Networking and integration of infrastructures are ­frequently components of a multi-stage consolidation strategy in the ­direction of the approaches explained above. But even when ­taken as an isolated case, technological consolidation ­represents a ­solution with immense optimization effects – especially in those cases in which location integration is not possible for ­organizational or corporate policy reasons.   

Since virtual consolidation is based exclusively on state-of-the-art technologies, it should be mentioned that the corresponding investments in innovative systems are necessary if measurable progress is to be realized and the desired improvements are to be achieved. However, our experience shows that such investments, when planned and implemented properly, result in a profitable return on investment.

The search for a solution must be free of bias

During the course of the redesign, freedom from bias concerning the implementation depth of the consolidation is required in every case. The deepest cut is not always the best. There is no such thing as a panacea or a generally ideal strategy. Whether the technological-virtual networking of service centers or strategic outsourcing is the right solution depends on many individual factors such as the industry, size of organization, degree of decentralization, contact volume, and personnel structure and capacity. A detailed analysis of the entire organization, its processes, and its special features shows the way to the appropriate scenario. A long-lasting change oriented to the future is achieved by a re-organization with context-related degree of effectiveness and not by a non-specific standard switch.