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Artificial intelligence (AI) transformations continue to drive today’s technology-dominated landscape, and the demand for tech talent specializing in AI technology is at an all-time high. Consequently, numerous companies face challenges in locating suitable IT professionals who can enhance the value of their businesses.
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is an effective strategy to mitigate the challenges associated with the shortage of experts developing, maintaining, and utilizing AI-powered tools. The BPO industry provides access to a broader talent pool and niche skills.
This article discusses BPO’s role in AI transformations. It also explores the current tech talent landscape and roles to outsource.
Overview of the Current Competition for Tech Talent
In March 2023, the tech industry’s unemployment rate stood at 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.5%. The number of open positions in the tech sector surged by nearly 77,000 monthly, marking the most substantial increase in employer hiring in seven months.
Overall, there were nearly 316,000 unfilled tech jobs across various sectors of the economy. Numerous business owners experience the impact as the gap in information technology (IT) talent widens. So, what makes it challenging to locate technology professionals?
Here are some prevalent reasons:
- Limited supply of workers. Even with the tech industry experiencing rapid expansion, the supply of qualified candidates is lagging. Projections indicate that the tech talent shortage will surpass 85 million workers by 2030. Consequently, organizations are struggling to fill the growing number of job openings.
- Rapid digital innovation. As tools, software, and programming languages evolve, IT professionals may encounter difficulties adapting to technological advancements. This issue challenges organizations seeking candidates with the most up-to-date skills and expertise.
- High cost of talent recruitment and retention. The need for tech professionals with significant skills and experience is substantial, as are the expenses associated with recruiting and retaining them.
These reasons are why many businesses have considered BPO’s role in AI transformation and chose to partner with BPO companies to gain access to a broader talent pool.
BPO’s Role in AI Transformations
Recent AI innovations, such as the rise of ChatGPT, Chatgot, and the developments in machine learning (ML), are creating buzz among business leaders across different industries. Many are excited about the potential use cases of Al in daily operations to free up human staff.
With the data generated daily, the number of possible applications for Al tools and assistants is almost limitless.
However, these businesses are now confronted with the challenge of not increasing the supply of available tech workers proportionally despite the growing demand for AI development projects. Bridging this disparity is what BPO is for.
BPO’s role in AI transformation includes fulfilling the following skill gaps:
Effective Data Science and Analytics
AI software must undergo training on extensive datasets, making high-quality data crucial for effectively scaling and deploying the tool.
The distinction between a highly successful project and a significant failure often hinges on data quality. Therefore, businesses prioritizing AI development should consider investing in data science outsourcing.
Engaging the services of proficient third-party data scientists enables you to assess the quality of your datasets, conduct precise predictive analytics, and optimize relevant data to successfully launch your AI development project.
Accurate Data Annotation and Labeling
While these two concepts are occasionally used interchangeably, they have distinct differences. Data labeling entails assigning meaning or value to data for training ML algorithms. Conversely, data annotation involves aiding AI in recognizing and comprehending pertinent data, particularly through computer vision.
Both services play a pivotal role in training AI software. Companies can leverage proficient AI data annotators and labelers to alleviate the workload of their in-house AI development team.
Efficient Back-end Support
AI development teams comprise tech professionals with specialized deep learning and data analysis expertise. Subsequently, they also employ individuals involved in other operational aspects. Often, the hindrance to AI initiatives lies in the suboptimal performance of these operational components.
Maintaining progress might be challenging if your back-office functions are not in sync with your development team and other critical aspects of your business. For instance, errors in your accounting department’s book balancing could significantly impact your AI initiative’s funding and financials.
To ensure the alignment of your AI development team, consider outsourcing non-core business functions to a dependable provider of back-office support. BPO companies can often handle the complex roles supporting AI transformations, such as accounting, bookkeeping, customer service, data entry, and virtual assistant services.
Streamlined Human Resource
Numerous companies aim to expedite their digital transformation initiatives but need help recruiting a sufficient number of qualified professionals to facilitate the process. Given the high demand for AI specialists, many companies face difficulties filling these vacant roles.
Fortunately, you can identify and recruit candidates who align with your particular needs and criteria by engaging the services of a recruitment process outsourcing provider.
Moreover, a recruiter located offshore or nearshore can reduce costs and broaden your talent pool beyond local borders, facilitating connections with professionals from around the globe.
How Outsourcing Supplies AI Development Talent
Traditionally, employers seeking suitable candidates were restricted to the local talent pool, challenging companies in smaller cities without active central business districts (CBDs). This limitation results in a limited selection and fewer options for specific job vacancies.
However, BPO opportunities address this challenge by linking employers with the required workers. BPO’s role in AI transformation involves recruiting, sourcing, and prescreening candidates that align with the job descriptions provided by clients. Subsequently, they present a short list of qualified talent to the client for the final interview.
For companies located in English-speaking countries, India has become a popular tech outsourcing destination. However, the global population of software developers, currently at 24 million, is anticipated to grow.
Companies of various sizes now turn to outsourcing firms, recognizing the numerous advantages it brings to their businesses:
- Ensured flexibility. AI professionals understand that system bugs and operational errors are inevitable. Outsourcing gives your company more adaptable solutions, allowing for quicker problem resolution and minimizing potential damage.
- Agile operations. This benefit is a hallmark of IT outsourcing teams. They often adopt a work methodology rooted in agile culture, with the Scrum framework as a foundational element for team organization. Continuous deliveries within designated sprints ensure timely results aligned with expectations.
- Dedicated team. This entails having exclusive services and teams that can adjust to the project’s requirements, ensuring results are delivered with expertise and efficiency. Developers, for instance, are introduced to the project once. This minimizes the need for constant team changes.
The Bottom Line
If you have been contemplating an AI development project for your organization, now is the best time to launch your initiative and propel your business forward. Enlisting the help of a trustworthy BPO provider is essential to transitioning your project from concept to actualization.
A reputable vendor such as Unity Communications can connect you with proficient professionals, alleviating your need to take on the effort personally. Let’s connect to find out more!
