Transforming Business Performance through Effective ML Model Deployment

Danila Orlov

July 11, 2023

In the world of AI, there's a pivotal moment when an artificial intelligence model shifts from an abstract concept into a real-world game-changer: the process of model deployment. It's the bridge connecting AI development and end-users, enabling businesses to fully benefit from AI.

Here we’re going to delve into why AI model deployment is important, how to strategize it, and related challenges.

Understanding AI model deployment

Model deployment is a process in which a machine learning model is made available to users, applications, or services. The model, once trained and tested, is integrated into the production environment. This could be an internal system within a business, a mobile app, or a cloud-based platform.

Try thinking of it as opening a shop, where you have the merchandise (AI models) but need to open your doors (deploy your models) to ensure customers can benefit from them. Essentially, deployment enables the model to be used and appreciated, driving business growth by delivering value to the end users.

Let’s take a look at different ways to deploy machine learning model and companies that implement them.

Edge AI deployment

Where models run locally on a hardware device without needing a connection to the cloud.

Example: Tesla's Autopilot system that processes data from the car's sensors in real time. The AI behind it is deployed directly on the car's hardware, allowing it to make immediate decisions on the road.

On-premise AI deployment

Where models are stored and run on an organization's own servers, providing maximum data security.

Example: Palantir Gotham by Palantir Technologies, a company that specializes in on-premise AI deployment for government agencies, financial institutions, and organizations with sensitive data. They deploy ML models directly within their clients' infrastructure, enabling organizations to maintain control over their data, particularly in government agencies where the software is used for intelligence analysis and counterterrorism efforts.

AI in mobile apps

Where models are integrated directly into mobile applications, allowing the models to run locally on a user's device, often without an internet connection.

Example: Plantix mobile app that helps users identify plant diseases. It utilizes an AI model trained to diagnose diseases based on images of plant leaves. This model is integrated directly into the mobile application, making it readily accessible to users on their smartphones. Crucially, the model operates locally on the user's device, providing immediate results even in the absence of an internet connection.

Cloud-Based AI deployment

Where models are hosted on cloud servers, allowing users to access AI capabilities through internet connections, enabling easy scalability and updates.

Example: Microsoft’s Azure AI, a comprehensive platform that offers a range of models for various applications such as vision, speech, language processing, and decision-making. These models are hosted on Azure's cloud servers. Developers and data scientists can readily use them by making straightforward API calls, thereby integrating AI capabilities seamlessly into their own applications.

Federated AI deployment

Where models are trained across multiple decentralized devices or servers holding local data samples, without exchanging them. This preserves data privacy while also leveraging the power of diverse data points.

Example: Google's Gboard, the smartphone keyboard application, uses federated learning to improve its predictive text functionality. It learns from users' typing patterns on their individual devices without directly accessing or transferring the data. All learnings are combined into a global model that enhances the predictive text feature for all users.

Collaborative AI deployment

Where multiple models are trained to collaborate to achieve a complex task. Each model might be specialized in a particular function and, by working together, they form a more comprehensive AI system.

Example: IBM's Project Debater, a system that can debate humans on complex topics. It uses several individual AI models that are each responsible for a different aspect of the task – understanding the debate topic, constructing arguments, and generating human-like speech. These models collaborate to produce sophisticated and coherent arguments in a debate.

Crafting the perfect deployment strategy

Deploying machine learning models isn't a standardized process, it varies with business needs, the technical environment, and user requirements.

How do you choose the proper deployment type? Our first suggestion is to get a consultation from professionals — AI deployment consultants, AI engineers, or AI solution architects with data science, machine learning, software engineering, or AI research backgrounds. This will always work. But it never hurts to learn a little about the subject matter for yourself, right?

Let’s break down different types of artificial intelligence deployment based on the needs of your business. The deployment models will be explained in the example of a document data extraction solution at an enterprise.

