Deloitte Rolls Out AI Chatbot PairD to Employees

• Blockchain Council
• September 13, 2024

Deloitte, a global leader in accounting and consulting services, has taken a significant leap into the future by introducing its groundbreaking AI chatbot, “PairD,” to a vast workforce of 75,000 employees spanning Europe and the Middle East. This move comes as part of Deloitte’s strategic initiative to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in boosting productivity and automating various tasks within the organization.

The journey of PairD began in the UK, where Deloitte first launched this internal tool in October. It represents a notable milestone in the professional services industry, marking a departure from the traditional methods of operation. The chatbot, powered by generative AI, is designed to assist employees in tasks ranging from creating PowerPoint presentations to writing emails and code.

In contrast to its competitors, Deloitte decided to develop PairD internally through its AI institute, signaling a commitment to fostering innovation within the organization. This approach distinguishes Deloitte from others in the industry who have opted to collaborate with external players like ChatGPT maker OpenAI and Harvey.

However, the implementation of PairD is not without its cautions. In acknowledgment of the evolving nature of AI technology, Deloitte has advised its staff that the chatbot may produce inaccurate information about people, places, and facts. Users are urged to conduct their own due diligence and quality assurance to ensure the accuracy and completeness of PairD’s output before relying on it for work.

Costi Perricos, the generative AI leader at Deloitte, sees the rollout of PairD as an integral part of the firm’s long-term AI investment plans. In his view, exploring the potential of AI technology is not just about adopting new tools but also about using them safely to create value. Perricos emphasized the need for employers to focus on proper utilization to ensure that these tools contribute positively to their operations.

PairD is not limited to specific tasks; instead, it offers a broad range of functionalities. Deloitte employees can leverage the chatbot to answer emails, draft written content, write code for task automation, create presentations, conduct research, and formulate meeting agendas. This versatility positions PairD as a comprehensive tool for enhancing overall work efficiency.

To ensure responsible and effective use of PairD, Deloitte has mandated its employees to complete a training module before gaining access to the AI tool. This step reflects the firm’s commitment to ensuring that its workforce is well-equipped to harness the capabilities of generative AI responsibly.

The adoption of AI in the professional services industry, as evidenced by Deloitte’s deployment of PairD, reflects a broader trend within the sector. Firms are increasingly turning to AI solutions to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency. The deployment of AI tools also comes at a time when the industry is grappling with a slowdown in demand for some services due to challenging economic conditions. Major players, collectively known as the Big Four – Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC – have all announced redundancy programs in recent months.

Deloitte’s proactive approach in developing PairD internally aligns with its broader strategy of exploring the potential applications of AI within the firm. While other firms are collaborating with external AI technology providers, Deloitte’s in-house development reflects its commitment to being at the forefront of technological innovation.

In a notable move towards social responsibility, Deloitte has pledged to provide UK disability charity Scope with free access to PairD. This initiative aims to extend the benefits of generative AI to a broader community, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to social equality.

Richard Houston, CEO of Deloitte UK and Deloitte NSE, emphasized the importance of democratizing access to AI technology. Houston stated, “Generative AI should be available and accessible to everyone,” underlining the significance of ensuring that the adoption of AI promotes social equality rather than exacerbating existing disparities.

As PairD becomes an integral part of Deloitte’s operational framework, it symbolizes a paradigm shift in the way professional services firms approach productivity and efficiency. Deloitte’s commitment to responsible AI use, coupled with its dedication to social equality, positions PairD as a pioneering force in the evolving landscape of AI integration in the workplace. The journey of PairD is not just a technological advancement for Deloitte but a strategic move that reflects the firm’s vision for the future – one where AI contributes positively to both internal operations and societal well-being.