How to Use AI-Powered Coding

Programmers are going to have some fun with this one. Picture the start of a typical day as a developer, all the priorities you need to set, preparation for any briefs you’ll get, and then the contingency planning on top of it all. Of course, nowadays with tools like Chat GPT, Visual Studio IntelliCode, and CodeSpace among other resources, the programming process has improved lightyears from what we had 10 years ago. 

With that in mind, let me ask you this (if you are a programmer); how much easier is it to approach a day on the job now compared to when you started programming? Better yet, how much easier would it have been for you to learn to code with the tools available today?

Answers to these questions will vary. A lot of software developers will argue that you need to learn the principles of programming without the “shortcuts” first and then introduce them as you get better. Others will argue that modern programming tools have made it much easier when learning to code and made the process more enjoyable. There really is no right or wrong answer to these questions because it comes down to one thing; these tools are the future. 

The Basics of AI-Powered Coding

AI advancements in the software development space will only get better and make the process more streamlined. Among the many tools programmers are leveraging in 2023, AI-powered code is a top choice to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their coding process. 

For the first example, we’re going to be looking at OpenAI’s Codex. Codex is an AI code assembler that uses machine learning to translate natural language into code. Here are 3 examples of using it: 

1. You’re creating a feature that tracks sample inventory in a LIMS system:

You could say to Codex: “Develop a functionality that can record and track the inventory of samples in the laboratory”

Codex will then: 

• Design a plan for a database that will store the following information: sample ID, sample type, quantity, and location.

• Implement CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations for managing the sample inventory.

• Develop a user interface that allows users to see and update sample inventory records as they go.

2. You’re creating a feature for insurance software that calculates premiums based on risk factors: 

You could say: “Build a component that calculates insurance premiums for different insurance policies based on factors such as age, location, and coverage type.”

Codex will then:

• Design a data model that can store policy details, consisting of customer information and risk factors.

• Develop algorithms that calculate insurance premiums based on the risk factors provided and the parameters of the given policy.

• Lastly, implement validation checks to ensure the premium calculations are appropriate.

3. Now you want a feature that automatically tracks budgeting and expenses for a FinTech platform:

You could say: “Create an interface that users can use to set budgets, track expenses, and generate reports on overall spending”

Codex will then: 

• Create the design for the interface where users can input budget categories, set spending limits, and track expenses.

• Develop algorithms that will categorize expenses based on predefined rules and transaction data automatically.

• Generate visual reports that users can use to understand their spending habits, see how well they adhered to their budget, and recognize trends in their expenses.

Codex is a great platform, but it’s not the only one. Platforms like Tabnine, Snyk, and IntelliCode all perform unique roles that help software developers perform at the next level— but the key is knowing how and when to utilize them.

What Tools to Use and When

As a software developer, your time down to the second is highly valuable, so anything that can streamline repetitive processes or reduce manual effort is a go. Software depends on context which means that the tools a developer uses will depend on the specific requirements of the project and the developer's preferences.

With that in mind, here are some ways the AI-powered coding tools we’ve mentioned can be used in different situations:

1. Project: You’re building a mobile app for a transportation company

Tabnine will be a great resource in this case to handle the following: 

• The coding process for the mobile app will be shortened thanks to Tabnine’s code completion ability.

• The system can give suggestions for implementing features such as map integration, user location tracking, and in-app notifications. 

• It will get the right APIs involved so that third-party transportation services can be integrated.

  2. Project: You need to design and build a Web App for an E-Commerce store

The Web App development process can become a lot more satisfying using IntelliCode because of the following: 

• Whether it’s HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Angular, React, Vue.js, or you name the web app development language or framework - IntelliCode can suggest relevant code completions based on the context using Deep Learning algorithms.

• Because IntelliCode is so great at detecting what is necessary to complete a code, its error-prevention ability is significant

  3. Project: Develop a Node.js-based REST API

Snyk will be great for the security aspect of your REST API. 

• It identifies any known vulnerabilities in the open-source libraries you're using with your API and then provides insights and actionable recommendations to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

• The good news is that this is not a one-and-done tool. Snyk can continue to monitor the system over time and keep identifying gaps to fill.

Why AI-Powered Code?

The advantages that come with properly utilizing AI coding tools are immeasurable. Software developers are performing at a new level in today’s world thanks to these advancements. This means that now is the time for a business to get on before you start getting dramatically outperformed. 

AI-Powered code relies on 5 key components which include; the data source, Natural Language Processing (NLP), code parsing, Machine Learning, and most importantly feedback and iteration from the software developer. The interaction aspect is what allows the AI models to refine their predictions and generate accurate, or more contextually appropriate coding suggestions. 

Written By Ben Brown

—

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.

How Insurance Companies Will Benefit From Outsourcing Software Development

In recent years, the insurance industry has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of digital technologies and the growing importance of data analytics. As a result, insurance companies are increasingly turning to software development to help them stay competitive and meet the changing needs of their customers.

The industry is changing and it is not unfamiliar to challenges with technology. At the moment, 5 of the most pressing technological issues insurance companies face are: 

• Cybersecurity threats: Insurance companies handle sensitive customer information, such as personal data and financial details, and they are at risk of cyber attacks from hackers and other malicious actors.

• Data privacy concerns: Insurance companies are subject to strict regulations regarding the collection, use, and storage of customer data, and they must ensure that they are complying with these regulations to avoid fines and other penalties.

• Legacy systems: Many insurance companies have outdated technology systems and processes in place, which can make it difficult to integrate new technologies and keep pace with industry changes.

• Integration challenges: Insurance companies often have to work with a wide range of external partners, such as brokers, agents, and service providers, and integrating their systems and processes can be complex and time-consuming.

