In the ever-evolving world of technology, the process of finding the right technical professionals can be a daunting task. And when it comes to Artificial Intelligence, the stakes are even higher. With so much risk involved in hiring the wrong team, it’s essential to have a game plan in place. However, verifying an AI developer’s skills and abilities to deliver on their promises can feel like a daunting task. But fear not, the answer to finding the right team might be simpler than you think. With the right approach and a bit of due diligence, businesses can significantly improve their performance using complex frameworks based on Artificial Intelligence.
With the booming popularity of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, outsourcing can be an attractive option for companies looking to utilise this powerful technology. However, before taking the leap into outsourcing these AI development projects, it is important to ask the right questions to ensure that all of your goals and objectives are met.
Often, the best step forward is to outsource development to tried-and-tested Artificial Intelligence-specialists — and here are five revealing questions to ask any development team.
Artificial Intelligence is the “future of modern companies.”
According to the Forbes report, “Everyday AI: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Empower the Knowledge Worker,” three-out-of-four executives from American companies believe that Artificial Intelligence and related technologies will have a transformational impact on their industry. Why? Because Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is the future of modern companies.
The technologies help them:
- Avoid human error stemming from complex mathematical equations and analysis.
- Make more accurate predictions and better decisions with the help of advanced AI algorithms.
- Reduce time spent on tedious tasks, allowing for more resources to be invested in other areas.
- Increase employee productivity and efficiency by automating routine tasks and processes.
Why outsourcing Artificial Intelligence development could be better than hiring in-house?
The Global AI Talent Report 2019 says that, by year-end 2018, the number of qualified AI experts across the world totaled just 22,400. That’s hardly a surprise, given the AI industry is still in its infancy. However, since the demand for AI-related services is on the rise, it’s essential to find a reliable and experienced development team with enough resources to fulfil your specific needs.
Machine Learning is considered a complex subject that requires a lot of expertise and skills to master. The entry threshold of this specialisation is sky-high, and it’s not hard to see why. Unlike other fields that require a broad knowledge base and a few analytical skills, Machine Learning demands individuals who are comfortable working with in-depth mathematical analysis on a daily basis.
Besides having loads of mathematical skills and knowledge, you also need a good understanding of statistics, probability calculus, and linear algebra. Therefore, if you’re not up to the task of crunching these mathematical numbers, then Machine Learning isn’t for you. This specialisation is highly specialised and requires only those with a great passion for mathematical analysis.
Hiring developers to handle this can be a real challenge. Not only is it a laborious and expensive task, but many recruiters don’t have the necessary skills to evaluate technical abilities. Such a scenario often leaves experienced developers with the burden of finding suitable candidates, something that is hardly a productive use of their time. Fortunately, outsourcing AI development is becoming more popular, and this could be the game-changer many businesses need.
According to IT Outsourcing Statistics by Computer Economics, IT outsourcing in 2019 averaged 12.7% of the total IT budget: a sharp increase from the 9.4% figure recorded in 2018. It seems many companies are coming to realise that outsourcing AI development could be a better business solution, not only saving time and money but also helping enterprises partner with established and integrated AI teams.
What questions should you ask before selecting an AI development team?
The success of your Artificial Intelligence project depends on selecting the right development team. This makes it important to ask the right questions up front, to ensure that all of your goals and objectives are met. Here are five questions that will help you make sure your chosen team is the right fit:
- Does the team appear professional?
When looking to hire an AI team, one of the first things to consider is the professionalism of the team. This can be done by conducting an online search for information on past projects and the number of companies they have served. It’s also important to read testimonials from previous clients and verify the authenticity of recommendations. If you’re satisfied with these preliminary checks, schedule a consultation with a team member to discuss your project. During this meeting, be sure to ask for their ideas and possibly even a proposal to work with your business.
Carefully consider their proposal, identify any risks they’ve identified, and ensure they have a clear strategy for mitigating any unknowns. Remember, every AI project carries an inherent level of risk, so it’s essential to choose a team with a solid track record of success and a strategic plan in place.
- Does the team have a portfolio?
Before you start speaking with a team from an outsourcing company, it’s important to take a look at the agency’s portfolio. The portfolio is a reflection of their past projects and serves as a vital tool for securing new clients. You should be able to find the portfolio on the company website, but if you can’t, don’t hesitate to request it. As you review the portfolio, focus on any projects that relate to your specific industry and take note of their success.
You never know, you might get some ideas that could inspire your team to explore new opportunities. The portfolio is a real business card, and it could be what makes or breaks your decision to work with the outsourcing company.
- Do team members have a relevant background?
When it comes to artificial intelligence, the team behind the project is just as important as the technology. AI projects need a multidisciplinary approach to succeed, and your team should not only be skilled in programming but also possess deep knowledge of machine learning algorithms and natural language processing.
It’s essential to hire a team with complementary skills from different disciplines. For instance, the backend developer should have expertise in technologies such as Python, while the data scientist should have extensive knowledge of machine learning algorithms and natural language processing. A project manager is also essential for keeping everyone on track and ensuring the team is meeting deadlines.
- Is the team focused on the core technologies and nothing else?
Outsourcing your AI project means that you’re entrusting the development process to a third-party team. This is why it’s important to make sure that the focus of the team lies solely on developing the core technologies powering your solution.
Look for a team who will not only create a powerful AI solution but also provide ongoing support. Ask about how they will handle any bugs or glitches that may arise and what strategies they employ to keep your project up-to-date with the latest technologies. Additionally, make sure the team is aware of the timeline you’ve established for completion and can provide regular updates on progress.
- Is the agency focused on fees? Or is their focus on helping your business get results?
When hiring a professional AI team, it’s important to gauge whether their focus lies solely on extracting the highest fees or if they genuinely care about helping your business succeed. Look for an agency that offers value-added services such as training and post-deployment support. An agency with a track record of success can be an invaluable partner in helping you navigate the complex and ever-changing world of AI.
The team should be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of your business goals and how they plan to help you get there. If their focus is on fees, it’s likely that their work will only scratch the surface when it comes to providing meaningful value. Make sure they are committed to helping you achieve the results you desire.
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At 9NEXUS, we specialise in providing AI and ML outstaffing services for companies of all sizes. Our experienced team is made up of experts from the fields of engineering, data science, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and many others. We carefully curate our developers and match their skills to your project needs, ensuring that you get the best possible results.
Our cost-effective services are designed to accelerate your AI projects without breaking the bank. With our outstaffing services, you can access a team of highly-skilled professionals without the added expenses of onboarding and training. We understand the importance of balancing cost and efficiency, and that’s why we’re committed to helping you achieve success with your projects. Don’t let resources hold you back from realising your AI goals. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Conclusion:
Finding the right AI team for your project can be a daunting task. However, with a little bit of research and questioning, you can easily find a great partner to work with. When selecting an agency, make sure they have expertise in the core technologies driving your solution. Additionally, ensure their focus is on delivering quality results rather than extracting fees. At 9NEXUS, we specialise in providing AI and ML outstaffing services for companies of all sizes. Our experienced team is made up of industry experts who are committed to helping you succeed. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Key Takeaways
- When outsourcing an AI project, it's important to choose the right team with a solid track record of success and a strategic plan in place. Review their portfolio to get an idea of their past projects and any that relate to your industry.
- Make sure the team has complementary skills from different disciplines such as programming, machine learning algorithms, and natural language processing.
- Ensure the team is focused on developing core technologies and not distracted by other tasks.
