Artificial intelligence (AI) is radically transforming the consulting sector, marking a before and after in the way companies approach problem solving and performance improvement. Andrés Farreny, Data Transformation, AI and Technology partner at IBM Consulting, highlights how this technology is redefining the consulting business model, which has been a pillar of business growth since the 1980s.
Historically, consulting has been characterized by being intensive in human resources, with manual processes and often unpredictable results. However, generative AI is driving a profound shift towards a smart asset-based model. This new approach uses advanced tools to standardize and optimize key aspects of problem solving, allowing consultants to deliver faster and more accurate results.
According to a study by the Institute for Business Value (IBV), 86% of companies that hire consultancies actively seek services that incorporate AI and technological assets. Additionally, 89% of customers expect these services to improve quality and productivity. This convergence manifests itself on two levels: consultants use AI to power their own expertise while helping clients leverage their data to develop specific generative AI models.
Democratization of Knowledge and Improvement of Experience
Generative AI enables consulting to become a data-driven science, democratizing knowledge and improving the customer experience. AI models trained with enterprise data can perform iterative testing and tuning, achieving better results in less time. At IBM, these capabilities have been integrated into a customer-centric approach, using advanced tools to optimize project delivery and accelerate time to market.
How AI is forever changing the consulting model
Data Governance and Security
Trust, transparency and ethics are fundamental pillars in the implementation of AI in consulting. AI-based platforms must ensure strong data privacy and security governance, including measures to mitigate bias and comply with applicable regulations. AI-based agents and assistants, trained with company-specific data, can accelerate basic consulting and administration tasks, freeing up time for consultants to focus on higher value-added activities.
Innovative Tools and Techniques
Developing software products designed to drive business value and productivity is another high-value area in AI-based consulting. Open source and cloud-native tools and techniques streamline tasks such as data migration, synthetic data creation, and data labeling. This allows consultants to quickly create data environments tailored to specific client needs, whether on local servers, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments.
Optimization of Return on Investment (ROI)
Implementing AI effectively and responsibly is a complex process that involves considering aspects such as security, compliance, talent management and governance. Clients look for consultants to help them overcome these complexities and optimize return on investment. One of the most effective ways to leverage generative AI is through the use of smaller language models (SLMs), which are less complex, more cost-effective, and energy efficient.
The Future of Consulting
The impact of AI on consulting is not a revolution, but a natural evolution resulting from years of technological progress and market changes. At IBM, there is a huge opportunity in providing clients with open source models, software and consulting expertise to capitalize on the promise of generative AI and maximize return on investment. AI is here to stay, and its integration into consulting promises a future of greater efficiency, precision and added value for companies.
