Artificial intelligence is the process of using advanced technology to turn machines smarter and make them function as human brains do. This definition, coupled with the famous sci-fi movies and books, has caused a sense of fear in people. AI started being termed a futuristic invention that will snatch jobs from humans and replace those using machines and robots.
However, AI is still in the initial stages of development. It is not advanced enough to entirely replace humans. Though we see robotics being used in manufacturing industries, we also notice how humans are needed to control these robots. To simply put, AI is currently being controlled by humans rather than the other way round. AI is helping humans in finishing their tasks faster, that too with increased quality and efficiency.
To say that AI is assisting humans to build their careers and businesses would be accurate in the current times. A good number of enterprises are already using AI at varying levels in their business. A majority of them have relied on AI development companies to help understand the requirements, create a proper plan, choose focus areas, integrate AI tools with the existing software, and train the employees to use it.
Building AI software from scratch without expertise could lead to disastrous results. Hiring new employees for the job would be an additional expenditure. In such instances, choosing a development company is the best option indeed. But not every company is the same. Even if most of them are reliable, they may not be the right choice for the enterprise. Keep in mind the following points when looking for the best AI companies.
Generic Vs Industry-Specific Solutions
Does the company provide generic solutions or customized industry-specific AI tools? While the generic ones come within the budget, they may or may not deliver the expected results. The simple reason here is that customized solutions are cost-intensive and require extra attention to detail. Also, the developers need to have the required expertise to work on any existing software, make changes to it, and create a new one based on the requirements of each enterprise.
Company Portfolio
The portfolio of the AI development company will give an idea about the types of AI tools and software it offers. Is the company limited to one or two types of tools in specific areas, or is the company capable of providing an array of AI tools that an enterprise would need in different departments? For example, if a company offers AI software for accounting alone, enterprises will need to approach another company for AI tools for marketing or HR. That could create confusion and unnecessary complexities.
First Meeting and Impressions
Meeting the representatives of the company in person is quite important. Though you can sign the deal only through email or video conference interactions, it is essential to consider the first impressions enterprises get from the company. Are they able to answer your queries? Can they understand your business? What kind of questions are they asking about your business? Are they trying to offer solutions before you finish explaining your needs? Are they flashy and showy and use pure technical terms without bothering to explain the process in easy words?
Alignment of Objectives and Views
Enterprises need to understand that contracts with AI companies are profitable in the long term. And for an enterprise to be able to work with a third-party provider for years, it is essential for both parties to understand each other and have similar objectives. If a business is profit-oriented and meets a service-oriented company, the clash of ideologies might cause issues for the enterprise.
Reviews and Feedback from Clients
Pay attention to what the other clients of the AI development company have to say. While all their words cannot be taken at face value, enterprises should contact some of the clients and enquire about their experience with the company. Most enterprises do not mind talking to other enterprises unless they are in direct competition with each other. Noticing any recurring issues might help in making a better decision. There is no point in hiring a company that’s not good at technical support, right?
Transparency and Contract Terms
Third-party services invariably require contract agreements. When looking for the best AI companies, focus on what kind of contracts they ask for and the terms mentioned in it. NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) is a good way to sign up with the right company. Genuine companies don’t mind signing NDAs.
The big brands and multinational enterprises are spending billions of dollars on artificial intelligence. Small and medium enterprises can invest according to their budget flexibility and get the benefits of using AI tools in expanding and revamping their business. The crucial part is to choose the right AI development company for the purpose.
