When it comes to machine learning, we believe outsourcing is your best bet. This business model works perfectly in the AI/ML setup. It allows you to save a lot of time on developing machine learning algorithms and, in some cases, save money as well. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at machine learning outsourcing. We will show you how you can hire the best machine learning company and AI consulting company to help you achieve your goals.
Smart analytics for higher ROI using ML
As perhaps you know, the entire AI industry struggles with the massive workforce shortage. In 2018, Element AI estimated that there were fewer than 10,000 specialists worldwide who had the necessary skills to create fully-functional machine learning systems. Today, the situation is not much better. For you, as a business owner, this means that attempt to find, hire, and train a full-time machine learning specialist is going to be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. That’s why the majority of companies that want to start developing AI projects opt for outsourcing.
They look for a company or an agency that will help them achieve their AI-related goals without the need to hire anyone full-time or to make costly IT infrastructure investments. We are huge fans of this solution. It’s cost-efficient and useful in almost every situation. Whether you need ML consultation or a fully-fledged ML model designed from scratch–there are companies willing to help you.
And this is where we get to the elephant in the room. After all, you have to find such a company, correct? A wrong choice can put you in an unenviable position. On the other hand, the right choice will help you achieve your objectives and develop your company.
How can you find the best machine learning company?
For starters, you ought to gain more knowledge about machine learning. Obviously, you won’t become an ML engineer overnight, but you will get priceless knowledge that will help you make an informed decision. With your homework done, you will know what to ask about and will be able to assess the quality of answers you receive.
A word of advice: Make sure the company of your choice really works with machine learning. Why should that be your concern? In early 2019, TheVerge.com published an article that stated: “According to the survey from MMC, 40% of European start-ups that are classified as AI companies don’t actually use artificial intelligence […].” 40%! This means that we’re not talking about some marginal problem.
That’s yet another reason to read more about machine learning. In fact, your knowledge is your best guide to find an organization that really knows what they are talking about that can deliver promised results. Obviously, there are other aspects you should pay attention to. And here are the most significant ones:
MAKE MACHINE LEARNING STRAIGHTFORWARD
First off, the language. Professional machine learning companies don’t flood you with fancy buzzwords and mysterious abbreviations. In fact, it’s quite the opposite–the real professionals know how to speak about machine learning and other AI-related technologies. As a client, you can fully understand what they are trying to communicate and don’t feel uncomfortable during meetings or online conferences.
Besides, it is always vital for you to understand what you’re you are going to sign up for. Before you sign the agreement or pay for anything, make sure everything is clear and understandable.
NO SUPERHUMAN ABILITIES
Many people think that AI is some kind of magic wand, and it can do almost anything you imagine. Well, no. In fact, there are many limitations and obstacles that shape the AI industry, and overcoming them is a difficult and time-consuming task. A professional agency that works with machine learning on a daily basis should fully understand these limitations. That’s why they won’t sell you a pie in the sky. They won’t make empty promises. On the contrary–they will be able to assess your project and openly speak of what can and cannot be done.
In fact, they should be able to examine your idea during the first meeting initially. If they ask you for several weeks just to tell you what can be done, look for someone else. This is especially critical when you’re talking to minor or start-up companies. It doesn’t mean that inexperienced companies cannot be effective! They can, but you should make sure that they don’t agree with everything you say just to make you happy.
laptop and machine learning
TRANSPARENCY REGARDING WORK AND EXPERIENCE
A professional machine learning company will openly speak about their experience and offer. There are no companies that do everything, and it’s perfectly understandable. However, a company that you are going to choose should be fully transparent about their scope of service. Again, if they cannot help you with something–they should let you know about it.
QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS!
A lot of people have misconceptions about what machine learning is and what this technical solution can do. You, as a client, are fully entitled to have similar doubts and questions. And it’s your company’s role to spot these misconceptions and explain them to you. That’s why a professional company asks a lot of questions. On the one hand, the purpose is clear: To understand your project and expected outcome. But on the other hand, your company’s goal should also be to explain potential misunderstandings so that you thoroughly understand how machine learning can help your company.
Moreover, we believe that every reliable AI agency should eagerly share their knowledge and explain every step and element of their work. Again, it’s your privilege to ask questions and demand transparent answers.
DO YOU HAVE CHEMISTRY?
Lastly, look for an agency that truly understands your problem, concerns, and expectations. Look for friendly specialists who patiently explain every unclear element of their work. It bodes successful, long-term cooperation. If there is no chemistry between you and your machine learning company, you will shortly find it difficult to get your project up and running. We believe that people working together simply have to like each other. It’s the best way to establish long-lasting cooperation that will be effective both from your and your agency’s standpoint.
