Managed services are entering a new era as technology and human aptitude converge to reshape how work gets done.
That’s according to the recently released Guidehouse Managed Services Guide, which delves into the meaning of intelligent operations, myths about managed services, and how intelligent operations are being applied across functions like health care, financial services, contact centers and more.
“Managed services” refers to outsourcing certain business tasks like revenue cycles, grants management or compliance. But according to Guidehouse — a global, AI-led professional services firm — the rise of AI is changing both practice and expectations around how services are now outsourced. The Managed Services Guide explores the changes taking place, what’s driving them, and what else is on the horizon.
“Intelligent operations represent a model for managed services that is built for performance, not just process,” said Ali Bokhari, Managed Services leader at Guidehouse. “It’s a shift from tracking hours to delivering outcomes. By combining automation, AI, and human expertise into modular, repeatable systems, organizations can scale what makes them distinct while driving measurable impact. This strategic operating model is designed for resilience, transparency and continuous improvement.”
Developed through in-depth interviews with Guidehouse experts across industries, The Managed Services Guide offers a look at how modern managed services are built and the value they create. This year, the firm also released The Trends Guide and The Tech Guide.
The company will unpack insights from the Managed Services Guide in a live webinar on Nov. 6, featuring Guidehouse leaders discussing how intelligent operations help organizations enhance performance, resilience and scalability.