Managing technical functions: is it your line of business?

Food, laundry, valet and transportation services are areas that have been contracted out by hospitals for many years. Technical services are another area that may make sense to outsource, providing the company can pass the following tests: 1. Quality of service--can they do it better than your own employees? 2. Timeliness of service--usually the objective is speedier service. 3. Cost-effectiveness--is the service a good value?