Data annotation: define the assignment and services
Annotation adds agreed labels to existing content: text categories, marked image objects or time segments in recordings.
Define the assignment
It delivers a labelled dataset. This is not yet a trained model or guaranteed recognition performance.
Specify the result
Good rules include positive examples, counterexamples and treatment of ambiguity. Define whether multiple categories are allowed and how rule changes are documented. Delivered labels must remain linked to original data through clear identifiers.
| Service | Agreement to make |
|---|---|
| Categorise | Define categories and ambiguous cases |
| Mark | Define objects, text spans or time segments |
| Quality review | Reference examples and resolving disagreement |
Prepare the inquiry
Give the type and known file count; total duration also matters for recordings. Complex images, language variants and specialist terms affect effort. A general description is enough initially. Later prepare a small sample you are entitled to share.
Describe the scope and available information without copying confidential originals into the first inquiry. Unknown technical details can remain open. Later agree a suitable transfer channel and a person responsible for questions.
Clarify responsibilities and limits
Labels can involve human judgement. Agreement between annotators does not prove factual truth. Check usage rights, personal data, locations and purposes before transfer. An intention to anonymise does not guarantee anonymity; do not include particularly sensitive content in the initial inquiry.
Compare costs and billing
Compare prices for the same unit and task. An image with a simple label differs from many precise boundaries. Audio or video minutes, rules, specialist review and corrections may be charged separately. Clarify treatment of unusable data.
Compare the same service over the same period. Ask for setup, ongoing work, additional effort, expenses and VAT to be shown separately where applicable. Clarify approval of additional work. Without specific information a national price range would be misleading.
How the assignment proceeds
Have a small sample annotated against a written rule version. Resolve differences and document adjustments. Then use limited delivery stages with sample checks; rule changes must remain visible and must not silently reinterpret earlier labels.
First discuss the objective, scope and responsibilities. The quotation then records services, assumptions and exclusions. Check an agreed first stage before substantial further work starts. At completion record the result, unresolved matters and handover; changes need an agreed approval process.
Compare quotations carefully
Check what will actually be delivered and what contribution you must make, as well as price. A low basic fee can be offset by extras or missing services. Give every provider the same requirements.
| Check | What the quotation should explain |
|---|---|
| Scope | Included work and expressly excluded tasks |
| Cooperation | Contact person, questions and approvals |
| Billing | Charging basis, extras and terms for additional work |
| Traceability | Versioned rules, identifiers and corrections |
Checklist before starting
Set these foundations before a larger batch.
- Rules. Cover examples and ambiguity
- Checking. Agree reference samples and correction routes
- Rights. Check permitted sharing and use
Frequently asked questions
Must I already know technical annotation rules?
No. Describe the result. Developing and testing rules can be a separate part of the assignment.
Do good labels guarantee an accurate AI model?
No. Coverage, task design, training and evaluation also affect the model. Annotation alone does not certify an application.
Do I need complete records first?
No. Explain what is available and what remains to be clarified. Records needed for the actual work are agreed later.
Should I include confidential content in the inquiry?
No. A brief description of the need is enough. Credentials, complete customer files and information about third parties belong in a later agreed protected exchange.
Is the commissioned service free?
The free quotation inquiry does not replace a fee proposal. Agree costs and assignment terms with the selected provider.
How is the timetable agreed?
Give any known date and explain its significance. The provider must check capacity, necessary information and dependencies; an inquiry does not yet confirm a delivery date.
