Top 10 AI automation services (in mid-2025)
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By mid-2025, companies are investing more and more into AI to slash costs, speed up workflows, and help them make better business decisions.
Check this list of 10 most sought-after AI automation services in 2025 (ordered from most to least popular). This will help you better recognize and clarify your needs.
AI SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (https://www.pragmaticcoders.com/services/ai-software-development-services)
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AI integration services: Comparisons
Here are two tables comparing all the 10 options. The first is a general comparison. For more details, check the second table (click the image to enlarge it).
- In the first table, Expertise refers to client’s expertise in AI.
- For simplicity, we’re using a hypothetical example in which the client (“you”) is a a insurance claim company, and the software provider/AI partner is Pragmatic Coders.
1. Custom Software Development with Integrated AI (Greenfield)
What It Means
This option is for companies seeking a new software platform or product, built entirely to their specifications. Pragmatic Coders handles the entire process — system design, coding, user experience, and all business logic — while integrating powerful AI functions by connecting to proven, ready-made services (like ChatGPT, Google Vision, or Azure AI) through APIs. The end result is a modern, scalable solution where AI is woven directly into your daily operations, without the need for you to develop or maintain machine learning models from scratch.
Insurance Claims Example
Imagine you run an insurance company and need a brand new system for claims management. Pragmatic Coders builds you a web and mobile platform from the ground up, then integrates:
- Automated image analysis: Damage photos are processed using Azure Computer Vision for instant assessment.
- AI chatbot: ChatGPT powers customer conversations, automating answers and guiding claimants through the process.
- Document and sentiment analysis: Other AI APIs sort, interpret, and flag documents, or even pick up on negative customer sentiment for proactive outreach.
This greenfield system is entirely tailored to your workflow, secure, and ready to adapt as new AI tools become available.
Who Does What?
Why Choose This Option?
- Fully tailored: Get a platform that exactly matches your current and future needs.
- Embedded, proven AI: Use world-class, third-party AI services — no need to train or maintain models.
- Speed and cost-efficiency: Cloud APIs mean quick implementation and easy scaling without massive AI infrastructure costs.
- Comprehensive tech partnership: Pragmatic Coders runs the project so you can focus on business impact, not technical headaches.
❌ How This Differs From…
Retrofit AI: This is for building something new, not improving old systems.
Pre-Built AI Solutions: Here you receive a tailored product, not a plug-and-play SaaS tool.
Building from Scratch (with custom ML): No model invention — AI comes from established, high-performing APIs.
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Fit Analysis
Summary Recommendation Choose this option when you want to launch a completely new, future-proof solution with advanced AI — where every function, integration, and interface is built around your workflow. Perfect for companies ready to lead, scale, and innovate with confidence. If, instead, you need to improve or automate an existing system, explore the Retrofit, No-Code/Low-Code, or API-based options.
2. AI Agent Development
What It Means
Pragmatic Coders builds autonomous AI agents to execute complex, multi-step business processes with minimal human input. These agents handle decision-making, workflow automation, system integration, and adapt over time — delivering true end-to-end automation, not just single-task bots.
Insurance Claims Example
Suppose you’re an insurance company looking to revolutionize your claims workflow. Pragmatic Coders develops an AI agent that:
- The agent receives and analyzes claim photos.
- Assesses damage type and severity using image recognition.
- Flags potential fraud or anomalies by cross-referencing data.
- Generates an adjuster report and recommends actions.
- Triggers payouts or follow-ups automatically, without human review.
This agent brings together vision AI, document automation, process orchestration, and cross-system integration — delivering a true “touchless” claims experience.
Who Does What?
❌ How This Differs From…
Retrofit AI: Instead of “bolting-on” automation to a single function, AI agents are designed to own the workflow end-to-end across several systems and tasks.
Custom Software with Integrated AI: Whereas a greenfield build delivers an entire new platform, here, the focus is on operational AI servants (agents) that operate within or across existing environments.
No-Code/Low-Code: While those platforms enable simple automation, agent development tackles advanced, autonomous workflows that exceed the capabilities of drag-and-drop tools.
