Guidehouse, a global AI-led professional services firm, has released The Managed Services Guide, a flagship report that redefines how managed services are delivered in the age of AI and automation. The report outlines a model for intelligent operations that moves beyond transactional outsourcing toward adaptive, performance-driven systems.

“Intelligent operations represent a model for managed services that is built for performance, not just process,” said Ali Bokhari, Managed Services Leader at Guidehouse. “By combining automation, AI, and human expertise into modular, repeatable systems, organizations can scale what makes them distinct while driving measurable impact.”

As enterprises face rising pressures—shrinking budgets, evolving compliance demands, rapid tech disruption, and talent shortages—managed services are becoming a foundation for resilience and scalability. Providers are integrating people, processes, and technology to deliver consistent, outcome-focused performance.

The Guide introduces four key principles shaping the intelligent operations era:

• Design for outcomes and unique strengths

• Use digital workers to amplify human impact

• Make data your control layer for visibility

• Configure to fit instead of customizing

“AI is no longer just a tool—it’s a teammate,” said Stuart Brown, Technology Leader at Guidehouse. “Digital workers handle volume and surface insights, allowing humans to focus on what they do best—nuanced decisions, exception handling, and strategic oversight.”

The report also tracks emerging trends shaping the next wave of managed services:

• Digital workers becoming part of org charts

• Agentic AI in decision-making and workflow orchestration

• Expansion into front-office functions like onboarding and customer engagement

• Outcome-based pricing replacing traditional rate cards

Guidehouse will host a live webinar on November 6, 2025, to explore these insights with leaders across industries including healthcare and financial services.

The Managed Services Guide marks the third installment in Guidehouse’s 2025 thought leadership series, offering a forward-looking framework for how intelligent operations can transform business performance, transparency, and adaptability.

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