How to choose image annotation partner: 7 main rules.

AIKOLO LLC
3 min readJan 3, 2023

As the use of computer vision technology continues to expand, the need for high-quality image annotations becomes increasingly important. Image annotations are used to label and classify objects, people, and other elements in an image, which is essential for training and evaluating machine learning models.

When it comes to outsourcing data annotation for computer vision projects, there are many companies to choose from. However, the traditional process for outsourcing data annotation can be time-consuming and may not always be transparent in terms of pricing.

The process typically involves:

  • defining the work and outlining the project requirements
  • finding a trustworthy service provider and signing contracts
  • having the outsourced company screening
  • launching the project, and verifying the data quality.

This process can take at least a week to complete, and prepare all document side of this deal.

Additionally, many outsourcing companies charge by the hour for data annotation services. For computer vision data, the cost is usually around $5-$70 per hour per worker. As you see price gap is very big, so need to deeply understand what types of additional services included inside.

There are several key factors to consider in order to ensure that you get the best results. Here are some tips for selecting the right image annotation company:

  1. Quality of work: Look for companies with a track record of producing high-quality annotations and a thorough quality control process. It’s important to work with a company that has a proven track record of producing accurate and reliable annotations. You can ask for samples of their work or read online reviews from previous clients to get a sense of the quality of their annotations.
  2. Experience and expertise: Choose a company with experience in annotating images for your specific domain. For example, if you are working on self-driving cars, look for a company with experience in annotating images for autonomous vehicles. This will ensure that they have the necessary domain knowledge and expertise to produce accurate annotations.
  3. Turnaround time: Consider the speed at which the company can deliver annotated images. This may be a key factor, especially if you have tight deadlines. Make sure to ask about their turnaround time and whether they can accommodate your timeline.
  4. Cost: Compare the costs of different companies to ensure that you are getting a good value for your money. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best, as lower-priced companies may have lower quality control standards or less experienced annotators.
  5. Data security: Make sure that the company has robust data security measures in place to protect your data. This is especially important if you are dealing with sensitive or confidential data. Look for a company that has strict data protection policies in place and can demonstrate their commitment to data security.
  6. Communication and support: Look for a company that is responsive and provides good customer support. This can be especially important if you have questions or issues during the annotation process. It’s important to work with a company that is easy to communicate with and is willing to help you with any issues or questions you may have.
  7. How company will ensure project scalability: Keep in mind that quantity of data that required for you project may be increased in short time, that why need to be sure that your partner can provide required volume of data.

Conclusions

Overall, it’s important to do thorough research and due diligence when selecting an image annotation company to ensure that you get the best results for your project. Look for companies with a strong track record, domain expertise, and good customer support to ensure a smooth and successful annotation process.

Aikolo is a company that specializes in image and video annotation for computer vision projects. We have a team of skilled annotators and use state-of-the-art tools to ensure accurate and reliable annotations. Contact us to learn more about how we can help with your annotation needs.

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