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West Monroe Marks Third Annual Innovation Week by Showcasing Employee-Built AI Solutions and Investing in Future Innovators

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Firm offers a public window into its internal AI Marketplace of 600+ employee-built solutions and announces AI education partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation.

CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — West Monroe, an AI-native global consulting firm, is marking its third annual Innovation Week by showcasing how employee-led innovation is transforming the way the firm works, creating measurable value for clients, and inspiring the next generation of AI builders.  

Taking place October 19–23, the week brings employees and leaders together to share innovations, collaborate on new ideas, and explore opportunities to turn promising solutions into lasting business value. The weeklong event reflects the firm’s broader approach to innovation: giving all employees the tools, resources, and opportunities to build solutions that can be scaled within the organization and for clients.

Giving the Public a Window into Employee-Led AI Innovation

For the first time, West Monroe is giving the public a look inside its internal AI Marketplace, a centralized collection of employee-created AI applications, super prompts, skills, demos, and other solutions.

West Monroe encourages everyone, regardless of technical background, to build with AI. The firm makes most of its AI tools, including Codex and Google AI Studio, available to all employees across the firm, empowering them to create their own solutions. Employees can then submit their innovations to the AI Marketplace, where approved solutions become available for others to discover, use, and build upon—saving time, sparking inspiration, and eliminating duplicative rework.

Examples of select applications featured in the public-facing experience include:

Prompt Clarity Coach: Guides users through a three-step process to turn new ideas into clearer, more effective AI prompts, helping them get better results from AI tools.Professional Development Planner: Helps people identify career goals, explore opportunities to develop new skills, and create personalized, actionable plans for professional growth.Restaurant Menu Insights Demo: Based on a demo developed for a client, this application analyzes restaurant menus to identify ingredient opportunities and product substitutions, connecting menu items to opportunities for growth, greater operational efficiency, consistency, and improved margins.

Additionally, the firm has mobilized a community of advanced AI builders, now representing 15% of West Monroe’s workforce. The Builder Community develops delivery assets and reimagines how the firm serves clients through AI.

“The people closest to the work often have the best ideas about how to make it better, and AI is making it possible for everyone, technical or not, to bring those ideas to life as tools and apps,” said Bret Greenstein, Chief AI Officer at West Monroe. “We’ve given our people the freedom to solve problems themselves, and they’ve built more than 600 solutions and counting to improve how we work and deliver value to clients. This is what being AI-native actually looks like: people at every level using AI to rethink how work gets done, sharing what they’ve created, and making the entire organization better.”

The public-facing experience builds on the June launch of westmonroe.ai, the firm’s public platform offering business leaders access to AI agents that help tackle strategic challenges, from assessing business model risks to evaluating AI readiness and talent strategies.

The firm’s internal AI Marketplace has already been featured in Business Insider and CIO.com.

Turning Employee Innovation into Business Value

Innovation Week also provides an opportunity for West Monroe employees to collaborate and turn ideas into practical solutions through the firm’s innovation competitions.

This year’s Innovation Week competition challenges teams to develop more effective ways of advancing the firm’s growing portfolio of technology assets, including how enhancements are prioritized, ownership is established, user experiences are improved, and feedback is incorporated. Participating teams will demonstrate approaches to help West Monroe scale promising solutions and continuously improve the value they deliver.

The competition has a track record of producing commercially successful solutions. During West Monroe’s 2024 Innovation Week, a team developed a prototype that became Intellio® Hopper, an AI-powered data modernization solution that reduces the time required to convert data for platforms like Databricks by 80%. Since its inception, the solution has generated about $50 million in sales.

“Some of our most valuable solutions started with employees seeing a problem and deciding there had to be a better way to solve it,” said John Rosato, Head of Technology at West Monroe, who is serving as a sponsor and judge for the Innovation Week competition. “Assets are a big part of how West Monroe is different and delivers faster, better results for clients. They allow us to take our expertise and turn it into something repeatable and scalable, which is why this innovation challenge is about investing in their acceleration.”

Finalists will present live demonstrations at the conclusion of Innovation Week, with winners receiving cash prizes.

Investing in the Next Generation of AI Builders

West Monroe is also extending its commitment to making AI innovation widely accessible through a partnership with the Mark Cuban Foundation.

