Accenture has announced its acquisition of German management consulting firm Staufen AG to enhance AI-driven solutions in manufacturing and supply chain operations. This move aims to help manufacturers integrate artificial intelligence, digital twins, and automation to improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. With industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical equipment facing supply chain disruptions and rising costs, AI is becoming a critical tool for optimizing production. Staufen’s expertise in operational excellence, Industry 4.0, and lean manufacturing will complement Accenture’s strengths in AI-powered predictive analytics, digital manufacturing, and autonomous supply chains.

Matthias Hégelé, Accenture’s supply chain and operations lead for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, emphasized the need for continuous improvements in value chains to stay competitive. He highlighted that Staufen’s integration with Accenture would enable the creation of resilient, autonomous systems leveraging AI, generative AI, digital twins, and advanced supply chain software. Staufen has already demonstrated success in AI-driven enhancements, such as improving shopfloor automation, logistics, and quality control for automotive suppliers, leading to more agile and cost-efficient operations.

Christina Raab, Accenture’s market unit lead for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, reinforced the importance of AI in addressing modern supply chain challenges, including rising production costs and complexity. Staufen’s team of over 200 professionals across Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the US, Mexico, and Brazil will now be integrated into Accenture’s AI-driven supply chain and operations practice.

This acquisition is part of Accenture’s broader AI-focused strategy in manufacturing and supply chains, following previous acquisitions of Joshua Tree Group and OnProcess Technology in the US, Camelot Management Consultants in Germany, and Flo Group in the Netherlands. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, and the deal is subject to regulatory approvals.