IBM

IBM

Industry
Consulting
Use Case
OperationsDocument Management
Technology
Generative AIIBM watsonx
Date
March 5, 2024

IBM integrating AI into Consulting Services

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IBM has introduced IBM Consulting Advantage, a groundbreaking AI services platform designed to transform the way its 160,000 consultants deliver services to clients. The platform includes generative AI assistants, known as IBM Consulting Assistants, which are intended to boost consultants' productivity and creativity by supporting tasks such as business case development, code generation, and the creation of user-centric design personas.

Executive Summary

  • IBM Consulting Advantage is spearheading a transformative revolution in the consulting industry through its pioneering implementation of generative AI technology.
  • The platform's potential is undeniable, with early trials demonstrating a remarkable boost in consultant productivity by up to 50%, setting a new standard for efficiency in the field.
  • At the heart of this innovation lies a highly adaptable suite of AI assistants, meticulously crafted to address a wide spectrum of project needs with unprecedented precision and effectiveness.
  • IBM's commitment to responsible AI use is evident in its integration of sophisticated AI guardrails, which rigorously check for bias and enforce strict data privacy measures, ensuring the trustworthy and secure application of this cutting-edge technology.

Problem

IBM Consulting Advantage stands as a testament to IBM's visionary deployment of generative AI technology. This groundbreaking platform seamlessly integrates into IBM's consulting workflow, harnessing the company's vast intellectual property and leveraging cutting-edge partner technology. By providing consultants with access to an array of AI-powered assistants, each meticulously tailored to specific project needs, IBM is not just adapting to the AI revolution - it's leading it. This strategic move underscores IBM's unwavering commitment to innovation in the consulting realm, driven by a keen recognition that generative AI is fundamentally reshaping industry standards and client expectations.

Solution

IBM Consulting Advantage represents a paradigm shift in consulting services, showcasing IBM's dedication to harnessing cutting-edge technology. At its core, the platform features IBM Consulting Assistants, accessible through an intuitive natural language interface powered by IBM's commercial generative AI platform, watsonx. This sophisticated interface enables consultants to effortlessly select the most appropriate AI models for each task, while streamlining the process of uploading and analyzing project-specific documents. The insights generated are seamlessly integrated into commonly used business tools, significantly enhancing consultant efficiency and ensuring direct applicability to client projects. The platform's real-world deployment, such as at Dun & Bradstreet, demonstrates its immense potential in exploring new AI use cases and driving innovation. Furthermore, IBM Consulting Advantage incorporates robust AI guardrails and privacy modes, addressing critical concerns around data security and ethical AI use. This comprehensive approach not only sets a new industry standard but also reinforces IBM's vision of a future where consulting services are supercharged by responsible and innovative AI technology.

Impact

The implementation of IBM Consulting Advantage has yielded remarkable results, revolutionizing productivity and efficiency in the consulting sector. Early trials have shown an astounding productivity increase of up to 50% among consultants, a clear indicator of the platform's potential to accelerate project delivery and amplify value creation for clients. The platform's generative AI technology has proven its mettle across various domains, including customer service, accounts payable, and application modernization, driving significant improvements in key operational metrics. These impressive outcomes underscore IBM Consulting Advantage's role as a game-changer in the consulting industry.

Change Management

While the integration of generative AI into consulting practices presents formidable challenges, IBM tackles them head-on with innovative solutions. The company addresses concerns about AI-generated output accuracy and fairness, client data privacy protection, and the evolution of consultant skill sets through robust AI guardrails, advanced privacy modes, and comprehensive learning opportunities for consultants. This proactive approach emphasizes IBM's commitment to the responsible and secure use of AI, ensuring a smooth transition into this new era of AI-enhanced consulting.

Roadmap

IBM Consulting Advantage is not just a tool; it's the harbinger of a new era in consulting, with generative AI at its core, driving unprecedented client value. As IBM continues to refine and expand its AI capabilities, the consulting industry stands on the brink of a transformation, moving decisively towards more personalized, efficient, and outcome-based service models. The platform's success serves as a beacon, illuminating the path forward for organizations navigating the exciting intersection of technology and service innovation. With IBM Consulting Advantage, the future of AI-enhanced consulting is not just promising - it's here.

Publications:

ibm.com

IBM introducing AI consultants for its consultants

How IBM Consulting takes on projects with its gen AI platform, IBM Consulting Advantage

IBM Introduces IBM Consulting Advantage