A business service is any type of non-financial support activity that is necessary for the operation of a business. Examples of this include consulting services, marketing services, communication services and insurance services. These services are provided by companies that specialize in providing them. Business services are a subset of economic services, which are activities that create value for consumers and businesses. They are distinct from manufacturing, as they do not result in the production of a physical product.
The business services industry is a large sector in the economy that provides vital support to other industries. It is a significant employer in many economies, and it is growing rapidly as more countries industrialize. Business services are the backbone of a company’s operations, so it is important to have efficient and effective systems for supporting them. There are a variety of different business services available, including IT services, accounting services, procurement services, shipping and transportation services, and warehousing and logistics services.
In addition, there is an increased demand for value-added services that can be provided by business service providers. This includes a wide range of operations that can be performed on behalf of customers or suppliers, such as packaging goods, labeling, performing light assembly, and preparing documents for shipment. These additional services can help to increase a firm’s competitive advantage and reduce operating costs.
Services that are primarily used by businesses for their operations include banking services, transportation and warehousing services, insurance services, communication services, and consulting services. In addition, business enterprises require a number of other support services to operate effectively such as telecommunications, waste management services, and staffing services.
Another important feature of a business service is that it is intangible. A service can be consumed at the same time that it is delivered, which is distinct from a physical good, such as a house painter or a plumber. Services can also be accessed remotely, such as a virtual assistant or an online accounting application.
One of the most common types of business services is IT, which includes software, hardware, network and communication infrastructure and data storage. Other business services include data analytics, security and risk management, legal services, human resources, training, and consulting. Many businesses choose to outsource their IT and other business services to a third party, which can be more cost-effective than hiring employees for these functions.
IT and other business services are often provided by shared service organizations, which are organizational units within a business that consolidate support functions to maximize efficiency. These units can be centralized or decentralized, and they may focus on front-office or back-office functions.
A business services layer is a view of the enterprise that represents the set of processes and systems that provide critical support functions to the organization. It is a valuable view of the enterprise because it captures how the organization’s business model is implemented in an operational and practical way. However, a business services layer is not a static artifact, and it will change over time as the business model changes.