Cloud AI Services: API calls might power parts of the agent, but the value comes from orchestrating logic and workflow, not just running individual AI tasks.
Fit Analysis
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Summary Recommendation
Choose AI Agent Development when you want transformational automation — moving beyond “checklist bots” to intelligent helpers that manage entire journeys or business functions for you. This is ideal for companies with high-volume, multi-step workflows where really driving down cost, error, and turnaround time makes a big impact. If your needs are basic or discrete, or you’re just starting out, explore automation through retrofits or no-code options instead. 3. Retrofit Existing Systems
What It Means
Enhance your valuable legacy platforms by “bolting on” AI — without replacing your existing systems. Pragmatic Coders uses custom connectors, middleware, and API integrations to automate and add intelligence, keeping disruption minimal.
Insurance Claims Example If you run an insurance company with an established claims portal, Pragmatic Coders can seamlessly add advanced AI functionality. For example:
- PC adds a damage-detection module to your current claims portal.
- Uploaded claim photos are automatically sent to a cloud-based AI (e.g., Azure, Google Vision) via secure APIs.
- Results (damage regions, severity estimates) appear within your familiar portal interface.
- Your core infrastructure stays intact — just smarter and more efficient.
Who Does What?
❌ How This Differs From…
Partner with AI Specialists: Retrofit is a one-off technical upgrade and handoff; partnership is an ongoing, strategic collaboration
Custom Greenfield Build: Retrofitting layers AI onto what you have; greenfield builds a system from scratch.
Fit Analysis
Summary Recommendation
Choose retrofitting when your core system is a business asset you want to keep, but you still want the speed, accuracy, and automation advantages of modern AI. It’s perfect for adding intelligence incrementally — say, a claims photo analyzer — without risking business continuity or locking into major replatforming. If your needs or vision call for ongoing evolution, deeper strategy, or a totally new platform, look to partnership or greenfield options instead. 4. Cloud AI Services (API-First)
Connect your systems to top cloud AI platforms (e.g., Google Cloud Vision, Azure Computer Vision, OpenAI) via API calls. You pay only for what you use. Pragmatic Coders manages integration, data handling, security, and support. Advanced AI features like image analysis or NLP become instantly available — no infrastructure or model training required.
Insurance Claims Example
- Pragmatic Coders links your claims portal to a cloud API (e.g., Google Cloud Vision).
- Adjusters upload damage photos; the system sends images to the API.
- AI returns results (damage type, severity) directly into your workflow.
- PC handles data formatting, error handling, and all behind-the-scenes integration.
❌ How This Differs From…
Retrofit: Retrofit means layering new AI onto an existing internal tool, possibly with local custom code. Cloud AI Services are API-first, focusing on modern digital systems directly connecting to external AI engines.
No-Code/Low-Code: No-code is for business users building automations visually. API-First is for IT teams to embed AI via code for robust, flexible solutions.
Custom Software with Integrated AI: You’re enhancing, not rebuilding; you use proven AI without creating new platforms.
Who Does What?
Fit Analysis
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Summary Recommendation
Choose API-First Cloud AI for rapid, reliable access to best-in-class AI. Ideal if you want seamless features and scaling without infrastructure headaches. If you can’t use the cloud or lack any in-house IT, look to SaaS or no-code options.
5. Partner with AI Specialists
You engage an AI consultancy (outsourcing with a partnership mindset) to co-develop custom solutions — blending your domain expertise with their AI know-how.
Your Insurance Claims Example
You and Pragmatic Coders co-design a claims automation platform:
- Joint workshops to define goals and requirements.
- Collaboratively develop advanced modules (e.g., image analysis, fraud detection).
- Pragmatic Coders delivers tech; you guide business rules and validation.
- Both teams refine, iterate, and expand functionality over time.
❌ How This Differs from Retrofit
Scope: Covers product discovery, strategy, and end-to-end development — not just plugging AI into existing tools.
Ownership: Both sides share long-term governance and improvements; not a one-off handoff.
Engagement: Ongoing workshops and iterations, not just delivery of code.
Who Does What?