Business need	Deployment method	Explanation
Global accessibility and scalability	Cloud deployment	If the business operates across multiple geographical locations and requires global access to the document processing solution, machine learning model deployment on a cloud platform provides scalability, flexibility, and ease of access. It enables seamless collaboration, integration with other cloud-based services, and efficient document processing across the organization.
Tighter control over sensitive data	On-premises deployment	In cases where regulatory constraints demand tighter control over sensitive data, an on-premises deployment strategy is preferred. Hosting the AI model on the organization's own servers within their infrastructure ensures maximum data security, privacy, and compliance. It offers greater control over data governance, customization, and alignment with specific business requirements.
Balancing security and cloud benefits	Hybrid deployment	For businesses with a need to balance security concerns and the benefits of the cloud, consider a hybrid deployment strategy. The AI model can be deployed on the cloud for general document processing tasks, while sensitive data or specific operations are processed on-premises. This approach combines the scalability and accessibility of the cloud with the data control and compliance offered by on-premises deployment.
Real-time decision-making	Edge deployment	Deploying machine learning models at the edge enables real-time decision-making for applications like autonomous vehicles or IoT devices, without requiring cloud connectivity. This technique minimizes latency for prompt decision-making. Furthermore, the edge deployment approach allows sensitive user data to be processed directly on-device, maintaining privacy by preventing data transfer to servers. It also offloads company/cloud servers, potentially reducing the computing power required and contributing to cost savings.
Cost optimization and resource efficiency	Federated deployment	Federated deployment is a cost-optimized, resource-efficient approach to train AI models across decentralized devices while keeping data local, reducing data transfer costs and improving privacy. Each device contributes to model training, preserving data security, and allowing the model to adapt to each specific user. Additionally, this method facilitates an automatic update pipeline to handle changing data or usage conditions, ensuring models remain relevant and effective.
Collaboration and model sharing	Collaborative deployment	When collaboration and model sharing among multiple parties or organizations are essential, a collaborative deployment model is suitable. This approach involves ML model deployment on shared platforms or frameworks that allow secure collaboration and sharing of models, insights, and research. It facilitates knowledge exchange, joint development, and collective improvements in AI capabilities.

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Remember, you can contact Tensorway anytime — we will help you define the optimal strategy for deploying your AI product that will align with your goals.

Overcoming ML deployment challenges

Model deployment can pose several challenges, from ensuring model compatibility with existing systems to maintaining model performance over time. Here we’ll go into detail about common deployment challenges, their aftermaths, and strategies to overcome them, empowering organizations to achieve optimal results in their AI endeavors.

Challenge	Aftermath	Strategy to overcome
Model compatibility with existing systems	Incompatibility hinders model performance and creates integration issues	Conduct a thorough assessment of the technical requirements and compatibility of the model with the existing systems before deployment. Collaborate with system administrators and IT teams to address any compatibility issues.
Performance decay due to data drift / concept drift	Changes in data patterns can lead to degraded model accuracy and effectiveness	Implement continuous monitoring and regular model updates. Collect and evaluate new data regularly to identify performance decay and use techniques like retraining or fine-tuning to maintain optimal performance.
Scalability and resource constraints	Resource constraints can limit model performance and hinder scalability	Apply optimization techniques like model compression or pruning. Monitor resource usage and implement scaling strategies based on demand.
Data privacy and security	Handling sensitive data can pose risks to data privacy and security	Prioritize data protection and implement robust security measures, including data encryption, access controls, secure communication protocols, and compliance with data protection regulations. Regularly conduct security audits and stay updated on emerging threats.
Versioning and model governance	Managing multiple versions of models, tracking changes, and maintaining model governance can become complex	Establish effective version control and governance practices. Implement version tagging, documentation updates, and model validation processes for transparency and accountability.
User feedback and model iteration	Gaining user feedback and incorporating it into model improvements is vital but challenging in large-scale deployments	Implement mechanisms to collect user feedback, such as surveys or monitoring user interactions. Use user insights to identify areas for improvement, prioritize model iterations, and meet user expectations effectively.

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The bottom line? Challenges are numerous and often unavoidable. But, by addressing compatibility issues, adapting to evolving data, ensuring data privacy, and incorporating user feedback, organizations can navigate these challenges successfully. The key to this is a team of experts behind their technology.

The role of model deployment experts

Typically, a combination of data scientists, software developers, and DevOps engineers handle machine learning model deployment. These professionals play an important role in ensuring that the AI model operates flawlessly and integrates smoothly with existing systems.

Finding these experts can be a challenge due to the high demand for such skills. However, options like online learning platforms, university partnerships, or collaboration with AI service providers like Tensorway can help companies access the necessary competencies.

Tensorway is an AI development company that excels in ML deployment. We master artificial intelligence and machine learning and seamlessly integrate models with existing systems.

Bottom line

Deployment is a vital step in realizing the potential of AI models. It is the stage where the theoretical power of a model is translated into practical business applications. By understanding its significance, crafting a perfect strategy, overcoming challenges, and collaborating with a capable team, businesses can attract clients and generate profit. Because, at the end of the day, the true value of a thing lies in its use!