PLDT, Accenture Philippines team up to build digital factory

PLDT Inc.’s data arm Kayana Solutions Inc., formerly known as DigiCo, has partnered with Accenture Philippines for the establishment of a digital factory that will initially cater to the MVP Group, but will eventually become an open platform.

Under the partnership, Accenture will oversee brand strategy, product research, and user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design for Kayana through Song, its tech-powered creative group, addressing the digital needs of MVP Group business units.

PLDT chairman, president, and chief executive officer Manuel Pangilinan said the contract is “expensive and has no termination date,” but did not provide additional details on the financial aspect ahead of PLDT’s financial earnings results release scheduled on Tuesday, November 12.

“We probably have the most or one of the most extensive databases in the country,” Pangilinan said, citing units such as hospitals and tollways, which will then be mined and be used to make operations of business units more efficient.

“The digital factory will bring together the skills and competencies that the Group needs to deliver hyper-personalized experiences that meet the needs of Filipinos,” he said.

The MVP Group includes PLDT, which runs Smart Communications and digital bank Maya; the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco); and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. which has interests in tollways, services, health, rails, and tollways; among others.

The partnership was announced at headquarters of Accenture Philippines in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, which is led by Accenture Philippines country managing director and technology lead Ambe Tierro.

“By tapping into Accenture Song’s expertise in design and digital products, marketing, commerce, and service, we are combining creativity, innovation, and technology to push boundaries and help Kayana deliver on its commitment to customer-centric innovation,” she said. — BM, GMA Integrated News