Revolutionizing Productivity: How Deloitte is Harnessing AI PCs Powered by Intel Core Ultra Processors

In a significant leap towards enhancing workplace efficiency, Deloitte Consulting has reported remarkable improvements in productivity and operational efficiency following its investment in AI PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra processors. During a recent session at Intel Vision in Las Vegas, company leaders, including Michelle Johnston Holthaus, CEO of Intel Products, and Christoph Schell, Intel’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the transformative impact of this technology on their operations.

Deloitte’s U.S. Consulting AI Insights & Engagement Market Offering lead, Dave Kuder, emphasized the clear return on investment from this technological shift. “We recognized 18 to 24 months ago that AI was going to have to be a huge investment for us,” Kuder stated. The challenge was to deploy this capability effectively across their professional team of 180,000 employees. The introduction of Intel Core Ultra-powered AI PCs has been central to achieving this goal, enabling Deloitte to deliver advanced AI capabilities efficiently.

So, what exactly is an AI PC? Unlike traditional generative AI tools that rely on cloud-based data centers, AI PCs can process data locally on the device. This means that users can work without internet connectivity, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure and private. Additionally, local processing eliminates the monthly subscription fees associated with many online AI services and reduces latency, enhancing user experience.

AI PCs are equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a neural processing unit (NPU), creating a powerful combination for handling AI workloads. The GPU excels in AI-accelerated digital content creation, while the NPU is designed for sustained AI tasks, contributing to longer battery life. The CPU ensures quick responses for low-latency AI applications.

Deloitte’s diverse consulting services span various industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. With over 20,000 engineers on staff, the firm relies heavily on technology-driven solutions to meet client needs. The integration of Intel-powered AI PCs has significantly enhanced their operational capabilities. Bill Briggs, Deloitte Consulting’s CTO, noted that AI should be viewed as a feature embedded in everyday work processes rather than a standalone product.

By automating routine tasks such as environment provisioning and data pipeline setup, Deloitte has freed its engineers to focus on more strategic initiatives. “We’re getting more strategic because we’re more standardized, and we’re seeing tangible benefits in productivity,” Briggs explained. This shift allows engineers to concentrate on high-impact projects rather than mundane tasks, ultimately driving innovation.

Deloitte’s clients are also reaping the benefits of this technology. Kuder pointed out that AI and machine learning are being applied to optimize processes in manufacturing, such as programming robots and visually tagging images for defect identification. These seemingly simple challenges often yield the highest return on investment, demonstrating the value of AI in practical applications.

In addition to coding assistance, Deloitte is exploring further applications of the neural processor in Intel AI PCs. Dounia Senawi, Deloitte’s Chief Commercial Officer, shared insights about a pilot project for their Tier 1 help desk application, TechSage. This application addresses a range of issues, from simple password resets to more complex troubleshooting tasks, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value work.

The introduction of AI PCs by Intel in December 2023 marks a pivotal moment in the tech landscape, with the company aiming to power 100 million AI PCs by the end of 2025. As organizations like Deloitte continue to leverage this technology, the potential for increased productivity, cost efficiency, and enhanced security is becoming increasingly evident. The future of work is here, and AI PCs are leading the charge towards a more efficient and innovative business environment.