Case study: How Deloitte is leveraging 'DARTbot' within its audit processes

Over the years, Deloitte has been at the forefront of embracing emerging technologies to enhance its services and improve efficiency. One remarkable example of this commitment is the development and deployment of DARTbot, an internal chatbot powered by cutting-edge Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).

DARTbot is revolutionising the way 18,000 Audit & Assurance professionals based in the US work, providing them with intelligent responses and valuable insights to support their daily tasks and decision-making processes.

In this case study, we will explore the features, benefits, and impact of DARTbot on Deloitte’s operations, as well as its potential as an example for other accounting firms looking to deploy similar tools within their own businesses.

Background

Deloitte’s integration of Generative AI applications and capabilities across its organisation is aimed at empowering its professionals to become more efficient and productive.

These applications and productivity tools are designed to leverage Deloitte’s Trustworthy AI framework, which manages AI risks such as hallucinations and improves user confidence and trust. As part of this ongoing commitment, Deloitte has developed purpose-specific Large Language Models (LLMs) and chatbots to support specialised teams across its business, including DARTbot for Audit & Assurance professionals.

DARTbot: Empowering audit & assurance professionals

DARTbot has been meticulously designed with user experience in mind, providing a user-friendly interface that allows Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance professionals to seamlessly interact with the chatbot.

The system is integrated with vast datasets of relevant industry knowledge and leading practices, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of its responses. Furthermore, DARTbot facilitates further analysis by providing references to source materials, enabling professionals to delve deeper into complex accounting questions.

This user-friendly chatbot acts as a virtual assistant, providing real-time guidance, answering queries, and assisting professionals in navigating complex accounting questions.

Key Features of DARTbot

• Real-time Guidance: DARTbot acts as a virtual assistant, providing real-time guidance to Deloitte’s professionals. It assists them in navigating complex accounting questions and offers support throughout the audit and assurance process.

• Intelligent Responses: Powered by Generative AI, DARTbot generates intelligent responses based on its extensive knowledge base. It combines the expertise, critical thinking, and professional judgment of Deloitte’s professionals to deliver deeper insights and a differentiated client experience.

• Seamless Integration: DARTbot seamlessly integrates with Deloitte’s existing technology solutions, making it easily accessible to the Audit & Assurance professionals. Its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth and efficient user experience.

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Benefits of DARTbot

The deployment of DARTbot has brought numerous benefits to Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance professionals and the firm as a whole. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:

1. Enhanced Productivity: By providing real-time guidance and intelligent responses, DARTbot enhances the productivity of Deloitte’s professionals. They can quickly research complex accounting questions and focus more on applying professional objectivity, scepticism, and evaluating bias.

2. Improved Decision-making: DARTbot’s insights and guidance assist professionals in making informed decisions during the audit and assurance process. It acts as a knowledgeable guide, offering valuable insights and advice.

3. Efficient Knowledge Sharing: DARTbot’s integration with vast datasets of industry knowledge and leading practices allows for efficient knowledge sharing among Deloitte’s professionals. It ensures consistency and accuracy in decision-making processes.

4. Time Savings: With DARTbot’s ability to provide real-time guidance and intelligent responses, professionals can save time in researching complex accounting questions. This allows them to allocate more time to critical tasks and client interactions.

Data security and confidentiality

One of the key priorities throughout the development process of DARTbot was ensuring data security and confidentiality. Deloitte has implemented robust security measures, leveraging state-of-the-art encryption protocols and access controls.

Importantly, the chatbot operates within a dedicated, secure, self-contained environment that does not use any user input data to train the model. This commitment to data security ensures that sensitive information remains protected.

Deloitte’s commitment to AI fluency

Deloitte recognises the importance of AI fluency and invests in the training of its professionals. Through initiatives like the AI Academy, a Deloitte Technology Academy program, Deloitte has trained over 120,000 professionals as part of the next generation of AI talent.

Additionally, the firm has invested more than $2 billion in global technology learning and development initiatives to boost skills in key technology areas, including AI and its application to industry and functional issues.