How Much Should You Invest in AI?

Want to start implementing AI into your business but you’re not sure how much it’s going to cost? One of the main reasons why businesses fail to implement AI into their company is because they think it will be too expensive. So, how much does it cost to add AI into the business?

Here is a rough guide on how much you should invest in AI technology to receive the biggest benefits.

How Much Does AI Cost?

You have two options when you’re looking to implement AI technology into your business. You can either invest in third-party AI software, or you can have a custom AI solution developed specifically for your business. The cost between these two options can vary drastically.

With third-party software, it can cost anywhere from $0.00 to $40,000 a year to have it implemented into your business. If you go for a custom-made solution, however, you could be looking at anything from $6,000 to $300,000 per year. So, how much you can expect to pay will depend upon your needs.

You may even find free AI solutions which could prove beneficial. However, these tend to be mostly aimed at start-ups and entrepreneurs. The more you’re willing to spend, the more benefits the business will receive.

Factors That Affect the Price

There are a lot of things that can affect the price of AI technology. The type of technology, its features and whether it is a pre-made or custom-built solution will all influence the cost.

There are so many different types of AI solutions out there. You can implement chatbots, virtual assistants and analysis systems into the business. The more features the AI technology has, the more expensive it’s going to be. As mentioned, the very basic AI programs are often offered for free. However, an intelligent and comprehensive system is going to set you back thousands of dollars.

Once you have the AI technology, the costs don’t stop there. How you launch and manage the solution can also affect the cost. You may need to hire an in-house team, for example, or outsource your AI technology needs.

These are the main factors that will influence the price of AI technology. The truth is, no matter what your budget, you’ll be able to find an AI solution to match it.

In-House vs Outsourcing AI Technology

Your main options when introducing AI technology into the business is to have an in-house team or to outsource its maintenance. Both have their pros and cons. However, outsourcing tends to be better for those new to the technology, along with start-ups.

By outsourcing your AI requirements, it’s cheaper and a lot less hassle. An expert in AI will be able to implement and run it for you. This is a much easier solution for start-up businesses.

Overall, how much you should invest in AI technology will depend upon your requirements. It’s worth sitting down and assessing your needs to ensure you don’t pay for a solution that’s too advanced or complex for your business.