Build vs. Buy: Choosing the Right AI Model for Your Business Needs

When it comes to integrating AI into Salesforce, the big question is: Should you build your own AI model (BYOM) or go with an off-the-shelf option? Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your business’s needs, resources, and long-term goals. 

Our latest article breaks down the key differences and helps you decide which option is the best fit for your strategy. 

Should You Consider Bringing Your Own AI Model (BYOM)? 

Thinking about BYOM? Building your own AI model means creating a custom solution that’s designed specifically for your business needs. It uses your proprietary data and is built externally, giving you the control to fine-tune the AI’s design, functionality, and performance to suit your exact requirements. It’s all about having a tailored solution that works for you. 

What Are Off-the-Shelf AI Models, and Are They Right for You? 

On the flip side, off-the-shelf AI models are pre-built and ready to go. They’re designed for common use cases like image recognition, predictive analytics, and natural language processing. The biggest benefit? These models are easy to integrate into your Salesforce setup, offering a quick deployment and faster return on investment. But is this option right for your specific needs? It all depends on what you’re looking for. 

Why Build Your Own AI Model (BYOM) on Salesforce? 

I. Is customization important to your business? 

Building your own AI model means you can tailor it specifically to your business needs. It allows you to incorporate unique data patterns and business rules to produce more accurate and relevant outputs. For instance, a financial institution could create a custom model to detect fraud using its own transaction patterns, which would offer a higher level of precision compared to generic models. 

II. Can a custom AI model give you a competitive edge? 

A custom-built AI model is designed just for your business, enabling it to handle more complex tasks that pre-built models might not manage effectively. This kind of customization can give you a distinct competitive advantage. 

III. Do you need an AI model that can grow with your business? 

One of the key benefits of building your own AI model is that it can evolve with your business. You have the ability to continuously refine and scale your model to meet the demands of new products, data, markets, or strategies, ensuring it keeps up with your business as it grows. 

What Challenges Should You Expect When Building Your Own AI Model?  

I. Are you prepared for the resource investment?  

Developing a custom AI model requires a significant investment of time, money, and expertise. You’ll need a team of data scientists, AI specialists, and developers to create and maintain the model, which can be costly.  

II. How complex is the process of building an AI model?  

The process of building an AI model involves data collection, model training, testing, and ongoing maintenance. It requires continuous oversight to ensure optimal performance, making it a complex and demanding endeavor. 

III. What are the risks of building your own AI model?  

There’s always the possibility that the model might not perform as expected, leading to potential setbacks, frustration, and wasted resources. This risk must be carefully managed through rigorous testing and validation.  

Why Choose Off-the-Shelf AI Models for Salesforce? 

I. Do you need an AI model that’s ready to go? 

Off-the-shelf models are plug-and-play, meaning they’re ready to use immediately. This makes it easy for businesses to jumpstart their AI initiatives without the long wait of custom development. For instance, Salesforce’s Einstein Vision can be deployed right away for tasks like image recognition. 

II. Looking for a cost-effective AI solution? 

Because these models are pre-built and maintained by third parties, they tend to be more budget-friendly. You don’t need to invest in specialized teams, which helps keep costs down. 

III. Can you rely on off-the-shelf models? 

Off-the-shelf models have been tried and tested by many businesses, so they come with a track record of reliability. If you need a proven, dependable AI solution that’s quick to implement, these models are a solid choice. 

What Are the Limitations of Using Off-the-Shelf AI Models? 

I. Can off-the-shelf AI models meet your specific needs? 

These models are designed for general use, which means they might not perfectly align with your specific needs. If your business requires a more tailored solution that handles unique data or processes, a generic model may not be the best fit. 

II. How much control do you have with pre-built AI models? 

One downside of off-the-shelf models is the limited ability to tweak or customize them to fit your exact requirements. This lack of flexibility can become an issue as your business evolves. 

III. Are off-the-shelf models too specialized? 

Some off-the-shelf models are highly specialized, but they might have been trained on data that doesn’t exactly align with your industry or specific needs. This can make them less effective, especially for niche businesses. 

So, Should You Build Your Own AI Model or Go with an Off-the-Shelf Option? 

It all comes down to your unique needs and resources. If you need a highly customized solution and have the time and budget, building your own model could be the way to go. But if you’re looking for something quick, cost-effective, and reliable, an off-the-shelf model might be the better fit. 

Ready to take the next step in your AI journey? Inclusion Cloud can guide you from strategy to implementation, ensuring that your AI solution perfectly aligns with your business goals.  

Book a call with us today to explore how we can help you achieve AI success. And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on how AI is transforming businesses like yours.