Business Services
Business services are activities that support a company yet do not produce a tangible commodity, like information technology (IT). They help companies align their IT infrastructure with their business goals to be profitable. This type of service is becoming increasingly important for businesses in today’s global economy, as more companies are outsourcing their IT needs to third-party vendors to increase productivity and efficiency.
A variety of industries provide business services, including IT, shipping, procurement and finance. In addition, many businesses provide specialized business services such as cleaning and waste management. Business services are a critical part of any economy and often make up the largest portion of a country’s GDP.
Unlike products, which can be stored and sold at a later date, the production of business services must occur simultaneously with consumption. Thus, the worth of a service depends on its ability to meet customer demands in a timely manner. For example, if a customer experiences a poor service experience in a restaurant, they are likely to never return. In the same way, if a customer receives a high level of service from an IT support professional, they are more likely to continue using the business’s services in the future.
Other examples of business services include translation and interpretation, maintenance and technology support. Translators and interpreters help companies reach a wider market by overcoming language barriers, while maintenance professionals keep a company’s equipment functioning properly. Finally, technology support workers assist individuals and businesses with troubleshooting issues regarding networks and computers to ensure employees remain productive.