Deloitte Australia launches GenAI platform for 13,000 employees

Deloitte Australia has embarked on an ambitious technological journey by launching a generative AI (GenAI) platform, MyAssist, for its extensive workforce of 13,000 employees. This initiative aims to streamline day-to-day tasks, bolster efficiency, and foster innovation within the organization.

MyAssist offers users access to a suite of models and applications designed to support various professional activities. These include information research, data analysis and evaluation, data handling, as well as code development and testing. By leveraging these capabilities, employees can automate routine tasks and focus more on strategic and creative endeavours.

Moreover, the platform empowers users to create custom GenAI-enabled applications tailored to specific business challenges. This flexibility allows employees to address multiple related tasks simultaneously, enhancing productivity and problem-solving capabilities.

Deloitte's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its operations is evident in the meticulous development process of MyAssist. According to Stu Scotis, Deloitte Australia’s national GenAI lead, the platform has been in the making for over a year, with a successful trial involving 1,300 users preceding the full-scale rollout.

"We have a diverse business but we also know there are common activities embedded across really diverse functions. We wanted to develop a platform that helped all of our teams, so we focused on these common activities first," Scotis explained. "This means we do not need to solve for each activity in isolation and instead we can scale solutions to provide quality outcomes for our clients and our people."

Kellie Nuttall, the AI institute lead at Deloitte Australia, highlighted the firm's vision of becoming an "AI-fuelled organization." This strategy is supported by extensive training, with over 5,000 employees having already undertaken GenAI training. This ensures that the workforce is not only equipped with advanced tools but also possesses the necessary skills to leverage these technologies effectively.

The integration of MyAssist complements other internally developed GenAI platforms at Deloitte. One notable example is SustainNext, which utilizes GenAI to simplify the process of diagnosing and reviewing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting against regulatory standards. Such initiatives underscore Deloitte's commitment to harnessing AI to address complex regulatory and operational challenges.

The rollout of MyAssist aligns with Deloitte's broader strategy of enhancing its human capital and workforce management solutions. In March, the firm bolstered its capabilities by acquiring 39 new employees from consultancy ATEO. This move was aimed at strengthening Deloitte’s offerings in human capital and workforce management, further cementing its position as a leader in the consulting industry.

The implementation of MyAssist is expected to have far-reaching implications for Deloitte Australia. By automating routine tasks and enabling the creation of custom solutions, the platform is set to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation across various functions.

The benefits of GenAI are manifold. For instance, in information research, MyAssist can rapidly sift through vast amounts of data to provide relevant insights, saving employees countless hours of manual effort. In data handling and analysis, the platform can identify patterns and trends that might be missed by human analysts, leading to more informed decision-making.

Moreover, the capability to develop and test code using GenAI can significantly accelerate the software development lifecycle. This is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced business environment, where time-to-market can be a critical determinant of success.

For Deloitte's employees, the introduction of MyAssist represents a significant shift towards a more technologically integrated work environment. By reducing the burden of mundane tasks, the platform allows employees to focus on higher-value activities, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and professional growth.

From a client perspective, the efficiencies gained through the use of MyAssist translate into better service delivery and improved outcomes. Clients can expect faster turnaround times, more accurate analyses, and innovative solutions tailored to their unique business challenges.

The launch of MyAssist marks a pivotal moment in Deloitte Australia’s journey towards becoming an AI-driven organization. By equipping its workforce with powerful AI tools and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Deloitte is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape and deliver superior value to its clients.

As the firm continues to expand its AI capabilities and integrate these technologies into its operations, it sets a compelling example for other organizations looking to harness the transformative potential of AI. The future of work at Deloitte Australia promises to be more efficient, innovative, and impactful, driven by the strategic adoption of generative AI.