Accenture Acquires IndX to Boost AI Manufacturing Solutions

Accenture has confirmed it will acquire Industries eXcellence Group, referred to as IndX, a division within Engineering Group that maintains a partnership with Siemens Digital Industries.

The deal could enable Accenture to expand its services for industrial firms seeking to update product development, production methods and supply chain functions through software, data and AI tools.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Completion of the purchase depends on standard closing conditions.

AI integration for manufacturers

Industrial companies are investing in software and AI to modify engineering and factory systems, according to Tracey Countryman, Global Supply Chain and Engineering Lead at Accenture.

"Manufacturers are increasingly investing in software, data and AI to make engineering and factory operations more flexible, intelligent and connected," says Tracey.

"But many companies struggle to integrate these technologies across their products, factories, plants and supply chains. We will combine IndX's proven expertise in Siemens technologies with Accenture's AI capabilities and industry knowledge to solve this challenge for clients faster."

The acquisition could allow Accenture to apply AI to bridge gaps between product systems, factory infrastructure and supply networks where integration proves difficult.

Siemens software and operations

IndX operates from Rome and Chicago and specialises in Siemens software for process and discrete manufacturing operations.

The business provides digital thread solutions that connect automation, engineering and production across operational technology and IT systems. Its work covers product lifecycle management, simulation, digital twins, SCADA, industrial edge computing and cloud computing.

After the deal closes, IndX staff and technology will join the Accenture Siemens Business Group. This practice launched last year to combine industrial technology with AI-driven engineering and manufacturing services.

Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries Software, says the acquisition represents a development for the business group.

"Accenture's acquisition of IndX is a milestone for the Accenture Siemens Business Group," says Tony.

"It brings proven skills in our industrial solutions for digital manufacturing, engineering, automation, digital twin and simulation, plus long-standing relationships with clients that apply them."

AI solutions for production

"Together with Siemens, we develop industrial AI-enabled solutions that shorten engineering time to market, increase manufacturing efficiencies and strengthen the digital core for our clients," says Vivek Kaushik, Global Lead of Accenture Siemens Business Group at Accenture.

"IndX will strengthen the Accenture Siemens Business Group and help deliver on Accenture and Siemens' shared ambition to scale these AI solutions."

The combined entity could apply AI to reduce time frames for engineering projects and improve production efficiency for client organisations.

IndX serves companies in aerospace and defence, automotive, high tech, consumer goods, energy, industrial equipment, life sciences and utilities.

Centres of Excellence expansion

IndX employs more than 650 people across Italy, the US, India, Germany, Mexico and other European locations.

Accenture will absorb IndX services related to other technologies into its existing business divisions once the transaction completes.

The firm plans to create two Centres of Excellence for Siemens DI solutions in Italy and India. These facilities will house specialists in industrial software and digital tools to support clients with product design, factory operations and supply chain systems.

Teodoro Lio, Market Unit Lead of Accenture Italy, says: "Italy has a unique combination of manufacturing excellence, engineering capabilities and innovation talent.

"By expanding our Siemens industrial software capabilities and creating a new Centre of Excellence in Italy, we are strengthening an ecosystem that can help Italian industry become even more competitive at the global level, accelerate digital transformation and create highly specialised skills and jobs for the country."