The firm will host AI bootcamps for high school students this fall, which will introduce students to AI tools, ethics, and real-world applications through hands-on activities and a final capstone project. The Mark Cuban Foundation provides the curriculum and technology resources, while West Monroe hosts the program and provides employee volunteers as mentors.

“As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it’s crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it,” said Mark Cuban, Founder of the Mark Cuban Foundation. “While technology expands and becomes more advanced, it becomes more critical that we ensure our students are prepared when they apply for schools or jobs in the future. Thanks to our work with West Monroe, the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

The partnership supports West Monroe’s mission to build the next generation of leaders and reflects the firm’s belief that the ability to understand, use, and build with AI should extend beyond traditional technical roles and backgrounds.

West Monroe’s commitment to AI innovation has earned significant industry recognition in 2026. The firm was named Overall AI Consulting Firm of the Year by the AI Breakthrough Awards, received a Gold Stevie® Award for AI-Driven Culture of Innovation at the Stevies American Business Awards, and was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms, including for its AI consulting capabilities. Chief AI Officer Bret Greenstein was also named an AI Leader of the Year in the Stevie Awards.

For more information and to explore West Monroe’s public AI Marketplace preview, visit westmonroe.ai/ai-marketplace.

About West Monroe

West Monroe is an AI-native global consulting firm built for today’s pace of change. We combine deep industry expertise with modern technology and business transformation capabilities to help organizations move faster and deliver measurable impact with speed to value and certainty of results through execution excellence. We don’t just talk about what’s possible—we apply AI and technology where it matters most, pairing strategic insights with hands-on execution to help clients move from strategy to results, faster.

Clients tell us we show up differently. Our employee ownership model fuels an all-in approach grounded in practical execution, measurable impact, and lasting partnership. That commitment has earned recognition from Forbes and Business Insider and made West Monroe one of only 22 companies recognized worldwide for building high-quality careers.

 

See what’s possible at westmonroe.com.

Media Inquiries

Christina Galoozis

Director, Communications & Public Relations

cgaloozis@westmonroe.com

847-302-1762

 

Shira Cohen

Manager, Public Relations

scohen@westmonroe.com

443-841-6879

 

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Sapient Insights Group Reveals the HR Technology Solutions Ranking Highest in Vendor Satisfaction and User Experience for 2026

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Voice of the Customer badges awarded across 23 HR technology categories, based on 10,000 responses to Sapient’s 2026-2027 Annual HR Systems Survey

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sapient Insights Group today revealed the HR technology solutions ranking highest in vendor satisfaction and user experience in its 2026-2027 HR Systems Survey, now in its 29th year. This year Sapient awarded 630 Voice of the Customer badges across 23 technology categories and three company sizes. The rankings are based on responses from HR professionals representing 6,038 organizations.

Stacey Harris, Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner at Sapient Insights Group, presents the HR technology solutions ranking highest in vendor satisfaction and user experience for 2026.

To help buyers find the providers that fit their organization, the rankings are split into three company sizes: small, mid-sized, and enterprise. Respondents rate their satisfaction with their current solution in each technology category on a scale of 1 to 5, with attention to support and service. Sapient also ranks solutions on user experience. The top five solutions in each category and size earn a badge for vendor satisfaction and a badge for user experience. Three categories with smaller sample sizes (Time Labor Budgeting, Contingent Workforce Management, and Skills Management) are ranked in aggregate across all company sizes.

The survey continues to grow with the HR technology market. New this year, the survey adds Compliance Management to the HR Blueprint, application-level outcome questions, payment models for applications and AI, and finance applications covering Core, Expense, and Planning. It also asks more “why” questions throughout, so the results show not just what organizations are doing but the reasons behind their choices.

“Our Voice of the Customer rankings come straight from HR practitioners, with no sponsorship involved, which is why buyers and vendors both pay attention to them,” said Stacey Harris, chief research officer and managing partner at Sapient Insights Group. “This year we expanded the rankings to cover more of the HR technology landscape, which gives buyers a clearer view of how solutions perform for the specific work they need done, not just at the suite level. It also gives vendors honest feedback from the people who use their products every day.”

The highest-ranking solutions for vendor satisfaction are listed below. Rankings include point solutions, modules within technology suites, and in some cases service providers.

