Strategic IT Transformation at Accenture

Problem/Issue Statement

• Accenture faces an interesting, but positive "problem." Since Accenture split from Arthur Andersen in 2001 they were essentially able to start over from scratch with how they wanted to build their IT infrastructure. The problem is they had only a year to create and implement their new structure and they had to decide how they wanted to build it. They had the option of going for a "best in breed" approach, a one-platform approach,  or a combination of those options. 

Situation Assessment

• The Andersen technology, like in many long established organizations, was becoming outdated. It consisted of patchwork legacy systems, obsolete software platforms that couldn't be accessed remotely via the Internet they needed expensive private networks to access them, and over time the offices developed their own software for HR and Accounting purposes. This made it very difficult to get up to date information quickly and made what would be normal, simple processes bulky and complex. Since Accenture broke away from Andersen they could start from the ground up building exactly what would suit their needs to grow as they saw fit.

List of Plausible Alternative Courses of Action/Evaluation of Alternatives

• Accenture has a couple of options to pursue in building their system. They can pursue a "best in breed" approach, meaning they would buy the best option available for each individual application. This is good because each company will want to stay "the best" so they will work hard to maintain their reputation, however you risk the different applications not talking to each other if they are built by different developers. They could go with a one-platform approach which is good because all the applications will work together, they can access it anywhere, and they can get the information quickly, however by using one platform it may not be the top of the line option for each application. Either of these options would provide them with a top of the line system to run their business they just have to decide which approach works best for what they are trying to accomplish. 

Recommendation

• The recommendation would be to decide what works best for Accenture. Based on the information in the case it would be a combination of the options. For standard, everyday business process they should follow the one-platform approach. For example with HR it is beneficial to have an application that is universal for staffing and payroll purposes. However, I am sure there is an aspect of their business where using a best in breed application makes sense because they need the top of the line to support their business and it's reputation. These options mixed with some outsourcing where needed (for cost saving purposes) I think Accenture will be able to build a top of the line IT infrastructure that allows for consultants to work remotely, allows applications to talk to each other, and provide quick, accurate access to the data that employees  need.