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The economic landscape has been disrupted by the digital revolution. At the heart of this metamorphosis, artificial intelligence has become an essential pillar, optimizing processes and refining decision-making. According to Grand View Research , the AI market is expected to reach a staggering value of $1,811.8 billion in 2030, representing an increase of over 1,220% from the year 2022. The scale of this success is such that IBM announces that 77% of companies are either using AI (35%) or in the process of exploring its potential (42%).
Despite these impressive statistics, managing AI internally poses significant challenges. Its intrinsic complexity, the expertise required for its implementation and monitoring, as well as the resources required for its management are significant obstacles for many companies. This is where AI outsourcing comes in, a strategic approach allowing companies to benefit from the advantages of this disruptive technology by benefiting from expertise quickly.
According to a study by ISG Research , 92% of Forbes Global 2000 companies use information technology (IT) outsourcing, while 59% of them use business process outsourcing (BPO). ). These figures demonstrate the growing popularity of delegating technology needs to external providers .
Understanding AI outsourcing: why is it a relevant option?
Between 2013 and 2021, business investment in AI technologies increased by 290%. This figure shows us the importance that companies attach to these technologies.
source : Value of annual investments by companies in the artificial intelligence sector worldwide between 2013 and 2021
In the ever-evolving field of AI, the expertise needed to set up, operate and monitor these technologies is highly specialized . Competent profiles in this field are rare, making the recruitment and retention of such experts for internal AI projects particularly difficult (data analysts, developers, etc.). Outsourcing then presents itself as a viable solution, allowing companies to access cutting-edge AI skills without having to recruit and train these experts internally.
Furthermore, expertise in AI is increasingly numerous, with a variety of technologies and important use cases. As proof, the France Digitale 2023 mapping presents 590 French AI start-ups . Outsourcing skills to these experts is today more permissive.
The multiple benefits of AI outsourcing
Outsourcing AI offers many advantages , especially for companies that do not have sufficient internal resources to carry out AI projects. From cost optimization to increased agility , AI outsourcing can transform a company’s technology landscape. Furthermore, it is increasingly complex to connect your technological environment to artificial intelligence, without depending on experts (IT architect, etc.).
Cost optimization and resource rationalization
One of the main benefits of AI outsourcing is cost optimization. Rather than investing massively in the development of internal infrastructure, the acquisition of cutting-edge technologies and the recruitment of AI experts, companies can call on specialized external service providers (consulting, etc.). This approach allows a rationalization of resources and a minimization of operational costs , favoring a more flexible cost structure in a market which is still being structured (particularly in the analysis of human language).
Access to a high level of expertise in AI
Outsourcing provides businesses with access to leading experts in the field of AI. These experts, at the forefront of the latest technologies and methods, can help companies develop AI solutions tailored to their specific needs .
Indeed, these experts from different backgrounds make it possible to disseminate technological knowledge within companies. A need also supported by the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron during his speech at the Vivatechnology 2023 exhibition “ AI requires an acceleration in training
Flexibility and adaptability
Outsourcing also offers considerable flexibility and adaptability . AI service providers are able to customize their offerings based on each company’s unique needs , allowing for scaling in tandem with the company’s business goals.
Furthermore, technological developments are rapid. We observe this for example with ChatGPT and more generally generative or analytical AI ( discover Killian Vermersch’s conference on use cases ), pushing many companies and startups to review their innovation models.
Selecting an AI outsourcing partner: the criteria to prioritize
Choosing the right AI outsourcing partner is essential to maximizing the benefits of this disruptive technology. Here are some key criteria to consider:
AI Expertise: It is essential that the partner has proven expertise in the field of AI, and particularly in the specific sub-domains that are relevant to your business.
Experience: The history of projects carried out by the partner is an important indicator of its ability to provide high-quality AI solutions, and the versatility of its use cases (often cross-sector).
Technologies and methods used: It is crucial to take into account the technologies and methods used by the partner. Some companies may favor more environmentally friendly or more transparent approaches in terms of AI. Furthermore, the processes often take place over different time frames (example: large group and startup), the in-between is often a major asset for both types of companies.
Customization and adaptability: A good AI outsourcing partner should be able to provide tailor-made solutions that can adapt to your business’s specific needs and challenges. A good example is to check the ecosystem of connectors already in place such as Zendesk, Gmail, Salesforce, etc.
