How AI Architects Can Save Your Business

Artificial Intelligence is here for one thing: to move the world forward using technology. Like the introduction of the internet and computers, it will take over jobs, but it will also create opportunities for new jobs and redefine existing ones. The idea that work needs to be labour intensive, demand immense creativity, and require various levels of collaboration is challenged at the sight of AI.

Again, as everyone knows by now, this is a tool— a series of tools— that will change the way people approach their work in ways we cannot fully predict. What can be predicted is that machines will execute tasks based on what they’ve been told to do and will continue to learn and adapt based on the data and feedback they receive. When it comes to running a business, it’s critical to find ways to incorporate this now as it truly is a matter of staying up or going way under.

Data Management

The foundation and overall value of AI tools come down to their ability to manipulate and manage data. With businesses re-evaluating their strategies and looking for opportunities to incorporate AI solutions - the most important aspect to consider is how these tools can handle their organization's information. First, let’s gain some perspective on the level of data that needs to be managed. 

The average enterprise manages about 10 Petabytes of data - for reference, 1 Petabyte is equal to 20 million large filing cabinets or even 500 billion pages of standard print text. Now, something this data-intensive won’t be managed by Chat GPT 3000 words at a time. What will happen is a robust system will be built that is not only efficient but can handle data at scale, at any level of complexity, and that can collect, process, store, analyze, and retrieve data within seconds. 

The Data Life Cycle

Data management involves several stages, including data acquisition, data integration, data quality, data governance, and data lifecycle management. What’s important to know as a business shaking in its boots trying to strategize using AI and Machine Learning is that implementing these solutions demands a coordinated approach. 

What that means is that stakeholders need to work together to establish clear goals, clear objectives, and be open to new ways of working with AI and Machine Learning solutions (some businesses still resist change even when seeking advice).

Key stakeholders vary but generally, when it comes to enterprises, the ones who need to collaborate cross-functionally include IT, data science, operations managers, and legal.

This is all great to know but it doesn't do much in terms of specificity, so with that said, here are a few additional considerations for businesses looking to implement AI and Machine Learning:

Skill Set: Implementing AI and Machine Learning solutions requires skill sets that may not be available in-house. Businesses in this case will need to invest in training or hiring data scientists, AI engineers, or various other professionals. Outsourcing is a great option in this case as it provides access to the required expertise that can not only build the solution but identify gaps to fill with it and then maintain the solution over time. 

Data Preparation: Before implementing AI and Machine Learning solutions, businesses need to prepare their data for analysis. This will involve cleaning and processing data, as well as transforming data into a format that can easily be read by AI tools. Labeling all data when training Machine Learning models is very useful in this case.

As you can see, it’s not an easy “one-and-done” task and it can actually be very time-consuming. Data preparation is one of the most complex but also most important parts of AI and ML model integration.

Iterative Process: Implementing AI and Machine Learning solutions, at this moment in time, is an iterative process, meaning it requires ongoing testing, validation, and refinement. Businesses must be prepared to adapt and adjust their strategies based on the insights generated by these AI tools (going back to the point about embracing change).

When AI and Machine Learning Meet Your Business

The AI tools that we are currently aware of and using such as Chat GPT, Jasper AI, MidJourney, and anything of the sort are mere droplets compared to the ocean of capabilities that Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology will have to offer. 

No matter what industry you’re in, you’d be surprised at the amount of untapped potential in your business that a team of AI consultants can uncover to not only save time and money but also improve the overall efficiency of your business and the effectiveness of your workflows.

This is a lot to take in and, frankly, it’s a little overwhelming. But the truth is, AI and Machine Learning are not going anywhere. They are here to stay and will continue to shape the way we work, live, and interact with the world around us. With that said, here are 3 digestible takeaways from this for you to consider when re-evaluating how your business can strategize using AI and Machine Learning:

Data management is key: The effectiveness of AI and Machine Learning tools is only as good as the data they are given. By investing in efficient and effective data management systems, businesses will be able to leverage the full potential of these technologies.

Embrace change: It’s essential to adapt and adjust strategies based on the insights generated by AI and ML tools. Businesses must be open to change and be willing to work collaboratively across departments to make this happen.

Invest in expertise: Implementing AI and Machine Learning solutions requires expertise. Businesses need to be prepared to invest in training or hiring experts with expertise in AI integration or consider outsourcing to access it instantly.

The Takeaway

Avoiding the inevitable hammer coming down on companies who fail to integrate AI starts with assessing vulnerabilities. Of course, businesses never want to admit their flaws or focus on weaknesses because that would take away from the feeling that everything is going well. However, if that’s the mentality companies have throughout the next 5 years, their window for enjoyment will be very small. Now is the time to step into the future.

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.

