Technology – The Consulting Report

Accenture Completes Acquisition of Retail Technology Firm Logic

jirehl — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:00:54 +0000

Accenture has completed the acquisition of Logic, a retail technology services firm that is recognized for its ability to improve customer loyalty, revenue, and agility by implementing sophisticated technology solutions. Logic, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, brings approximately 800 professionals with specialized skills in retail-focused technical strategies. The firm operates in 11 countries and serves over 150 retail clients worldwide, adding significant value to Accenture’s retail technology portfolio.

Accenture, a global leader in professional services, is recognized for its ability to assist businesses, governments, and organizations in the development of their digital core, the optimization of operations, and the acceleration of revenue growth. Accenture's global delivery capability, industry experience, and expertise in cloud, data, and AI are combined with a workforce of 750,000 individuals who serve clients in over 120 countries. The acquisition of Logic underscores Accenture’s commitment to leveraging technology to help retailers navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.

PA Consulting Appoints Alan Clarke as Head of Digital and Data

jirehl — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:00:24 +0000

Alan Clarke has been appointed as the Head of Digital and Data at PA Consulting, a global consultancy that specializes in innovation and transformation. Clarke, who has been with PA for more than two decades, will be responsible for leading the firm's global team of experts in the delivery of state-of-the-art digital and data solutions to clients in both the public and private sectors.

Throughout his tenure at PA, Clarke has played a pivotal role in numerous digital transformation programs, including government initiatives to integrate digital, data, and AI, as well as enhancing digital consumer product development for global organizations. In addition to his client work, Clarke has been a champion of diversity and inclusion, serving as the Partner Sponsor for PA’s Women in Leadership program.

The digital team at PA Consulting is renowned for its comprehensive digital services, which utilize AI, data, and analytics to generate substantial impact across a variety of sectors. The team designs, builds, maintains, and operates digital solutions at scale, fostering innovation and improving lives.

PA’s notable projects include collaborations with Unilever on AI-driven innovation, Rabobank on establishing new data and analytics capabilities, and Rentokil on launching an IoT platform. With a focus on human insight and technology, PA Consulting continues to redefine the digital landscape, helping clients achieve lasting transformation. CEO Christian Norris expressed confidence in Clarke’s ability to further strengthen PA’s digital and data capabilities, emphasizing his commitment to advancing intelligent enterprise solutions.

Oliver Wyman Appoints Neema Uthappa as CIO to Enhance Digital Transformation

jirehl — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:00:50 +0000

Oliver Wyman has announced the appointment of Neema Uthappa as Chief Information Officer (CIO). Oliver Wyman is a prominent global management consulting firm and a subsidiary of Marsh McLennan. In the Boston office, Uthappa will be responsible for the supervision of technology initiatives across all businesses within the Oliver Wyman Group, which encompasses Lippincott, NERA, and Oliver Wyman. Nick Studer, CEO of Oliver Wyman, expressed confidence in Uthappa’s ability to drive digital transformation and enhance technology capabilities both for the firm and its clients.

A specialist in autonomous process automation, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence, Uthappa has 23 years of experience in strategic digital transformation. Prior to joining Oliver Wyman, she served as the Head of Engineering for Cloud Data Analytics and AI at McKinsey and Company and held positions at American Express and McKesson Corporation. A former Executive Officer in the Indian Navy, Uthappa is passionate about closing the gender gap in technology and actively mentors startup CEOs while volunteering in the Boston community. She is also the author of "The Cinderella Elephant," a collection of inspirational stories based on her career.

Booz Allen Deploys Generative AI in Space

jirehl — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:00:08 +0000

Utilizing Hewlett Packard Enterprise's (HPE) Spaceborne Computer-2, Booz Allen Hamilton announced the effective deployment of a generative AI large language model (LLM) aboard the International Space Station National Lab on August 1, 2024. This innovative initiative is the first known deployment of an LLM in space, with the objective of allowing astronauts to access generative AI capabilities without relying on the Earth-bound internet. Chris Bogdan, Booz Allen’s Executive Vice President, emphasized the significance of this development in integrating mission-critical solutions in the space environment.

The rapid eight-week development of this LLM application is expected to enhance remote data ingestion and retrieval-augmented generation capabilities, allowing edge-deployed personnel to interpret and solve complex issues through natural language processing. Booz Allen, with over 60 years of experience serving federal space programs, is committed to advancing critical missions using innovative AI technologies. HPE’s Spaceborne Computer-2, designed for high-performance computing in constrained environments, plays a crucial role in this initiative. The deployment showcases Booz Allen’s dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform space missions and address challenges in disconnected environments.

ASMPT and IBM Renew Chiplet Technology Partnership

jirehl — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:00:08 +0000

ASMPT and IBM renewed their agreement on July 23, 2024, to further their collaboration in the development of chiplet packaging technologies. The partnership is dedicated to the improvement of thermocompression and hybrid bonding technology for chiplet packaging, utilizing ASMPT's next-generation Lithobolt hybrid bonding tools and Firebird TCB. Chiplets facilitate the efficient packaging of system-on-chip designs by dividing them into smaller components. This process accelerates the development of systems, reduces costs, and improves energy efficiency. Nevertheless, the rapid advancements in AI computation necessitate advancements in packaging technology to facilitate the transition of chiplets from research to commercial production.

This agreement expands upon prior collaboration endeavors that led to the development of a novel hybrid bonding methodology that enhances the quality of chiplet bonding. Huiming Bu, Vice President of IBM Semiconductors Global R&D, emphasized IBM's leadership in advanced packaging technologies for AI, while Lim Choon Khoon, Senior Vice President at ASMPT, expressed excitement about pushing the boundaries of advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration solutions. Headquartered in Singapore, ASMPT specializes in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing solutions, while IBM is a leading global provider of hybrid cloud and AI services, supporting clients in their digital transformations across various industries.