• Talent shortages: The insurance industry is facing a shortage of skilled technology professionals, which can make it difficult for companies to find and retain the talent they need to support their technology initiatives.

As an insurance firm, these issues may inhibit your daily operations and the confidence surrounding your product. Luckily, all these issues can be solved with the right software solution which is why we’ve seen an uprise in investments with things like InsurTech. But you’re not here to learn about the stock market; you’re here because you want to learn how custom software can be the remedy for an insurance company. With that said, pay attention to these three common reasons insurance companies choose to outsource custom software development: 

Talent Acquisition

The first reason why insurance companies would need to outsource software development is to access the expertise and skills required to develop sophisticated and innovative software solutions. Insurance companies often lack the in-house capabilities and resources to develop complex software systems, and outsourcing can help them tap into the expertise of experienced software development teams.

Cost Reduction and Increased Efficiency

Another reason why insurance companies outsource software development is to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Developing software in-house can be expensive and time-consuming, especially for companies that do not have a dedicated software development team. Outsourcing can help insurance companies access the latest technologies and expertise at a lower cost, allowing them to focus on their core business and achieve greater efficiency.

Remain At The Top of The Industry

The third reason why insurance companies need to outsource software development is to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. The insurance industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and companies that do not keep up with the latest technologies and trends are at risk of losing market share. By outsourcing software development, insurance companies can stay ahead of the curve and develop innovative solutions that help them meet the evolving needs of their customers.

The Takeaway

In conclusion, outsourcing software development is essential for insurance companies that want to remain competitive and thrive in the digital age. By accessing the expertise and skills of experienced software development teams, insurance companies can develop sophisticated and innovative solutions that help them reduce costs, increase efficiency, and remain competitive.

Written By Ben Brown

—

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.

How Health Insurers Are Using FinTech to Cut Costs

For health insurers, business doesn’t come cheap, which was especially problematic when the industry faced the Covid-19 pandemic. Insurers had to continue funding treatments, tests, and other care services. Adding on to this, there was significant revenue loss without the ability to perform surgeries or offer the other bulk of their services. One example is major American health care provider Humana which saw a loss of nearly $460 million in 2020. 

This was a significant dip from 2019 when the company saw profits of just over $590 million. The fluctuation was due in part to the influx of hospital patients being treated for Covid-19 which lowered the utilization of other care resources by 15%. Not to mention that these companies had to terminate employees and accommodate/navigate a hybrid work environment in the midst of all this.

Making Necessary Changes

The shift made companies realize that they’d have to pivot to keep up with their industry's changes. These changes specifically needed to be focused on administration in areas such as communication and payment methods. This is where FinTech technology came into play; by shifting to electronic payments and digitally corresponding communications between members and providers, the industry was able to cut costs and retain members. 

Insurance companies recognized that digital transformation is necessary to keep up with consumer demands. The particular technology that revolutionized the insurance industry is primarily made possible through ​​the Automated Clearing House network and Virtual Credit Card (ACH/VCC) which eliminate paper records and reduce customer service requests. In effect, this is attractive for members as well as companies who have benefitted from reduced support costs.

At this point the message is clear: a digital landscape allows providers to focus their efforts on the competencies that make their services useful. Though this was inhibited by the constraints of the pandemic, it may have been the cold awakening businesses needed to scale through the next decade. Insurance is a highly competitive market and although the service is not mandated everywhere, it is something that people need and will look in-depth for the best option.

The insurance industry is moving quickly, and again, there will always be a need for this service, but providers need to roll their sleeves up to bring the best product. With advancements like InsurTech, AI, ML, IoT, and other software tools like them, health insurers can operate cheaper and far more efficiently. Here are some examples of how technology is likely to change the industry:

• Customized Options: Product manufacturers and distributors teaming up to embed insurance within products and services (IoT) would allow consumers to find options that support their specific lifestyles.

• Product Flexibility: Coverage that accommodates specific needs for one's lifestyle, wellness, or current life stage and that is event-driven, time-flexible, adjustable, and modular. It is likely we could see a dominance in technology that takes this data into account when developing coverage plans.

• Automated Underwriting: AI and technological algorithms individualize pricing options based on the risk that potential customers carry.

• EZ Value Options: Taking into account the shopping habits of consumers in new markets, those who offer products that are flexible in terms of timeline, and who do not lose sight of underwriting (to weigh risk) will be successful in this market. 

AI and the machines in its technological hemisphere are changing the insurance industry from underwriting to distribution to pricing and claims. After seeing the beneficial changes InsurTech brought to the industry, companies are using these outlined methods among others to make their operation run effectively for themselves and their clients. 

This technology puts consumers in the driver's seat of their healthcare and well-being. For companies, this makes the sales process easier as they can understand their clients better. It’s made connecting with consumers easier which led to over $2.7 billion generated in revenue for the insurance industry during 2021 using AI. That number is expected to reach around $46 billion in the next decade.

Reasons Behind the Growth

Insurance companies continually investing in AI and Machine Learning dramatically increases collaboration between solution companies and insurers. Additionally, insurance services looking for personalized solutions contribute significantly to the global expansion of the solutions development market. 

Common worries about limits on the market stem from high usage costs and talent shortage. However, this risk is mitigated with initiatives from the government and surging investments which make the market highly lucrative and sustainable long term. 

The Takeaway

Finding solutions that serve the best interests of your business is not an inducement but a requirement for a software company to earn business. The technology serving the FinTech industry isn’t exclusive and this is something insurers have tapped into. We can expect to see other industries following the same embracement of AI & Machine Learning so long as the right solutions are there to serve them.

Written By Ben Brown

—

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.