Fit Analysis
Summary Recommendation Choose this option if you want to co-own both the vision and the roadmap of your AI system. Ideal for organizations that value strategic partnership, hands-on innovation, and continuous improvement. For faster or more transactional projects, consider Retrofit or Pre-Built solutions. 6. No-Code/Low-Code Platforms
What It Means
Pragmatic Coders uses modern no-code/low-code platforms (e.g., Power Automate, Zapier, Make) to build your automated workflows fast. We assemble and customize the process for you in the platform’s drag-and-drop interface, connect all needed AI services, and ensure everything is secure and integrated. Once delivered, your team can easily tweak or extend the workflow using the same visual tools — without coding or worrying about IT infrastructure.
Insurance Claims Example
- PC sets up a claims workflow in Microsoft Power Automate.
- Claim photos are routed to an AI service for automatic damage assessment.
- The system flags suspicious or complex claims for adjuster review.
- Your team can later adjust rules (e.g., add new AI steps, reroute claims), by simply editing the visual flow — no programming needed.
Who Does What?
Clarification Your employees do not need to build the automation from scratch. Pragmatic Coders delivers the ready-to-use process inside the platform. Afterwards, your team can make small updates themselves using the visual interface — empowering business users but without IT headaches.
❌ How This Differs From…
Retrofit: No codebase changes; automation happens in the platform’s visual editor, not by changing your main app.
Custom Development: No traditional coding, servers, or proprietary builds.
Cloud API Integration: Here, the focus is visual editing accessible to business users, not developer-led code.
Fit Analysis
Summary Select this route if you want business-run optimization — let Pragmatic Coders deliver the initial automation, and empower your team to update workflows themselves, all with minimal IT burden. For heavy, complex, or regulated automations, a retrofit or custom approach fits better.
7. Hybrid Approaches
What It Means
Hybrid approaches combine several AI strategies in phases — adapting over time as your business, technology, and budget evolve. You might quickly launch with plug-and-play cloud APIs for rapid results, then gradually introduce more advanced, customized elements (such as specialized AI models or autonomous agents) as confidence and requirements grow. This staged path keeps your options open and adjusts as you learn.
Insurance Claims Example
- Pragmatic Coders begins by integrating Azure Vision API for rapid, low-risk damage assessment in your claims workflow.
- As your team gains experience and wants deeper automations or better accuracy for unique claim scenarios, Pragmatic Coders develops proprietary models (e.g., for rare vehicle damage) and expands automation using AI agents.
- Your business benefits from rapid deployment at first, but gains increasingly advanced, tailored capabilities over time — all without locking into a single, static solution.
Who Does What?
❌ How This Differs
Versus Retrofit: Retrofit is a one-time add-on; Hybrid is incremental, continually adapting and layering new value as the business matures.
Versus Custom Software: Hybrid lets you start lean and scale complexity, while greenfield custom builds start with everything designed upfront.
Versus No-Code/Low-Code: Hybrid can start simple (potentially with no-code), but evolves into custom and automated solutions.
Versus Agent/Cloud-Only: Combines entry-level AI with deep, tailored automations, never locking you into one mode.
Fit Analysis
Summary Pick Hybrid Approaches if you want to start simple and quickly improve — layering new AI features as your business matures. Best for companies seeking low risk, continual upgrades, and a future-proof path. Skip this if you need a fixed, one-off tool or immediate full overhaul.
8. Pre-Built AI Solutions
What It Means You choose and integrate a ready-made AI product or platform — typically a SaaS tool — into your business with minimal customization. Pragmatic Coders manages the vendor search, configures the software, sets up any necessary integration into your existing workflows, and provides training so your team can use the solution confidently. This lets you quickly add AI-powered capabilities without a full custom build or overhaul.
Insurance Claims Example
- Pragmatic Coders helps you evaluate and select a SaaS — for example, Tractable — for automated claims analysis.
- You upload claim photos to the vendor’s online dashboard and receive instant, AI-generated damage reports.
- PC connects the outputs to your current processes and ensures staff are onboarded and trained.
