruptions and increased costs.

Winston Ong of BruntWork offers a nuanced view, stating, “Intel’s move towards in-house production is understandable given their current financial pressures, but it’s important to recognize the value that outsourcing brings. Outsourcing provides flexibility and scalability that are difficult to achieve with in-house operations alone. Intel may miss opportunities to leverage external expertise and drive cost efficiencies by reducing their reliance on outsourcing.”

Outsourcing helps Intel stay ahead in semiconductors. Partnerships provide Intel access to design tools and manufacturing capabilities without investing in infrastructure. While partners handle circuit layout, verification, and fabrication, Intel can focus on architecture design and innovation. As Intel expands into artificial intelligence (IT), autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT), outsourcing IT services and customer support unlock access to global talent and skills that will propel the company forward.

Outsourcing also enables Intel to streamline operations and reduce inventory management, financial reporting, and customer data processing expenses. By outsourcing customer support, customers receive uninterrupted assistance, ensuring satisfaction across time zones. 

Undoubtedly, outsourcing will become more important in Intel’s business approach. Partnerships with firms like BruntWork allow Intel to focus on core competencies, access technologies and expertise, and maintain its global position.