IBM Business Automation
IBM’s Extreme Automation offering for Business and IT is a comprehensive portfolio of consulting services and technology platforms that enables straight-through "touchless" processing with minimal human involvement that improves customer / employee experience and creates new value.
The service includes, Co-create (Advise), Co-execute (Build), Co-operate (Manage).
Features
- Strategy and business case for AI Automation and business transformation
- Design, build and deploy AI driven automation use cases
- Design, build and deploy of Digital Centre of Excellence
- Configure and deploy Automation Platform (as-a-service, in the cloud)
- Configure and deploy Automation Operations Command Centre
- Automation Marketplace and Asset repository
- Re-usable Digital workers and composable Intelligent Workflows
- Training & Development of client capability
- Broad and comprehensive capabilities across Automation & AI solutions
- Automation of Business Processes and Controls (e.g. Finance)
Benefits
- Drives digital transformation initiatives
- Improving customer experience
- Creating new business models for value creation
- Lowering operational costs
- Reducing risk and increasing agility inside and outside the organisation
- Flexible commercial models (e.g. consumption based, per transaction)
- Comprehensive partner ecosystem
- Services can be deployed in a multi-cloud environment
- Integration of AI powered data and analytics
Pricing
£490 a unit
Service documents
Request an accessible format
Framework
G-Cloud 14
Service ID
2 6 7 7 8 9 2 3 5 9 5 6 2 8 0
Contact
IBM United Kingdom Ltd
Anne-Marie Wheeler
Telephone: 0207 202 3000
Email: ukcat@uk.ibm.com
Planning
- Planning service
- Yes
- How the planning service works
-
Complete suite of service capability from process identification and validation of processes for automation, right through to delivery and governance of robots in Production.
We provide process improvement, design, build and test of each automated process, together with infrastructure planning, system security and user access for the automation software. This can be provided as part of our Automation as a Service offering, or we can support local implementations.
We also provide advice on the Target Operating Model for automation governance, the Automation Centre of Excellence for on-going management of Digitisation, Cognitive and Robotic initiatives, and Command Centre design for automation scheduling, monitoring and support - Planning service works with specific services
- No
Training
- Training service provided
- Yes
- How the training service works
- Our training is developed collaboratively with buyer. Training planning starts with the Training Needs Analysis (TNA). The TNA assesses the target audience and their training requirements to identify what training is required and how it should be delivered. This will be tempered with the application of real-world constraints and IBM’s knowledge of conducting TNAs and delivering successful training and business change. The key features of our training approach are: Ease of use is built into the design of the user interfaces; We use a blended learning approach that combines a mix of online self-study, webinars and classroom training tailored to different staff groups, training needs, learning styles and geographical locations; A recognition of the need to deliver training at the key stages of the programme, whilst minimising time away from the business; A focus on providing users with the materials and ability to conduct training in their own time in their own location; A ‘train the trainer’ approach to enable the buyer to train users who do require face to face training and Feedback processes to measure the take-up and effectiveness of training, with fast and flexible mechanisms to update training materials and training delivery mechanisms.
- Training is tied to specific services
- No
Setup and migration
- Setup or migration service available
- Yes
- How the setup or migration service works
- IBM provides three primary approaches. The IBM Garage Method for Cloud, together with specialist tooling and experience enable us to design, plan and deliver an end-to-end service for each migration approach. Whilst this service is focused on the Build on Cloud the other approaches enable us to form a holistic solution to realise our client's hybrid cloud strategy. 1) Build on Cloud - The creation of new cloud-based applications Application Design, Delivery and Integration. 2) Migrate & Modernise to Cloud - The migration and modernisation of legacy applications onto the cloud, or between cloud services, tackling technical currency and standardisation enroute. 3) Rationalise to Cloud – The simplification of the application architecture including archive and decommission at end of life.
- Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services
- No
Quality assurance and performance testing
- Quality assurance and performance testing service
- Yes
- How the quality assurance and performance testing works
- IBM’s Quality Engineering and Testing service provides consultancy, delivery and transformation across the full project lifecycle including Performance testing. Our QE methods, tooling and approach aligned to industry standards like ISTQB provide clients with reliable test approaches and cost-effective teams who drive innovation and efficiency. Our Non-Functional specialists focus on service outcomes, resilience, performance, and scalability as well as operability and security of the service. We work collaboratively with our clients to define user processes, critical functions and features ensuring they are functional but also performant and operational.
Security testing
- Security services
- Yes
- Security services type
-
- Security strategy
- Security risk management
- Security design
- Cyber security consultancy
- Security testing
- Security incident management
- Security audit services
- Other
- Other security services
-
- Managed Security Services - SOC
- Cloud Security Services
- Security Intelligence Services
- Data and Application Services
- Identity and Access Management Services
- Infrastructure & Endpoint Security Services
- Security e-Learning Services
- Certified security testers
- Yes
- Security testing certifications
-
- CHECK
- CREST
- Other
- Other security testing certifications
-
- OSCE
- OSCP
- OSWE
- OSWP
- OPST
- GWAPT
- GREM
- GSEC
- GXPN
- GMOB
Ongoing support
- Ongoing support service
- Yes
- Types of service supported
-
- Buyer hosting or software
- Hosting or software provided by your organisation
- Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
- How the support service works
- We provide comprehensive support and maintenance of cloud based applications and services (Application Service Maintenance and Support) including the creation and management of a secure cloud-based delivery platform (Cloud DevOps and Support Services).
Service scope
- Service constraints
- No
User support
- Email or online ticketing support
- Email or online ticketing
- Support response times
- IBM look to define and agree appropriate service levels and response times for each particular implementation based on business need. Service levels are defined by categorising incident types according to severity, with response times per category of severity, for example: - Sev 1, 2 and 3. We would typically monitor e-Mail/Ticketing/Telephone 24/7, 7 days a week, categorising the incident, and invoking the appropriate SLA; - Sev 1/2 incidents can be prioritised for weekend responses; - Sev 3 would be typically attract a response during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 to 5).
- User can manage status and priority of support tickets
- Yes
- Online ticketing support accessibility
- WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
- Phone support
- Yes
- Phone support availability
- 9 to 5 (UK time), 7 days a week
- Web chat support
- Yes, at an extra cost
- Web chat support availability
- 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Web chat support accessibility standard
- None or don’t know
- How the web chat support is accessible
- This will depend on the tooling selected and implementation agreed.
- Web chat accessibility testing
- This would be based on the tooling selected
- Support levels
- IBM offers a range of service levels depending on the specific service or system that is implemented and its criticality.
Resellers
- Supplier type
- Not a reseller
Staff security
- Staff security clearance
- Other security clearance
- Government security clearance
- Up to Developed Vetting (DV)
Standards and certifications
- ISO/IEC 27001 certification
- Yes
- Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001
- Bureau Veritas Certification Holding SAS – UK Branch
- ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date
- 19th December 2018
- What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover
- To be confirmed at Call-off contract level
- ISO 28000:2007 certification
- No
- CSA STAR certification
- Yes
- CSA STAR accreditation date
- IBM Cloud Infrastructure – 6 April 2018
- CSA STAR certification level
- Level 1: CSA STAR Self-Assessment
- What the CSA STAR doesn’t cover
- To be confirmed at Call-off contract level
- PCI certification
- Yes
- Who accredited the PCI DSS certification
- TBC at call-off level
- PCI DSS accreditation date
- TBC at call-off level
- What the PCI DSS doesn’t cover
- TBC at call-off level
- Cyber essentials
- Yes
- Cyber essentials plus
- Yes
- Other security certifications
- No
Social Value
- Social Value
-
Social Value
- Fighting climate change
- Covid-19 recovery
- Tackling economic inequality
- Equal opportunity
- Wellbeing
Fighting climate change
IBM are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions globally by 2030. On this path, IBM are on track to have reduced
greenhouse gas emissions by 65% (against 2010 base) in 2025, and 75% of our global electricity consumption will be from renewables by
2025. The IBM UK Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) is published annually in which we report progress in achieving Net Zero; most recent in
September 2023.
