The categories most likely to be outsourced are Marketing services and Facilities Management [FM]. These are examples of indirect spend categories where external providers often offer specialist expertise, cost efficiency, and scalability.

CIPS identifies five indirect categories frequently outsourced: Marketing, Facilities Management, IT/Communications, Human Resources, and MRO [Maintenance, Repairs, Operations]. Outsourcing these allows organisations to focus internal resources on core competencies such as manufacturing or R&D.

Raw materials, warehousing, and operations are typically core to production and therefore managed internally or strategically sourced, rather than fully outsourced. While warehousing may sometimes be outsourced [3PL], it is not listed among the primary categories in the study guide.

Outsourcing decisions must balance cost, risk, and strategic importance. For example, outsourcing FM reduces overheads while ensuring professional management of buildings and services, whereas marketing agencies provide creativity and campaign expertise.

[Ref: CIPS L5M6 Study Guide, pp.46–47 – Categories commonly outsourced]