What level of MATLAB expertise do I need for typical business analytics versus advanced engineering applications?
Basic business analytics like data visualization and statistical analysis requires intermediate MATLAB skills - someone comfortable with toolboxes and data import/export. Advanced engineering applications like control systems, signal processing, or custom algorithm development need expert-level knowledge of specialized toolboxes, optimization techniques, and integration capabilities.
How can I verify someone actually knows MATLAB well beyond just having it on their resume?
Ask them to walk through a specific project they've completed, focusing on their problem-solving approach and code structure decisions. Request code samples and look for evidence of vectorization, proper use of toolboxes, and integration with other systems. A skilled MATLAB developer should be able to discuss performance optimization and deployment strategies.
Can MATLAB handle real-time data processing and web-based applications, or is it just for desktop analysis?
Modern MATLAB absolutely handles real-time processing and web deployment. MATLAB Production Server enables web applications, MATLAB can connect to streaming data sources, and compiled MATLAB applications can run independently. However, it's not ideal for high-volume web traffic or consumer-facing applications - it excels at computational-heavy, technical applications.
How well does MATLAB integrate with our existing business systems like databases and cloud platforms?
MATLAB integrates well with enterprise systems through database toolboxes for SQL connectivity, REST API capabilities for web services, and native support for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It can read from and write to most common data formats and connect to real-time data streams. The key is finding someone experienced with these integration patterns.
What's a realistic timeline for developing a custom MATLAB solution from requirements to deployment?
Simple automation or analysis tools typically take 2-4 weeks. Complex applications with user interfaces and database integration usually require 2-3 months. Large-scale systems with multiple toolboxes, optimization requirements, and enterprise integration can take 6+ months. The timeline heavily depends on data complexity and integration requirements.
After a MATLAB project is completed, what ongoing maintenance and support should I expect?
MATLAB applications need periodic updates for new MATLAB versions, potential toolbox changes, and evolving data sources. Budget for 10-20% of development time annually for maintenance. More complex applications with database connections or deployed web interfaces may need quarterly reviews. Having documentation and version control from the start significantly reduces long-term maintenance burden.