By: AK Infinite

The consulting industry faces a seismic shift as Generative AI (GenAI) reshapes the technology solutions landscape. Once known for long project timelines and high costs, technology consulting must adapt to an era of speed, efficiency, and precision. As clients demand faster results at lower costs, consulting firms must pivot to meet these new expectations—or risk being left behind.

GenAI: A Game-Changer for Consulting

Generative AI and Agentic AI tools are fundamentally transforming how consulting firms operate. Traditionally, consultants were expected to deliver tailored solutions at significant expense over months, sometimes years. Now, GenAI accelerates project timelines and slashes costs by automating complex tasks and enabling real-time data analysis. 

Arjun Rao, Founder and CEO of ValueLabs, underscores this transformation. “The consulting model is being transformed. In a recent conversation, a large healthcare client’s Head of Technology & Strategy brought this point home. He received a quote of two years and $30M from one of the Big Four consulting firms for one of their projects. That same work was delivered using GenAI in three months at a fraction of the cost. The ability to consult, build custom solutions off a GenAI platform, and deliver value that is an order of magnitude higher; that’s the name of the game today.”

This evolution requires consulting firms to move faster and deliver more effective and scalable solutions. Leveraging GenAI’s capabilities is no longer optional but essential for survival.

A Shift Away from Traditional Models

To stay competitive, consulting firms are abandoning traditional service models in favor of agile, technology-first approaches. Now, the emphasis is on skill sets and tools that align with GenAI’s capabilities. This includes proficiency in AI model management, data transformation, and workflow automation. 

Andrew Brooks, CEO of Contextual.io, highlights the importance of this transition. “The future of technical consulting will be augmenting and ultimately replacing existing software systems with AI solutions. Things like ‘agentic’ AI are just the beginning. Consultants will need to work collaboratively with clients on design—meaning requirements around data, tools, and systems to use will be critical—solution build-out, as well as creating systems with transparent operations and measurable ROI.”

Contextual.io exemplifies this new era of consulting. As an AI orchestration platform, it provides data transformation, model management, and workflow coordination, enabling consulting firms to deploy AI solutions quickly and cost-effectively. By leveraging platforms like Contextual.io, consultants can manage high-volume data and complex workflows while delivering tailored AI solutions at scale.

The Skills and Tools Defining the Future

Photo Courtesy: Contextual.io

This Research Gate study shows that in 2023, 33% of consulting firms had already established dedicated AI teams or practices within their organizations. In 2024, while 45% of firms had developed or were in the process of developing AI-enhanced service offerings for clients, only 20% of firms reported feeling “highly confident” in their ability to leverage AI technologies across their entire range of services effectively. 

To thrive in this GenAI-driven environment, consultants must embrace a new toolkit. Platforms such as Contextual.io, which combine the power of visual code development alongside real code when needed, allow for rapid deployment of AI solutions without the need for traditional software development burdens. These platforms also come with pre-built solutions and one-click deployment features, making the adoption of AI solutions faster and more accessible.

Consultants must also refine their collaborative skills. Working closely with clients to design and implement AI strategies is key to ensuring solutions meet specific business needs while managing total cost of ownership (TCO) and delivering measurable results.

This shift also calls for a deeper understanding of data systems and expertise in operationalizing AI for enterprise use. Demonstrating clear ROI from AI initiatives will build client trust and drive adoption.

Leading the Way Forward

The consulting firms that will succeed in this new era are those that can adapt quickly to GenAI’s demands. By embracing platforms like Contextual.io, refining their skill sets, and prioritizing client collaboration, consultants can unlock GenAI’s full potential while delivering transformative value to their clients.

As Arjun Rao and Andrew Brooks illustrate, the future of technology consulting lies in agility, innovation, and measurable impact. GenAI has set a new standard, and the firms that rise to meet it will shape the next chapter of the consulting industry.’

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Published by Charlie N.