Technology in management consulting has been defined as the collection of tools used by consultants in the conduct of their engagements, in the administration and management of their practices, and in the marketing of their services. The use of technology is required for management consulting firms to either remain competitive or gain a competitive edge in their markets, as clients expect consultants to use current relevant tools in the conduct of their assignments. The main role of management consultants is that of users of technology. They see themselves as promoters of technology only as appropriate components of business solutions. They innovate by creating methodologies and finding new ways to use existing technology.
Technology is generally as readily available in Canada as it is in other countries.
There is a trend to move from desktop to mobile computing and to use computer networks extensively to communicate and to enable individuals to work together. The Internet helps reduce the gap in the communication capabilities between firms of various sizes. Consulting firms typically formalize their approaches to specific types of consulting assignments into methodologies which are used for consistency and commonality between engagements. The use of individual technologies varies between firms and between individual consultants. Estimates of usage have been made based on the information gathered during the study.