By Nazneen Ahmad

Microsoft, Accenture, and Avanade Team up for AI Transformation

Microsoft, Accenture, and Avanade have collaborated to introduce a new program named the Copilot Business Transformation Practice. The goal of this program is to assist companies in enhancing their operations by using advanced technologies such as generative AI, agentic AI, and Microsoft Copilot. Investing in new tools, solutions, and training is being done by them to achieve this goal.

Their Copilot business transformation practice helps businesses use AI tools like Copilot and agents to improve operations and efficiency. The initiative involves 5,000 professionals from Accenture and Avanade. They with assistance from Microsoft experts will offer expertise and skills to companies. 

The objective is to help businesses rapidly implement and broaden their use of AI tools such as Copilot to improve potency and lower expenses. Accenture is also expanding its own use of Microsoft 365 Copilots from 100,000 to 200,000 users based on real-world experience.

The three companies will create tools like templates, plugins, and connectors to help businesses use their data effectively with AI. They will also assist organizations in improving their security systems using Microsoft’s AI-powered tools.

Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, also shared her thoughts on the collaboration: “Our partnership with Microsoft will help businesses adopt AI on a larger scale. By combining Microsoft’s AI technologies with the expertise of Accenture and Avanade, companies can rethink how they work, improve security, and explore new opportunities for growth.” 

Judson Althoff, a senior leader at Microsoft, highlighted how this partnership aims to create responsible and secure AI-first business processes. Combining human creativity with AI tools like Copilot and agents can help businesses across industries achieve real results and stay competitive.

This initiative aims to make AI more accessible to businesses worldwide, helping them innovate and achieve better results.

Investing in Copilot

Accenture and Avanade have been working on tools to improve workflows, boost revenue, and enhance customer experiences. They have also developed solutions for Microsoft Copilot, including tools for Microsoft 365, industry-specific Copilots, and custom Copilots designed for unique needs.

The Microsoft 365 Copilot solutions include assessments and tools to help businesses adopt and scale these technologies easily. They have also created Copilots tailored for industries like manufacturing, finance, supply chain, retail, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Using Microsoft Copilot Studio, Accenture and Avanade are building advanced Copilots that use company knowledge to automate workflows based on user requests or specific triggers.

Microsoft has also partnered with Accenture to set up four Co-Innovation Labs. These labs will serve as spaces for businesses to test new AI ideas and create pilot projects using Copilot tools. The goal is to help companies find fresh ways to improve and grow. 

Accenture and Avanade have already shown how AI can deliver results, such as a supplier management tool that saves up to 15% in costs and a procure-to-pay agent that increases efficiency by 40%. They also developed a Manufacturing Copilot that uses Microsoft’s tools to optimize factory operations.

Together with Microsoft, the team helped Repsol, a global energy company, use Microsoft 365 Copilot. This has saved employees an average of 121 minutes per week, boosting productivity. 

To support AI skills development, Accenture and Avanade partnered with Microsoft to launch a new Azure Generative AI Engineer program on Udacity. This program will teach learners how to build AI applications using Microsoft’s Azure platform.

Microsoft and Accenture Expand Copilot Solutions

Microsoft and Accenture have developed Copilot tools to support industries like finance, manufacturing, supply chain, retail, consumer goods, and healthcare. One example is the Manufacturing Copilot, which uses Microsoft Manufacturing Data Solutions to improve shop floor operations.

They are also designing custom Copilots and agents to meet specific client needs. Their partnership continues to grow, with plans to open four new Microsoft Co-Innovation Labs. These labs will create AI design blueprints and test new pilot programs for future applications.

Accenture has also partnered with Nvidia to form a new Nvidia Business Group. This initiative aims to help businesses adopt AI and agent technologies more quickly.

This collaboration between Microsoft, Accenture, and Avanade demonstrates how AI is transforming modern businesses. By combining their expertise, these companies are helping businesses innovate, grow, and redefine industry standards, making AI a key part of future success.