Payroll
Dayforce – Enterprise
isolved – Mid-sized
BambooHR – Small

HR Management
Dayforce – Enterprise
HiBob – Mid-sized
BambooHR – Small

Benefits
Businessolver – Enterprise
Fidelity NetBenefits/PSW – Mid-sized
HiBob – Small

HR Service Delivery: Portal
Dovetail – Enterprise
Workday Help – Mid-sized
isolved – Small

HR Service Delivery: Content Management
Dovetail – Enterprise
DocuSign – Mid-sized
isolved – Small

HR Service Delivery: Employee Help Desk
Dovetail – Enterprise
ServiceNow – Mid-sized
isolved – Small

HR Service Delivery: Engagement Survey
Dovetail – Enterprise
isolved – Mid-sized
BambooHR – Small

Time and Attendance
Darwinbox – Enterprise
isolved – Mid-sized
isolved – Small

Absence Management
Darwinbox – Enterprise
isolved – Mid-sized
BambooHR – Small

Leave Management
Darwinbox – Enterprise
isolved – Mid-sized
isolved – Small

Workforce Scheduling
Darwinbox – Enterprise
isolved – Mid-sized
isolved – Small

Labor Budgeting
isolved – All sizes

Learning
Cornerstone – Enterprise
OpenSesame – Mid-sized
isolved – Small

Recruiting
Indeed – Enterprise
Greenhouse – Mid-sized
BambooHR – Small

Onboarding
Dayforce – Enterprise
isolved (ApplicantPro) – Mid-sized
BambooHR – Small

Performance
Dayforce – Enterprise
HiBob – Mid-sized
BambooHR – Small

Compensation
Dayforce – Enterprise
Payscale Payfactors – Mid-sized
Insperity – Small

Succession
Dayforce – Enterprise
Microsoft Glint – Mid-sized
Paylocity – Small

Rewards and Recognition
Awardco – Enterprise
isolved – Mid-sized
Gifted – Small

Analytics
Visier – Enterprise
Visier – Mid-sized
UKG People Analytics – Small

AI/ML
Visier Vee – Enterprise
Grammarly – Mid-sized
Anthropic Claude – Small

Contingent Workforce Management
ServiceNow – All sizes

Skills Management HiBob – All sizes

The complete Voice of the Customer results, including the top five solutions for vendor satisfaction and user experience in every category and company size, are available here (https://sapientinsights.com/top-vendors/).

Sapient Insights Group will publish detailed survey findings and analysis in its annual HR Systems Research Report on November 6, 2026. The report will be available to purchase here (https://sapientinsights.com/shop/).

About the 2026-2027 HR Systems Survey

Now in its 29th year, Sapient’s HR Systems Survey is the longest-running, most comprehensive survey of the HR technology landscape, and the only fully objective, non-sponsored study of its kind. This year, HR professionals representing 6,038 organizations around the globe took part. The survey now covers 23 technology categories. The annual report includes an in-depth look at each category, along with current and future adoption rates, customer retention, replacement plans, and projected vendor growth.

For more information about the survey and report, schedule a call (https://calendly.com/summerorellano/schedule-a-call-with-sapient-insights-group).

About Sapient Insights Group Sapient Insights Group is a certified women-owned, privately-owned consulting, research, and advisory firm. The company works with organizations in the areas of HR and finance technology; HR strategy and transformation; leadership and culture; change management; talent management; mergers and acquisitions; and project management. The company’s HR Systems Survey is the HR profession’s most trusted source for objective data on the HR technology market and insights to guide buyer investments and vendor product development and marketing. For more information, visit www.sapientinsights.com.

Media Contact

Allison Williams, Sapient Insights Group, 1 4043044748, Info@sapientinsights.com, https://sapientinsights.com/

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SAJ Debuts First CEC-Approved Systems under Australia’s New Battery Standard at All Energy 2026

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EK70 HS5 and EK90 HS5 on show at Stand M143, with Australia’s Strongest Man at Stand E01 and the SAJ range across three distributor stands

MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SAJ will exhibit at All Energy Australia 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 28–29 October. At Stand M143, installers can get their first hands-on look at the EK70 HS5 and EK90 HS5, the first products approved under Australia’s new SA TS 5398 standard.

At 2pm on Wednesday 28 October, DEKRA and CCS will present SAJ with the CEC certificates for the EK70 HS5 and EK90 HS5 on the stand, making SAJ the first brand listed under SA TS 5398. SAJ and DEKRA will also sign a strategic cooperation agreement covering safety, quality and compliance.

