The past few years have been nothing but phenomenal for technological advancements, especially in the fields of AI and data management. Understandably, this has led to fears of looming job losses. At the same time, some quarters are still skeptical about the efficacy of data and AI solutions.
While some of the concerns are valid, these couldn’t be further from the truth. Businesses, organizations, and professionals can squeeze even more productivity into their daily schedules with the right data and AI solutions.
However, working with the right data and AI solutions partner is crucial. The market is full of many capable data and AI solution providers, and an equal number either don’t know their stuff or prefer to cut corners and dodge compliance.
Below are nine tips for choosing the right data and AI solutions partner.
1. Understand Your Organization’s Needs
Before looking for a data AI solutions partner, define what you’re trying to solve or achieve in your business. For starters, you can specify the project scope and determine the foreseeable data requirements, whether structured or unstructured. Lastly, it would be best if you came up with a rough estimate of the expected budget and an inventory of resources you have in-house.
This is because you’ll mostly be stumbling in the dark without an idea of what your organization needs. With no point of reference, any overzealous salesperson or marketer can easily convince you to sign up for data and AI solutions that do not add significant value to your organization.
2. Look Into Their Compliance Record With Data Security and Privacy Regulations and Standards
AI and data security have been a thorny issue of late, and you wouldn’t want to be caught on the wrong side of the law. Besides hefty fines, non-compliance can severely damage your reputation, further denting your bottom line.
For this reason, only engage data and AI solution partners that have a history of compliance or, at a minimum, sufficient checks and controls to guarantee this. A record of non-compliance is worrying, but mistakes happen, and it could result from junior staff’s negligence.
If the service provider checks out all other vital metrics and has done enough work to remedy the mistakes, you may consider them. But do this only as a last resort.
3. Consider Their Track Record
Not all service providers are who they say they are. Sometimes, incompetent entities thrive simply due to brilliant marketing strategies. To avoid this and to ensure you end up with the right service provider, ask for past case studies or references from previous clients.
This will help you see what you’re signing up for. Alternatively, you can ask for recommendations and referrals from friends, family, and subject matter experts who have previously dealt with data and AI service providers.
4. Ensure Their Pricing Is Transparent and Aligns With Your Budget
Cost is a significant issue, and apart from selecting a service provider that aligns with your budget, dig deeper into their pricing strategy. Ideally, you should go with a service provider that has transparent pricing, as you don’t want to be tied to a contract with numerous hidden fees and costs, which can reduce the return you get from your investment.
5. Evaluate The Provider’s Industry and Technical Expertise
Ask the service provider if they have experience working with your industry or market niche. Dig deeper and ask for proof, if any. You also need to ensure the service provider has sufficient capacity to meet your needs. The technology/ equipment stack and the quality of their technical staff can indicate if they’re capable enough.
6. Ensure The Provider Can Support Scaling
As you reap the benefits of AI and data management, you can expect more business growth and, with it, a possible increase in the volume and complexity of data. A service provider with adequate resources and technical know-how can guarantee you can handle all this data and maintain your organization’s service or product quality.
7. Factor In Cultural Fit
Cultural fit is essential if the arrangement works harmoniously. The right data and AI service provider should have a work ethic and collaborative style that matches your organization’s.
8. Choose A Provider That Guarantees Adequate and Timely Support
Ideally, the right service provider should guarantee round-the-clock technical support. Let’s face it: things can get complicated along the way, and you’ll need a service provider to respond to issues on time and resolve them to finality.
9. Start With A Pilot Project
Case studies, references, and recommendations can only tell you so much. Before you commit to a long-term arrangement, ask the service provider that you both undertake a brief pilot project to ensure you’re compatible and that they can provide what you’re looking for in your organization.
For this pilot project, define key metrics, assess how the service provider performs against them, and use this to inform your final decision.
Final Thoughts
An organization’s choice of a data and AI service provider determines if the organization will reap benefits from its foray into AI and big data or not. Considering the amount of time and resources involved, it’s better to do the groundwork to ensure you end up with the right service provider.
