AI consulting services are the next step for software development companies during the next decade. Why do I say this? It’s simple; the job of a software developer is becoming less hands-on and more focused on orchestrating complex systems. Companies know that the shift demands a strategy, how that strategy is executed however is up to the business. In this article, we’ll be going over the AI consulting route, a strategy that helps software development companies continue to add value in an evolving tech landscape. 

The introduction of AI has presented an opportunity, not a threat, to companies working in custom software development. The decades of expertise leading up to this point have given us the knowledge required to push companies forward using new technologies. However, the most challenging aspect, which has been difficult for years, is finding that perfect match and getting companies and clients to embrace the change. However, this is what’s going to make AI consultancy so inextricably valuable during this time of change. 

How Years of Software Development Have Prepared Us For AI

Artificial Intelligence seemed to form a rain cloud over businesses that are now scrambling for a cover, that is, a new strategy. However, these companies working in Marketing, Retail, Finance, Healthcare, you name it, might lack the required expertise to effectively execute a digital transformation with AI. But like any change, a little guidance can make a world of difference. 

Software development before modern tools has forged a toolkit for providers that directly carries over to success with analyzing businesses and integrating AI. Here are 3 key carryovers:

Agile Development: We’ve recently talked about the benefits of agile development with AI but it’s certainly worth a reiteration. Agile methodology aligns significantly with the iterative nature of AI development, a context where models are trained, evaluated, and refined over and over. The experience gained from agile development methodologies will be great when identifying opportunities and eventually integrating AI since it facilitates efficient development and adaptation to evolving requirements.

Data Management and Processing Ability: Software development has always been about working with mass amounts of data since applications need to analyze and manage large volumes of it. This experience has provided a solid foundation for AI, where again, data plays a crucial role. Software developers have expertise in data modelling, database management, and manipulating data, which are all going to be essential for AI algorithms to learn and perform up to standard.

Algorithmic Thinking: Breaking down a complex problem into micro steps like you would when writing code is going to serve well when approaching Machine Learning algorithms. What algorithmic thinking does here is slow you down and allow you to identify the specific objectives, data requirements, and preprocessing steps necessary for the system.

So first of all, what does a company look for in an AI consultancy? Well, it isn’t just one thing, it’s going to be unique in every case, but the following questions are typically the best to have answers to before seeking help:

1. How critical is it for you to implement an AI solution?

   • What does your company stand to gain from implementing AI? Before you can expect consultants to deliver you a high-quality product, you must first understand and believe in the vision. 

2. Does your consultant know what they’re doing?

   • It might seem like an oxymoron but depending on the consultant's background, their experience levels with AI and your industry can vary. Look for the ones who have been around for a while and who have a deep understanding of AI technologies in addition to relevant industry experience.

3. How will an AI system align with your business objectives?

   • Is your staff prepared to handle a new system? Companies that have succeeded for decades know that any changes made to workflows need to align with the company's values and goals. 

It’s the small details that make a big difference when it comes to selecting an AI consultant. But just like any software project, companies have to understand the purpose of integration.

Working With Your Chosen Consultant

Okay, so you’ve found someone you’re comfortable with - you’re confident in the vision behind your AI digital transformation, you work out the details with your consultant and now it’s time to get to work… What does the process look like?

When collaborating with an experienced team, the initial step involves conducting an assessment of your current software development resources and initiatives. What this assessment will do is identify any gaps or shortcomings in your current approach. These gaps are going to be the focus of your work together as it’s where you’re going to implement the solutions. 

Next, you’re going to go over it together. By doing so, you can align on the specific challenges and areas that require attention.

During these discussions, the team will want your input and gather additional context about your priorities. This approach with an emphasis on collaboration ensures that the proposed solutions are not only appropriate but align with your strategy and vision so that they can be sustained long-term. Then, you’ll take a look at the recommendation outline which is where you’ll see the solution proposals. You can then give your input and begin to think about logistics.

Beyond this, the process becomes focused on refining and implementing the solutions. It will prioritize user training, as your team will need to understand the unique aspects and functionalities of the AI solutions that they wouldn’t be able to get answers to anywhere else. 

What is it Going to do For You?

We could list the benefits of AI and make it look pretty but the fact is even the benefits change depending on the context. What AI brings to the table for a finance company won’t be the same as what it brings to a healthcare organization. The true value of AI consultancy is its ability to customize and tailor solutions to your specific industry and business needs.

You’ll walk away with actionable insights and, if you execute them effectively, an infrastructure that will give you a competitive advantage and allow you to scale.

The Takeaway

Trying new things as a business is an ongoing process and it can be very difficult initially but remarkably rewarding down the line. This is a digital world now, and it’s moving towards automation and efficiency. This time is unique in that businesses get to try different things to find what works. The right AI consultant can work wonders for you - but in order to do so, you must be willing to embrace and adapt.

Written By Ben Brown

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ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.