In fulfilling our responsibilities under our contracts, our staff operate in line with our IBM Environmental Policy and implemented through
our worldwide Environmental Management System (EMS), which covers objectives including achieving our net zero greenhouse gas
commitment, reduction in water use, reduction in waste going to landfill, creating green space, enhancing the natural environment and
improving air quality. Local initiatives are in place around IBM and client’s locations, promoting e.g. shared or zero-carbon travel, various
cycle-to-work and car-share initiatives/incentives as well as environmentally focused volunteering.
To influence staff, suppliers, customers and communities through the delivery of the contract to support environmental
protection/improvement, we include Social Responsibility and Environmental Management requirements in subcontracts and encourage
staff to work with the wider teams on improvements. In some locations, an ‘Environmental Business Resource Group’ promotes Green
sustainability, also through community-based activities.
In 2020 IBM launched the ‘responsible.computing’ initiative, which addresses modern computing challenges and integrates aspects of
sustainability, climate, ethics, openness, privacy, and security. We assess proposed technical solutions against efficient energy usage.
IBM began detailed tracking and monitoring of our environmental footprint in 1990 - being forthright and transparent in our impact long
before it was fashionable or required. We have made significant improvements over the last 30 years and will continue to report
transparently on impacts and progress, using ‘Sustainable by Design’ framework and tools such as CO2 Emissions-Estimator and/or Envizi.Covid-19 recovery
We have continued promoting initiatives created to support COVID-19 recovery aimed at both communities and our/partners’ workforce.
To help local communities manage and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 IBM have created employment and re-training
opportunities. IBM provided a free, fully online offering called SkillsBuild Reignite, tailored for job seekers, and those needing to grow their
digital skills. Once an initial 30-hours of online learning was completed, Reignite offered free one-on-one coaching, seminars and
facilitated discussions from IBM volunteers.
IBM encourage our staff, suppliers, and customers to support our local communities through IBM Community Engagement Portal. The
IBM.org Volunteer’s Portal manages over 1.3 million hours of volunteering by IBM employees. IBMers are allowed to make a charitable
contribution of £7 for every hour of volunteering to their chosen charity.
We support our extensive ecosystem of external SME's managing/recovering from the impacts of COVID-19. IBM has invested to help
reduce barriers to entry that may preclude participation in delivery by SMEs. This could relate to financial standing, ability to accept risk,
invest in bids, or ability to supply sufficient volumes of resources.
We have had several initiatives to support staff with the impact of the COVID-19 and extended those initiatives to clients/partners. Mental
health support has been available at all times to all of our staff and their families, and we have trained volunteering staff as mental health
first aiders, with programmes in place to tailor a gradual return to work e.g. following illness.
IBM reimagined many of our workplaces and policies to support COVID-19 recovery. We have implemented our Work from Home Pledge
& Hybrid Working Pledge for all staff, which ensures we establish and respect new boundaries and support each other in this new way of
working and living. IBM continue promoting an ongoing Hybrid working approachTackling economic inequality
IBM invest to understand of the causes and effects of inequality. We run multiple initiatives to attempt to level opportunity, focused on
our stated social-responsibility goal to support education and skills development in Science and Technology, with a specific focus on those
who may not otherwise be attracted, or have the opportunity, to develop those skills.
The ‘IBM Ignite’ scheme, a national Movement to Work programme, offers vocational traineeships and work experience to disadvantaged
youth unemployed. Together with City Gateway, our London charity partner, IBM offer 2-week, onsite, workplace programmes to break
the cycle of ‘no work experience, no job’.
IBM are proud to have created skillsbuild.org. This is a global programme, and for the UK offering IBM have partnered with ACH.org.uk, a
social enterprise working to resettle refugees through labour market and social integration, City Gateway, a London charity working with
disadvantaged young people, women and families in deprived areas to build skills and ambition, and SaluteMyJob, a charity creating
opportunities for ex-Servicemen and women under the armed forces covenant. The SkillsBuild programmes offer training, in-person
support, credentials and opportunities to put the learning into practice. In addition to the direct training through charity partners,
SkillsBuild is now also available free to all online. The SkillsBuild training gives recognised qualifications to those searching for employment
in a digital economy. In addition, the programme gives job-search skills, teaches agile methods and design thinking, and has specific
training in growing IT fields, such as cybersecurity, big data, artificial intelligence.