Who Does What
❌ How This Differs Versus Custom Build: No bespoke features; you use the tool as designed. Versus Retrofit: No coding or middleware; just connecting an existing product. Versus No-Code/Low-Code: No visual building; everything is ready-made. Versus Cloud API: Uses a SaaS dashboard/interface, not your own app’s code.
Fit Analysis
Summary Pick Pre-Built AI Solutions when speed, simplicity, and minimal IT effort are top priorities — and standard SaaS features are “good enough.” This is the fastest route to AI-powered functionality for straightforward use cases and limited budgets. If you require deep system tailoring, unique business logic, or intellectual property ownership, consider custom or hybrid approaches instead. 9. White-Label Custom AI Products
What It Means Pragmatic Coders designs and builds a bespoke AI-powered module or application — then packages, documents, and licenses it so you can brand and resell it as your own product. Unlike turnkey SaaS or standard integration, this solution is engineered for you to offer AI-enabled tools to your clients or partners, leveraging Pragmatic Coders’ technical depth while delivering under your identity.
Insurance Claims Example
- Pragmatic Coders creates an automated damage-assessment tool, branded with your logo and business identity.
- You offer this product (e.g., to smaller insurance brokers or industry partners) as your own, providing instant value-add without investing in full in-house development.
- PC maintains and updates the core AI technology in the background, handling the technical complexity and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Who Does What
❌ How This Differs
Versus Pre-Built AI Solutions: Here, the software is created specifically for you (with your branding and business rules), not just configured for your workflow.
Versus Custom AI Build: White-label products prioritize speed to market and resale opportunities; IP and core technology remain with Pragmatic Coders.
Versus Retrofit/Agent/Hybrid: The focus is on enabling client resale and expansion — not just internal process automation.
Fit Analysis
Summary
Opt for White-Label Custom AI Products if you aim to quickly expand your portfolio with an AI tool branded as your own — especially when building from scratch is impractical and time to market is key. It’s tailored for firms wanting to resell or offer AI-powered products with minimal technical investment. If your top priority is total IP ownership, internal innovation, or niche differentiation, custom builds or partnerships are a better fit.
10. Build from Scratch (Ground-Up AI Development)
What It Means
Building from scratch means developing every component of your AI solution, with no reliance on third-party AI services or tools. Your team is responsible for the entire lifecycle: data collection, annotation, model training, deployment, and front-end user experience. This grants maximum control, ownership, and customization — at the cost of significant time, resources, and technical expertise.
Insurance Claims Example
Suppose you’re an insurance company aiming to own a completely proprietary AI claims platform. Here’s what this would look like:
- You assemble a team of AI researchers, data engineers, and software developers.
- The team collects and securely stores thousands of historical claim photos.
- Data scientists and annotators manually label each photo, categorizing damage types and severity levels.
- Machine learning engineers design and train your unique deep-learning models for damage assessment, optimized for your dataset and business KPIs.
- Developers build out a custom adjuster dashboard, integrating the trained models for real-time image analysis and recommendations.
- Security, compliance, regular testing, and performance monitoring
- Continuous improvement comes from ongoing data collection, retraining, and feature expansion
❌ How This Differs
- It’s the only option that requires building an LLM from scratch. In the remaining 9, the AI element comes from external provides with their own models (be it Anthropic, Chat GPT, Llama, etc.)
Fit Analysis
Summary
Choose this approach if your business demands maximum competitive differentiation, full control over AI models and intellectual property, and you have both the capital and expertise to support a major, multi-year R&D endeavor. If fast results, cost-effectiveness, or leveraging existing industry solutions are important, consider more pragmatic options like API integration, retrofit, or hybrid strategies.
How to Choose?
Ask yourself:
- Do you need a quick fix or a fully custom system?
- Is AI core to your product, or just a functional addition?
- Do you have legacy systems to modernize, or are you building from zero?
- Do you want to empower your non-technical teams with simple automation?
- Is speed, control, or differentiation most important to your business goals?
Each option comes with unique trade-offs in speed, cost, customization, and ownership.
Read the full article here: https://medium.com/@pragmaticcoders/top-10-ai-automation-services-in-mid-2025-92594ab1c705