Fulcrum and Slalom Collaborate to Transform Utility Operations with AI Solutions

In a groundbreaking partnership, Fulcrum and Slalom are set to revolutionize the operational landscape for utility companies by harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration focuses on addressing the intricate challenges of field operations, where timely and reliable data is paramount for decision-making. Fulcrum, a leader in Field Operations Management (FOM), is teaming up with Slalom, a well-regarded business and technology consultancy, to create innovative AI transformation solutions.

Utility operators are often tasked with making substantial investments in AI and demonstrating its tangible benefits, especially within field operations where results are directly impactful. Jim Grady, CEO of Fulcrum, emphasizes this point by stating, "The payoff for utilities unfolds in the field, where AI can dramatically enhance efficiency and productivity. Our partnership with Slalom will guide utility leaders in pinpointing the areas where AI can yield the greatest dividends and ensure that the results can be quantified."

Current challenges in the utility sector stem from fragmented operational data, which is typically scattered across various mobile applications, spreadsheets, and even paper forms. This disjointed approach inhibits the successful implementation of AI initiatives. By consolidating these many tools into a seamless platform, Fulcrum provides the necessary infrastructure for comprehensive field operations. This integration means that AI can be engaged holistically, rather than being constrained to isolated tasks.

In addition to enhancing operational processes, Fulcrum’s platform validates each data entry at the time of capture, ensuring that records are tied to specific locations, times, and individuals. This meticulous attention to detail creates a high-quality data foundation essential for enterprise AI applications. With accurate and defensible data on hand, utilities can track key metrics such as the installation of materials, inventory turnover rates, and patterns of loss or breakage over time. Slalom plays a crucial role in connecting this valuable field data with broader enterprise objectives, establishing a pathway from meticulous record-keeping to actionable analytics and AI.

One of the standout features of this collaboration is the introduction of AI capabilities that cater specifically to field operations. The Audio FastFill feature transforms spoken observations into structured entries, permitting field crews to document their work hands-free. Meanwhile, Fulcrum Insights enables data-driven decision-making in the office, allowing users to glean insights from comprehensive field records through simple, plain-language queries. This user-friendly approach encourages self-service for field teams using regulated systems, thereby enhancing flexibility while minimizing the risks associated with unregulated IT practices. Slalom assists in the integration of these AI capabilities into the field and office workflows, ensuring a smooth transition to AI-enhanced operations.

The partnership also seeks to quantify the return on investment (ROI) from AI deployments. According to Slalom's 2026 Global AI Insights Survey, while a significant proportion of organizations intend to enhance their AI investments, a mere 39% actively measure ROI. The AI Value Platform developed by Slalom is designed to help utilities prioritize use cases based on potential business value, and it can assess benefits prior to investment. Following implementation, the platform continues to provide insights by tracking realized value against initial forecasts, solidifying the business case for AI adoption.

As Tim Stafford, Global Lead for Energy and Natural Resources at Slalom, points out, "Utilities are increasingly investing in AI to meet the demands of rising energy usage, coupled with the urgent need to prepare for extreme weather events. Our industry insights, together with Fulcrum's operational prowess, will empower utilities to transform their trusted field data into AI-driven operations that seamlessly integrate into their existing systems."

In conclusion, the collaboration between Fulcrum and Slalom is set to redefine the utility sector's approach to AI. By streamlining field operations and utilizing high-quality, actionable data, utilities can elevate their operational efficiency, ultimately leading to enhanced service delivery during critical periods. Utilities interested in leveraging these joint capabilities are encouraged to reach out to the Fulcrum team through fulcrumapp.com to explore potential improvements to their operations.

Topics Consumer Technology)

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