On the stand

EK70 HS5 – the all-in-one home energy system, combining hybrid inverter, LFP battery and whole-home backup in one unit. Modular 6, 7 and 9 kWh battery blocks stack to suit the household.EK90 HS5 – the premium tier, with 12,000-cycle cells, nine-layer safety protection, edge AI and a 15-year warranty.B2S and H2 – modular storage and the latest from SAJ’s residential range.elekeeper 5.0 – SAJ’s energy management app, with AI-assisted design, five-minute app commissioning and remote diagnosis.C&I – SAJ’s latest commercial and industrial solutions.

Live demonstrations of the EK70 HS5 and EK90 HS5, elekeeper 5.0 and the C&I range run at 10am on both days and again at 3pm on Wednesday.

Visitors can also play the claw machine on the stand throughout both days to win tennis balls signed by SAJ brand ambassador Alex de Minaur.

Beat Australia’s Strongest Man of 2026 at Stand E01

At Stand E01, near the hall entrance, visitors can take on Bradman Houston, Australia’s Strongest Man 2026, on the high striker. Bradman will be there each day. Anyone who beats his score wins!

Bradman recently partnered with SAJ and Sydney Solar & Electrical on a video series about lifting technique and fitness for solar installers, now on SAJ’s Instagram.

SAJ across the floor

The SAJ range is also on show with the company’s three national distribution partners, for stock, pricing and account conversations:

One Stop Warehouse – Stand EE113, with the EK90 HS5 on displaySupply Partners – Stand L135Tradezone – Stand S113

“All Energy is where the industry sees what’s next, and for SAJ that’s the EK70 HS5 and EK90 HS5,” said Alan Li, the Sales Director of SAJ Electric Australia. “Installers told us they want one integrated system that’s faster to install and that they can stand behind. Being the first brand listed under SA TS 5398 is the proof. We’d love installers to see both systems up close at Stand M143, and to try their luck against Bradman at E01 while they’re there.”

Visit SAJ

Where: Stand M143 (Beat the Strongest Man at Stand E01), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition CentreWhen: Wednesday 28 – Thursday 29 October 2026More information: au.saj-electric.com

About SAJ

Founded in Guangzhou in 2005, SAJ (Guangzhou Sanjing Electric Co., Ltd.) is a specialist in smart energy storage, delivering integrated solutions across solar generation, battery storage, energy management and EV charging for residential and commercial customers. SAJ has operated in Australia since 2013 and works with three national distribution partners – One Stop Warehouse, Supply Partners and Tradezone – backed by local technical support and warranty infrastructure.

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SOURCE SAJ

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Starvia Automotive Expands Used-Car Exports to Afghanistan and Iran

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GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Starvia Automotive has added Afghanistan and Iran to the destinations covered by its used-car export business, the company said on Oct. 21, as it focuses on used vehicles built to Chinese-market specifications. Buyers in both markets can now request an assessment of a specific vehicle before an order is confirmed.

What the review covers

For a used vehicle, the model name alone does not determine whether an export order can proceed. Year of manufacture, vehicle identity, condition, ownership documents and destination import rules are reviewed for each request, together with carrier acceptance, transit requirements and payment restrictions, according to the company.

Starvia cited two listings in its online used-car catalog as examples of the process: a 2023 Volkswagen Polo and a 2021 Volkswagen Tharu. The company said the listings show published stock and do not confirm that either unit is available or eligible for import into both markets. Stock, vehicle records and destination suitability are confirmed before a model is presented as an order option.

How an inquiry is handled

Inquiries are submitted through the company’s online form, which asks for destination city, importer details, preferred vehicle, quantity and purchasing timeframe. Starvia said the information is used to identify suitable vehicles, check documentation and seek a transport option, and that alternatives can be discussed if the first model does not meet the requirements.

An Arabic-language version of the site is available at https://www.starviaauto.com/ar?utm_source=prnews for buyers who prefer Arabic.

Any vehicle offer, freight estimate or shipment timing remains subject to commercial, regulatory and logistics checks, the company said. Buyers should obtain destination-side import approval before committing to a purchase.

About Starvia Automotive

Starvia Automotive is a Guangzhou-based exporter of new and used vehicles. Its online catalog lists used cars with vehicle history and inspection information for buyers in multiple regions.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/starvia-automotive-expands-used-car-exports-to-afghanistan-and-iran-302915298.html

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