11 Programming Languages to Integrate AI Into Your Insurance Platform

The insurance industry has long been a sector that relies on person-to-person interaction. When a customer calls up an insurance broker, they’re talking to someone who understands and can even sympathize with their needs. They’ll look over policies and agree on an ideal plan… We could go on but frankly, this is all pretty dry, even for a technology company.

Insurance is yet another sector that’s about to be turned on its head by Artificial Intelligence. Like many other major industries in 2023, the insurance sector has begun to realize the possibilities available through the use of AI and is now exploring ways to integrate this technology into its service delivery model. 

A good example can be seen from Pypestream which is sort of like Chat GPT meets your Insurance provider. Pypestream alone saw its revenue jump around 450% between 2021-2022 which gives a sense of the level of opportunity available in this market. 

Anyone could argue about the implications of AI and try to dance around it as much as possible. The point is these tools are efficient which is really what AI is all about - promoting efficiency through process automation. With that being said, the only way companies can truly embrace this change is by having the right software infrastructure in place that can support the service model. 

At ISU Corp, we have years of experience serving the insurance industry so we’ve seen a lot of different approaches and want to give our insights on some of the best programming languages that can assist companies when trying to integrate AI to their platforms.

Development Teams Handling AI Integration

Any development team taking on AI integration must be proficient with Machine Learning (ML) infrastructures and the programming languages that go into them. The IT Project Manager must ensure that they bring on developers who are proficient specifically with Python, R, and Java as these are the keys to a solid infrastructure. 

Now, this alone won’t do a lot for a business starting its digital transformation journey, so with that said, let’s dive into some of the best options for programming languages and what they do:

1) Python - When it comes to data manipulation, statistical analysis, and building machine learning models, Python is the top choice. Insurance companies can use Python to develop predictive models that analyze customer data and identify risks, which will also improve underwriting and pricing decisions.

2) R - R is another popular language that we’ve outlined before, it’s commonly used for data analysis and machine learning. R is great for statistical modelling, data visualization, and exploratory data analysis. In the case of an insurance company, they might use R to create advanced analytics models, such as predictive modelling and fraud detection.

3) Java - Yet another widely used language for enterprise applications that is known for its reliability and scalability. Insurance companies will use Java to build AI applications that need to process large amounts of data and integrate with existing systems.

4) C++ - C++ is a top choice language for AI and just building overall high-performance applications, which of course makes it ideal for developing AI algorithms that need to run quickly. Insurance companies are going to be using C++ to build models that analyze large datasets and make predictions in real time.

5) MATLAB - This is a programming language commonly used in data science and machine learning. It’s particularly useful for performing complex computations and creating algorithms for statistical modelling and predictive analysis which is essential for AI integration in any platform. For insurance companies, this can help with tasks such as fraud detection, risk assessment, and claims analysis.

6) Scala - This is certainly a versatile programming language as it combines object-oriented and functional programming paradigms. It’s designed to be concise, expressive, and scalable, which makes it ideal for building large-scale, distributed systems. For insurance companies, this can help with tasks such as processing large volumes of data, managing complex workflows, and implementing real-time analytics.

7) Julia - Specifically designed for scientific computing and numerical analysis. Julia is very easy to use and has a syntax that is similar to MATLAB, which makes it a popular choice for data science and Machine Learning applications. Insurance companies might use Julia to help with tasks such as actuarial analysis, risk modeling, and predictive modeling.

8) Swift - Swift is a programming language developed by Apple for building iOS and macOS applications. It is a fast and efficient language that is designed to be easy to learn and use. For insurance companies, this can be useful for developing mobile applications that integrate with AI platforms, such as chatbots for customer support or mobile apps for claims submission.

9) Go - Go was created by Google to build fast, scalable, and reliable software. It has a simple and efficient syntax which makes it easy to write and read code. For insurance companies, this will be a great tool when building distributed systems, processing large volumes of data, and implementing real-time analytics.

10) Ruby - Ruby is a programmer's best friend during web development. Like the majority of these languages, it too has a clean and easy-to-learn syntax. For insurance companies, this is going to be the go-to when building web-based applications meant to integrate with AI platforms, like chatbots or processing systems for web-based claims.

11) Kotlin - Kotlin is a programming language that was developed by JetBrains for building Android applications. It is designed to be a more concise and expressive alternative to Java, with features such as null safety and extension functions. For insurance companies, this can be great for building mobile applications that integrate with AI platforms, again, this includes chatbots or mobile claims processing systems.

Choosing The Right Tools For Your Insurance Company

Artificial Intelligence is something that demands businesses' full attention at this moment in time - we strongly believe that companies who fail to implement AI solutions in their service delivery models will be obsolete in 5 years. 

With that said, just like AI, programming languages are meant to do different things to produce different outcomes which will all be based on the company's vision. The whole point of custom software development is to create solutions that fit the specific needs and objectives of YOUR business. 

