The white paper “Adopting Emerging Tech” demonstrates how professional services firms architecture, engineering, and consulting leverage generative artificial intelligence to optimize processes and boost productivity. The document analyzes market challenges, current AI adoption trends, and specific applications across the project lifecycle, promoting integrated ERP solutions like Deltek with Dela. This article expands on these themes, blending theory with practical implications for businesses.
Market Pressures and Skills Gap
Firms face inflation, high interest rates, and an aging workforce, complicating scaling amid rising client demand—75% fear recruitment issues in 2024. Project complexity tops challenges per the Deltek Clarity report, with 67% predicting market share loss without digital transformation. AI and machine learning (ML) provide the key: automating routine tasks, enabling project data access, and empowering younger workers who expect intelligent tools.
AI Adoption Statistics
38% of firms automate business processes with AI, 37% forecast project outcomes, and 30% detect financial anomalies. Architecture and consulting report timeline reductions (over 50%), while engineering gains operational efficiency, cutting labor costs and enhancing communication. 72% confirm improved job satisfaction, aiding retention making AI the top 2024 priority.
Barriers and Launch Strategy
Over half cite lack of tool knowledge and training gaps as barriers, stalling implementations. Solution: start with small, high-ROI use cases, demystifying AI in daily operations. Form an AI Task Force with IT, legal, and operations—to educate, pilot, and align with business goals.
AI Across Project Phases
- WIN
- Predictive cost/timeline estimates from historical data, content summaries from ERP/CRM, document chat (NLP).
- MANAGE
- Resource optimization, risk prediction, budget alerts.
- DEVELOP
- Automated timesheets, personalized training, attrition forecasting.
- DELIVER
- Knowledge bases with auto-management, ICR for invoices, vendor verification.
- MEASURE
- Anomaly detection, auto-KPI dashboards, scenario forecasting.
ERP with Embedded AI
Deltek’s DelaTM integrates AI into ERP: insight summaries, project success predictions, natural language assistant without costly custom development. It serves 30,000 firms, uniting teams around a single source of truth and supercharging growth. This model suits service providers: from nonprofits like SOS Villages to consulting, AI democratizes data, automates, and enhances project profitability.
