The nearshoring technology industry is finding a rapid growth in demand from North American companies for engineers and data science services related to the advances that are coming through the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. Companies find high value in working on new and sophisticated applications with nearshoring firms that are close in proximity, time zones, language, and business culture.
In recent years, the costs involved in offshoring have increased in relative comparison to nearshoring costs. Additionally, tech education opportunities in the Western hemisphere have become more advantageous. Western countries have far fewer holidays and lost workdays than in offshore countries as well. In this article, NearShore Technology examines current AI trends impacting nearshoring.
Current AI Advances
AI has been an active field for computer scientists and logicians for decades, and in recent years hardware and software capabilities have advanced to the stage allowing for the actual implementation of many AI processes. In general, AI describes the ability of a program and associated hardware to simulate human intelligence, reasoning, and analysis of real-world data. Logical algorithms are allowing for increased learning, logic, and creativity with AI processes. Increased technological capabilities are allowing AI to process information in quantities and with perceptive abilities that are beyond traditional human powers. Many industrial processes are finding great utility from machine learning, an AI-based process that allows technology systems to evolve and learn based on experience and self-development.
Which Industries Are Benefiting Most From AI Developments
The huge tech companies that mainly focus on how customers use software programs are leading the way in AI development. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook are positioning immense resources to advance their AI processes' abilities to understand and predict customer behavior. In addition to tech and retail firms, healthcare, financial services, and auto manufacturers (aiming at a future of autonomous cars) are all committing to developing effective AI tech. From routine activities such as customer support and billing to more intuition-based activities like investing and making strategic decisions, AI is becoming a central part of competing in almost every industry.
How AI Applications Challenge Engineers and Data Scientists
AI development requires experienced and skillful software engineers and programmers. The ability of an AI application to operate effectively is dependent first on the quantity and quality of data that it is provided. Algorithms must be able to perceive relevant data and also to learn and improve based on the data that is received. Programmers and engineers must be able to understand and facilitate algorithm improvement over time, as AI applications are never really completed and are constantly in development. Programmers must rely on a sufficient number of competent data scientists and analysts to sort and identify the nature and quality of information processed by an AI application to provide a meaningful understanding of how well the AI is functioning. The entire process is changing and progressing quickly, and the effectiveness of AI is determined by the abilities of the engineers and programmers who are involved.
How Nearshoring AI Development Outcompetes Offshoring AI
Historically, many traditional IT services have been suited for offshoring. Most traditional IT and call center support services were routine, and the cost-efficiency of offshoring these processes around the world made economic sense in many situations. When skilled programming and data science are not a requirement, offshoring has had a place in the mix for many local companies. However, the worldwide shortage of skilled engineers and data scientists is most prevalent in the parts of the world normally used for offshore services.
Nearshoring AI technology development allows local companies to have meaningful and real-time relationships with programmers and data specialists who have the requisite skills needed. These nearshore relationships are vital to the ongoing nature of AI development.
Identifying a Nearshoring Firm That Offers Superior AI Services
Among the most important considerations of a successful nearshoring AI relationship are examining the actual skill and education of the nearshore firm's workers. A nearshore provider's team should be up to date with the latest technology developments and should have experience and a history of success in the relevant industry. As a process that depends on natural language use, it is important that AI developers are native or fluent speakers of the client company's language. Working with a nearshore firm that is proximately near in time and place also helps the firm to properly understand the culture and needs of a company's market and customers. A nearshore firm working on AI processes should feel like a complete partner and not just another outsourced provider of routine tasks.
About NearShore Technology
NearShore Technology is a US firm headquartered in Atlanta with offices throughout North America. The company focuses on meeting all the technology needs of its clients. NearShore partners with technology officers and leaders to provide effective and timely solutions that fit each customer's unique needs. NearShore uses a family-based approach to provide superior IT, Medtech, Fintech, and related services to our customers and partners throughout North America.
