5 Benefits of hiring external engineering experts

In today's fast-paced business landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to optimise their operations and stay ahead of the competition. One strategic approach that has gained traction among SMBs is the practice of working with external engineering experts.

By leveraging the knowledge and skills of these seasoned professionals, SMBs can unlock a host of benefits that propel their growth and success. Here, we will explore five compelling reasons why partnering with external engineering experts can be a game-changer for your organisation.

1. Access to specialised expertise

One of the most significant advantages of hiring external engineering experts is the ability to tap into a vast pool of specialised knowledge and skills. These professionals bring a wealth of experience from diverse industries and projects, allowing SMBs to access expertise that may not be readily available within their internal teams.

According to a report by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, 61% of businesses struggle to recruit engineering talent with the right skills. By collaborating with external experts, SMBs can bridge this skill gap and gain access to the specific expertise they need for their projects. Whether it's niche technical skills or experience with cutting-edge technologies, external engineering experts can provide the specialised knowledge necessary to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.

Moreover, external experts often possess a broader perspective, having worked with multiple clients across various industries. This exposure allows them to bring fresh ideas and best practices to the table, helping SMBs to think outside the box and explore new approaches to problem-solving. By leveraging the specialised expertise of external engineering experts, SMBs can enhance their capabilities and stay at the forefront of their respective fields.

2. Cost-effective solution

Hiring external engineering experts can prove to be a cost-effective solution for SMBs, especially when compared to the expenses associated with recruiting, training, and retaining a full-time in-house engineering team. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, the average cost of hiring a new employee can range from $4,129 to $7,400, depending on the position and industry.

By opting for external engineering experts, SMBs can avoid these substantial upfront costs and instead pay for the specific services they require on a project basis. This flexible approach allows businesses to scale their engineering resources up or down as needed, without the long-term financial commitments associated with full-time employees.

Furthermore, external engineering experts often come equipped with their own tools, software, and resources, eliminating the need for SMBs to invest in expensive infrastructure or technology. This not only saves on initial capital expenditure but also reduces ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs. By leveraging the cost-effectiveness of external engineering experts, SMBs can allocate their resources more strategically and focus on core business activities that drive growth and profitability.

3. Accelerated project timelines

In today's competitive business environment, time is of the essence. SMBs often face tight deadlines and pressure to bring products or services to market quickly. Hiring external engineering experts can significantly accelerate project timelines, enabling businesses to meet their goals more efficiently.

External experts bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering projects successfully. They have honed their skills and developed streamlined processes that allow them to work efficiently and effectively. According to a survey by the Project Management Institute, organisations that engage external project management expertise report a 26% increase in projects completed on time and a 22% increase in projects completed within budget.

By collaborating with external engineering experts, SMBs can benefit from their expertise in project planning, risk management, and problem-solving. These professionals can help identify potential roadblocks early on and develop strategies to mitigate them, minimising delays and ensuring smooth project execution. Additionally, external experts often have access to a network of industry contacts and resources that can expedite processes and streamline workflows, further accelerating project timelines.

4. Flexibility and scalability

One of the key advantages of hiring external engineering experts is the flexibility and scalability they offer. SMBs often experience fluctuations in workload, with periods of high demand followed by lulls in activity. Maintaining a full-time in-house engineering team during these ups and downs can be challenging and inefficient.

By partnering with external engineering experts, SMBs can enjoy the flexibility to scale their engineering resources based on project requirements and business needs. According to a report by Upwork, 73% of hiring managers cite the ability to scale up or down as a key benefit of engaging external talent.

When faced with a sudden surge in workload or a new project opportunity, SMBs can quickly onboard external experts to augment their existing team and meet the increased demand. Conversely, during slower periods, businesses can easily scale back their external engineering resources without the burden of maintaining a large in-house team.

This flexibility allows SMBs to optimise their workforce and adapt to changing market conditions more effectively. By leveraging the scalability of external engineering experts, businesses can ensure they have the right resources at the right time, without the overhead costs associated with a permanent in-house team.

5. Fresh perspectives and innovation

Hiring external engineering experts can bring a fresh perspective and drive innovation within an organisation. These professionals have worked with a diverse range of clients and industries, exposing them to a variety of challenges and solutions. This breadth of experience enables them to approach problems from new angles and offer innovative ideas that may not have been considered by an internal team.

According to a study by PwC, 63% of CEOs believe that innovation is a critical factor in driving growth and profitability. By collaborating with external engineering experts, SMBs can tap into a wealth of knowledge and creativity that can help them stay ahead of the curve and differentiate themselves from competitors.

External experts can challenge existing assumptions and bring new methodologies and best practices to the table. They can introduce cutting-edge technologies and help SMBs explore new opportunities for growth and innovation. By fostering a culture of collaboration and openness to external expertise, businesses can create an environment that encourages continuous improvement and drives innovation.

Moreover, external engineering experts can serve as mentors and knowledge-sharing partners for internal teams. Through their interactions with external experts, in-house engineers can gain exposure to new skills, technologies, and problem-solving techniques. This knowledge transfer can have a lasting impact on the organisation, enhancing the capabilities of the internal team and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Wrapping it up…

In conclusion, hiring external engineering experts offers a multitude of benefits for small and medium-sized businesses. From access to specialised expertise and cost-effectiveness to accelerated project timelines, flexibility, and fresh perspectives, partnering with these seasoned professionals can be a strategic move for SMBs looking to optimise their operations and drive growth.

By leveraging the knowledge and skills of external engineering experts, businesses can overcome skill gaps, tackle complex challenges, and stay at the forefront of their industries. The flexibility and scalability offered by external experts allow SMBs to adapt to changing market conditions and workload fluctuations more effectively, while the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas they bring can help businesses differentiate themselves and explore new opportunities for success.

As the business landscape continues to evolve, embracing the power of external engineering expertise can be a game-changer for SMBs. By recognising the value of these partnerships and strategically integrating external experts into their operations, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency, innovation, and growth, positioning themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.