IBM UK employ around 100 school-leaver apprentices every year. Our award-winning programme offers apprenticeships ranging from
Level 3 to Level 6, with all apprentices employed as permanent employees from Day 1. We also launched Early Professional Affiliates
Hiring programme enabling us to further acquire talent from underrepresented groups.Equal opportunity
n 1942, IBM hired blind psychologist Michael Supa to create a programme for hiring and training people with disabilities. Supa then
worked in IBM institutionalising disability representation and equality for 37 years, and 80 years after he was hired IBM continue to lead in
Accessibility, Inclusive hiring, and Representation to reduce the disability employment gap. The Accessible Workplace Connection portal
makes it easy for managers to accommodate IBMers who consider themselves to have disabilities, and all recruitment activities are
accessible and open. IBM support all employees in training and developing new skills relevant to them, with at least 40 hours of structured
training required every year; called THINK40. The training can link to recognised, external qualifications, building skills relevant to the
contract. IBM is accommodating of those with additional needs, ensuring all training is inclusive.
IBM believes that a diverse and inclusive work environment drives higher quality delivery. We have created employment/training
opportunities for those with protected characteristics in the UK since 1912. Our 300+ employee-led communities support ethnic
minorities, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, females, veterans and more through regular events within their communities. Every IBMer completes
regular mandatory Diversity & Inclusion training, including on unconscious bias. Based on 2022 survey nearly 9 in 10 IBMers felt
comfortable being themselves at work with ~5,000 more recommending IBM as a great place to work. IBM run a “BeEqual” campaign and
programmes, with tens of thousands of employees making a BeEqual pledge of allyship to colleagues from minority groups and 6000
IBMers globally are certified as LGBT+ Allies, with 90+ events across UK and Ireland in 2023 focusing on inclusion, with approximately 3.5K
attendees. IBM have a culture of promotion and recruitment aiming to addresses workforce inequality for all to have the opportunity to
fulfil their potential.Wellbeing
IBM has an advanced Health and Wellbeing Programme, recognising the criticality and benefits of a healthy and supported workforce. A
wide-ranging Employee Assistance Program is provided confidentially to all employees 24/7, at no cost to them, backed up by medical
insurance with annual health assessments available. IBM operate a Mental Health First Aid Programme, with over 200 qualified mental
health first-aiders volunteering in the UK. These colleagues make themselves approachable as a first step. IBM UK have Disability
Confident Level 2 status, winning in 2023 UK-IT-Industry Award – DEI and in 2021 the Best Employer for Diversity and Inclusion award from
WM UK, due to the broad focus on D&I throughout the pandemic, including hidden disabilities and neurodiversity. IBM has a global
neurodiversity hiring program (ND@IBM).
In the new model of home/hybrid working, various initiatives have been created to maintain and improve both mental and physical health
when working remotely. The IBM Working from Home Pledge includes commitments to take time out for yourself, and to check-in
regularly on colleagues. It was recognised that working alone can be challenging for some, and regular sessions, support programmes and
training in place to keep people connected. Managers have undertaken training to recognise those struggling and have tools of early
support. A “2020 health challenge” was taken up by 20% of the permanent employee population, with 69% of participants reported being
less stressed, 74% exceeded 10,000 steps a day. We continue organising ‘Exercise challenges’ on miles walked/weight loss linked to e.g.
World Heart Day. Ergonomic equipment to create a better working-from-home environment is available to all.
Within projects/programmes, and as part of contract delivery, IBM seek to make these various initiatives available to joint team of
staff/suppliers/customers and communities. Project and colleague-based support and health initiatives are expanded where possible to
all.
Pricing
- Price
- £490 a unit
- Discount for educational organisations
- No