Accenture announced on February 7 that it would acquire German management consulting firm Staufen AG to enhance its AI-driven solutions for manufacturing and supply chain operations. The acquisition will help manufacturers integrate artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, and automation to improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
With industries such as automotive, aerospace and medical equipment facing supply chain disruptions and rising costs, AI is becoming essential for optimising production. Staufen’s expertise in operational excellence, Industry 4.0, and lean manufacturing will complement Accenture’s capabilities 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, highlighted the role of AI in the transformation, “Manufacturers must continuously improve their entire value chains to stay competitive. The acquisition of Staufen aligns with our strategy to reinvent supply chains and manufacturing for clients.
He further added that Staufen will combine its proven expertise in operational excellence and value chain transformation with its capabilities in digital technologies, such as AI, generative AI, digital twins, and supply chain software, to help clients build resilient, autonomous systems that drive efficiency and sustainability.
Staufen has already implemented AI-driven improvements for manufacturers, such as enhancing shopfloor automation, logistics, and quality control for an automotive supplier. These improvements have led to more agile and cost-efficient operations.
Christina Raab, Accenture’s market unit lead for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, underscored the importance of AI in modern supply chains.
“In today’s volatile landscape, organisations need AI-driven solutions to address rising production costs and supply chain complexities.”
Staufen has a team of over 200 professionals across Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the US, Mexico, and Brazil. They will now join Accenture’s AI-driven supply chain and operations practice.
This acquisition is part of Accenture’s broader AI-focused investments in supply chain and manufacturing. It follows the recent acquisitions of Joshua Tree Group and OnProcess Technology in the US, Camelot Management Consultants in Germany, and Flo Group in the Netherlands.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.