Capgemini Expands Partnership with SAP for Generative AI Solutions

jirehl — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:00:03 +0000

SAP and Capgemini have expanded their strategic partnership to incorporate generative AI into critical business processes, including HR, sales, procurement, and sustainability. This partnership integrates SAP's Business AI portfolio, which is predicated on the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP), with Capgemini's proficiency in data, AI, and large-scale SAP transformations. The initiative includes the establishment of an enhanced Global SAP Center of Excellence focused on augmenting business processes with AI, accelerating go-to-market strategies, and upskilling Capgemini’s workforce to train 20,000 employees by mid-2025.

Philipp Herzig, Chief AI Officer at SAP SE, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to innovate and optimize business applications. Capgemini and SAP are already leveraging generative AI to support clients in achieving sustainability goals, enhancing procurement functions, and improving sales processes. Narayanan Balasubramaniam, Global Head of Enterprise Package Based Solutions at Capgemini, highlighted the transformative impact of generative AI on organizational operations and reiterated the firm’s commitment to helping clients adapt their business processes for both immediate and long-term success. Capgemini is a global leader in consulting, technology services, and digital transformation, while SAP is renowned for its enterprise resource planning software and business solutions.

Deloitte Partners with AWS to Enhance Generative AI Capabilities

jirehl — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:00:03 +0000

On July 9, 2024, Deloitte disclosed a multi-year strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), aimed at advancing generative artificial intelligence, data analytics, and quantum computing for global clients. As part of this partnership, the two organizations will establish an Innovation Lab, focusing on exploring future technologies, including artificial general intelligence and quantum machine learning. This initiative aligns with Deloitte’s $2 billion IndustryAdvantage initiative, designed to co-innovate with clients and develop industry-specific solutions. The collaboration will also provide funding to support clients transitioning successful proofs of concept into production.

Deloitte, a leading global professional services firm, offers industry-leading audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to many notable brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500. With a workforce of approximately 457,000 across more than 150 countries, Deloitte has made significant investments in AI, recently launching its Generative AI practice and achieving AWS Generative AI Competency status. AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon, provides a wide range of cloud services and solutions, including Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock, to help organizations build generative AI applications securely. Together, Deloitte and AWS aim to drive innovation across various industries by leveraging advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

IBM Acquires SiXworks to Enhance UK Defense Sector Capabilities

jirehl — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:00:45 +0000

IBM has acquired SiXworks, a UK consultancy specializing in digital transformation for secure environments. Founded in 2017 and based in Farnborough, SiXworks is known for its expertise in digital, cyber, and defense cloud solutions. This acquisition enhances IBM Consulting’s capabilities in the UK defense sector, adding specialized skills in secure digital solutions, from requirement definition to agile delivery and maintenance.

SiXworks will join IBM Consulting’s public sector team, leveraging its established partnership with the UK Ministry of Defense. This move builds on IBM’s earlier acquisition of Octo, strengthening its position as a digital transformation leader for public sector clients. The integration aims to bolster IBM’s cybersecurity, data, and AI capabilities, enabling comprehensive solutions for defense sector clients and reinforcing its leadership in secure digital transformation and public sector consulting.

Booz Allen Hamilton Invests in Quindar to Enhance Space Domain Capabilities

jirehl — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:00:19 +0000

Booz Allen Hamilton Booz Allen Ventures, Hamilton's corporate venture capital subsidiary, has strategically invested in Quindar, an emergent commercial space technology company that is dedicated to automating and democratizing satellite operations. This investment aligns with Booz Allen's VoLT business strategy, emphasizing velocity, leadership, and technology, and underscores the firm’s commitment to integrating mission-critical technologies across the space domain. By leveraging Quindar's virtualized, cloud-scalable platform, Booz Allen aims to enhance command and control capabilities, supporting near-autonomous operations for cooperative fleets of spacecraft. This partnership highlights Booz Allen's dedication to advancing space domain awareness, security, and data collection to provide a decision advantage on a global scale.

Booz Allen Hamilton, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is renowned for its expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and strategic consulting, serving critical civil, defense, and national security priorities. With a workforce of nearly 34,200 and revenues of $10.7 billion for the year ending March 31, 2024, the firm is a leader in innovation and mission transformation. Quindar, led by CEO and Co-Founder Nate Hamet, is poised to revolutionize space mission management through its AI-enabled solutions, aiming to make space operations more efficient, secure, and accessible. This investment is the second space-focused initiative by Booz Allen Ventures, emphasizing the importance of dual-use technology and federal-commercial collaboration to drive mission success.

Accenture Acquires True North Solutions to Expand Industrial Engineering Capabilities

jirehl — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:00:44 +0000

To enhance its operational technology (OT) expertise in industries such as oil and gas and mining, Accenture has acquired True North Solutions, a Calgary-based provider of industrial engineering solutions. This acquisition aims to enhance Accenture’s ability to integrate OT with enterprise IT systems, optimizing operational efficiency and safety through real-time data analytics. True North Solutions brings specialized knowledge in engineering and commissioning critical infrastructure, aligning with Accenture’s digital capabilities such as digital thread, predictive maintenance, and intelligent asset management to improve field operations' performance and safety.

According to Adam Foster, Accenture Canada’s Energy Portfolio leader, combining True North Solutions’ field expertise with Accenture’s digital prowess will drive transformative technologies like generative AI and predictive analytics into digitally enabled field operations. This strategic move underscores Accenture’s commitment to advancing client capabilities in North America, supported by True North Solutions’ team of 95 experts in automation and industrial engineering. The acquisition further strengthens Accenture’s Industry X and Resources team, reinforcing its position in delivering innovative solutions for asset-intensive industries.