Accenture Acquires SYSTEMA to Strengthen Manufacturing Automation for Semiconductor and High-Tech Clients
In a strategic move to bolster its capabilities in manufacturing automation, Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has acquired SYSTEMA, a leading provider of software solutions and consulting services based in Dresden, Germany. Known for its deep expertise in the semiconductor industry and other high-tech sectors, SYSTEMA brings decades of experience in optimizing manufacturing processes through advanced digital technologies. This acquisition positions Accenture to offer comprehensive support to clients navigating the complexities of modern manufacturing, particularly in industries reliant on cutting-edge semiconductor production.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Semiconductors are the backbone of modern society, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and advanced medical devices. As global demand for these critical components continues to surge, Europe is making significant investments to strengthen its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. However, the production of semiconductors is an intricate and highly specialized process that often relies on legacy equipment, many of which are not fully automated. This presents a unique challenge for manufacturers striving to remain competitive in an increasingly innovation-driven market.
“Today’s society relies heavily on semiconductors for everything from smartphones to cars, and there is a strong commitment in Europe to strengthen the industry’s manufacturing capabilities,” said Christina Raab, market unit lead for Accenture in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. “The production of semiconductors is complex and highly specialized, and SYSTEMA’s deep expertise in the industry will expand our capabilities and grow our business in ways we couldn’t achieve organically.”
By integrating SYSTEMA’s specialized knowledge into its operations, Accenture aims to address the pressing need for automation in semiconductor manufacturing. Many steps in the production process—such as material flow management and machine change-over—are still performed manually or rely on outdated systems. SYSTEMA’s expertise lies in digitally connecting both current and legacy equipment, enabling seamless integration and optimization of manufacturing processes.
Enhancing Manufacturing Execution Systems with Data-Driven Insights
One of SYSTEMA’s standout capabilities is its proficiency in upgrading and extending traditional Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). These systems, which are essential for managing and monitoring production workflows, often lack advanced data analytics and optimization features. SYSTEMA bridges this gap by enhancing MES platforms with cutting-edge tools that increase output, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.
Sarat Maitin, who leads Accenture’s practice for digital engineering and manufacturing within Industry X in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, emphasized the synergy between the two companies. “We are combining SYSTEMA’s semiconductor and high-tech industry experience and capabilities with Accenture’s global network and ability to scale to offer services covering the whole value chain, from supply to logistics and manufacturing,” Maitin said. “Our ambition is to become a partner to the industry that helps clients in Germany and Europe secure competitiveness in a market increasingly under pressure.”
This collaboration will enable Accenture to deliver end-to-end solutions that address every stage of the manufacturing lifecycle. By leveraging SYSTEMA’s expertise in MES solutions from SAP (ME/MII/DM) and Critical Manufacturing, Accenture can provide clients with tailored strategies to modernize their operations and stay ahead of technological advancements.
Broadening Expertise Across Multiple Industries
While SYSTEMA is renowned for its work in the semiconductor sector, its expertise extends far beyond. The company also serves clients in aerospace and defense, medical technology, electronics, food and beverage, automotive, machinery, metal and steel, and specialty chemicals industries. This diverse portfolio allows Accenture to expand its reach and offer innovative automation solutions to a wide array of high-tech industries facing similar challenges.
SYSTEMA’s team of over 240 employees will join Accenture’s Industry X practice, further strengthening the firm’s ability to drive digital transformation across industrial sectors. Industry X focuses on helping businesses harness the power of digital technologies to optimize performance, enhance sustainability, and unlock new growth opportunities.
A Vision for Innovation and Scalability
Manfred Austen, CEO of SYSTEMA, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition and the opportunities it presents. “We have built long-standing, trusted relationships with our clients, guiding them through the ever-evolving technological landscape,” Austen said. “With Accenture’s capabilities in data, AI, engineering, and supply chain, combined with our manufacturing IT/OT solutions, we can innovate and scale more effectively while continuing to strengthen our trusted client relationships.”
The partnership between Accenture and SYSTEMA underscores a shared vision of transforming manufacturing through innovation. By combining SYSTEMA’s deep domain expertise with Accenture’s global resources and scalability, the two companies aim to empower clients to overcome operational inefficiencies and embrace the future of smart manufacturing.
Securing Competitiveness in a Dynamic Market
As geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions continue to reshape the global semiconductor landscape, European manufacturers face mounting pressure to enhance their competitiveness. Automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for companies looking to optimize existing facilities and maximize productivity. With SYSTEMA’s proven track record and Accenture’s extensive capabilities, the newly formed alliance is well-positioned to help clients navigate these challenges and thrive in an increasingly complex market.
This acquisition reflects Accenture’s commitment to staying at the forefront of digital transformation and supporting industries critical to the global economy. By investing in advanced manufacturing technologies and fostering collaboration between experts, Accenture and SYSTEMA are paving the way for a smarter, more efficient future in semiconductor production and beyond.
About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 801,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities.