Software developers can’t necessarily come up with the dream for you, but they can bring yours to life with the right tools. We can also identify the gaps in your processes that can be filled with AI. This is something insurance companies will want to make sure they’re aligned with when consulting with Artificial Intelligence software architects.

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.

The 5 Key Types of IT Project Outsourcing

In today's fast-paced and evolving business landscape, outsourcing has become a go-to strategy for organizations to meet their goals. It’s difficult to imagine a business that’s succeeded long-term through dramatic changes such as the introduction of computers, the internet, and the global marketplace without leveraging some form of IT outsourcing or consultancy. 

This is not to say it can’t be done, but there is no question that businesses would have faced major challenges and been at an overall competitive disadvantage without the added support and expertise. We are now in a time frame where artificial intelligence is creating a new era of significant change for service delivery models and business operations in general. That means it’s yet another time when companies are going to be re-evaluating their strategies and likely looking for professional help in the form of outsourcing. 

What IT Projects Are Most Commonly Outsourced?

The big question for companies today is “When is it best for us to utilize outsourcing over in-house software development?” To be honest, there is no one right answer. Generally, businesses tend to outsource IT projects that require specialized skills or expertise that they simply don't have in-house or projects that are temporary and don't warrant the hiring of a full-time staff. 

Some of the most commonly outsourced IT projects include software development, web design, database management, cybersecurity, and process automation. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

What’s The Difference Between IT Projects and Software Development?

IT is a broad term that “software development” simply falls under the umbrella of, which is important to know because although IT specialists often still possess the necessary skills to build software systems, software developers may be more equipped to handle the demands of enterprise software. 

IT encompasses all aspects of managing and processing information, including hardware/software, networks, data storage, and cybersecurity. Software development involves the fundamental building blocks which involve the design, creation, testing, and maintenance of the software that runs on these systems, which are all essential components of a business's infrastructure.

When companies look to outsource software development, they’re not just looking for advice, they’re looking for a team of experts who can take their vision and ideas and bring them to life. 

Why Outsource Web Development/Design?

Web presence, whether it’s in the form of a website or web application is one of the most crucial aspects of running a business today. Brands can establish themselves in the marketplace, showcase their products and services, and most importantly, engage with their customers through an effective web strategy.

Now, developing and designing a website or web app is very complex and would require sufficient expertise in areas such as UI/UX design, front-end, and back-end development, server administration, database management, and cybersecurity. For this reason, companies outsource and save the time and resources it would take to bring on in-house staff to handle these tasks.

Increasing Popularity of Outsourcing Database Management 

Businesses worldwide are regularly looking to third-party providers for database management for a handful of reasons including:

• Skills shortage

• Being able to focus on other aspects of the business

• Cost 

Database management can be a tedious task that requires skills and knowledge from software experts and can certainly be expensive. By outsourcing database management, businesses can tap into this required level of expertise from professionals who can ensure that data is readily available but at the same time stored securely. For small and medium-sized businesses, this is a great option, especially for those that simply don’t have the time or budget to manage their own database in-house.

Why Should You Outsource Cybersecurity?

In today's digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. Outsourcing cybersecurity can be a great move for businesses that want to ensure their systems and data are protected against these threats whereas if they don’t, there are serious risks at stake. 

Third-party providers can offer a range of services when it comes to cybersecurity including risk assessment, threat monitoring, incident response, and security audits. They can also help businesses comply with regulatory requirements related to data protection and privacy. 

Outsourcing process automation

Process automation is a big topic in today’s world thanks to revelations from artificial intelligence. “Automating repetitive tasks” and “streamlining business operations” are the key phrases as they are what’s changing the way businesses function and how they will continue to function if they strategize with technology accordingly. 

Outsourcing process automation can be the separating factor between a business that closes its doors in 2030 and the startup from 7 years ago taking over all of its clientele. 

Third-party providers for process automation services can offer a range of solutions including software development, process mapping, and system integration. They will typically work with businesses to identify opportunities for processes that can be automated, designing and implementing solutions for those processes, and then providing ongoing support and maintenance after they’ve solved the issue.

What Companies Will Find in Years to Come

There are very few reasons that a company would choose not to outsource in 2023. Advancements in technology today (with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence) and globalization have made it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to outsource various workflows, which include (but are not limited to) manufacturing, customer service, and IT support.

By outsourcing, companies can tap into a global pool of talent, access specialized expertise, and reduce operational costs. Outsourcing also allows businesses to focus on their core competencies and strategic goals, while leaving non-core functions to third-party providers which is something we’ve emphasized in previous articles but is certainly worth reiterating. 

Again, evaluating the end goal is the first step as that will dictate the necessary actions which businesses take to not only survive the new business landscape but to separate themselves from the competition so much that they cannot be replaced.

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.