Accenture, Microsoft, and Avanade Launch Copilot Business Transformation Practice
NEW YORK and REDMOND, Wash.; November 14, 2024 – Accenture, Microsoft, and Avanade are joining forces to help businesses reinvent their operations using generative AI and Copilot technologies, launching a new business transformation practice. This strategic initiative aims to meet the growing demand for AI solutions. The companies will co-invest in new capabilities, solutions, and training programs to help organizations securely and responsibly integrate these technologies.
“The investment we are making with Microsoft takes our long-standing partnership to the next level, helping our clients accelerate and integrate AI at scale as a catalyst for reinvention,” said Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture.
The copilot business transformation practice includes 5,000 professionals from Accenture and Avanade, supported by Microsoft product specialists. They will collaborate on developing AI and Copilot agent templates, extensions, plugins, and connectors. This team will also have access to over 50,000 Microsoft Copilot-trained professionals across Accenture and Avanade to help support industry and functional transformation.
Clients will have access to specialized engineers and early access to the latest technologies, including the Accenture AI Refinery™, for custom model and solution creation. Accenture will leverage its experience deploying 100,000 Microsoft 365 Copilots and agents, with plans to expand to approximately 200,000 users.
Streamlining Workflows and Boosting Productivity
Accenture and Avanade have already developed agents to streamline workflows, boost revenue, and enhance customer experience. For example, a supplier discovery and risk agent can deliver real-time market insights, agile supply chain responses, and improved vendor selection, potentially saving up to 15% in costs. A procure-to-pay agent could increase efficiency by up to 40% and improve vendor relations by addressing urgent payment requirements.
Industry-Specific Copilots
The companies have developed Copilot solutions for a variety of industries and functions, including:
- Finance
- Manufacturing
- Supply Chain
- Retail and Consumer Goods
- Healthcare
For example, a Manufacturing Copilot powered by Microsoft Manufacturing Data Solutions in Fabric transforms shop floors and factory operations.
Client Success Stories
Repsol: Microsoft 365 Copilot is being deployed, and after a four-month study, employees are saving an average of 121 minutes per week, while enhancing productivity and the quality of outputs by 16%. 61% favor these AI-enhanced workflows, citing increased confidence. Engineering roles show the most significant gains, saving nearly 97 hours annually per employee. Maintenance roles save about 225 minutes weekly and have also significantly improved task precision and consistency.
Bricorama: The companies helped Bricorama, a French home improvement retailer, create a custom home improvement Copilot called “pAInt.” This app guides customers through their projects using Azure OpenAI.
Training and Further Development
Udacity, part of Accenture LearnVantage, and Microsoft have co-created a new Azure Generative AI Engineer Nanodegree program to train learners to design, build, and operate AI-driven applications on Azure. Accenture will also continue helping Microsoft transform its internal functions – including finance, sales, marketing, and HR – with Copilot, leveraging its consulting services. In addition, Microsoft selected Accenture to establish four Microsoft Co-Innovation Labs to develop AI-led design blueprints.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global professional services company with approximately 774,000 employees serving clients in over 120 countries.
About Microsoft
Microsoft creates AI-powered platforms and tools to meet the evolving needs of customers. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.
About Avanade
Avanade is the leading expert on Microsoft. They deliver AI-driven solutions that solve business challenges and unlock the full potential of people and technology.
