Consulting firm Slalom has always been known for its people-first culture, modern tech expertise, and big-brand partnerships. For large enterprises, Slalom has become synonymous with innovation-driven enterprise consulting.
But as more organizations demand faster, more customized, and AI-driven solutions, many are finding that Slalom’s enterprise pricing and broad approach don’t always align with their needs. Businesses are seeking partners who combine strategic depth with execution agility. They are choosing firms that deliver measurable outcomes without the overhead.
In this guide, we’ll compare Slalom with ten top alternatives for 2026 and show how RTS Labs stands out as the best fit for companies looking to scale smarter, faster, and more affordably.
What is Slalom?
Slalom is a US-based management and technology consulting firm founded in 2001, operating across 45+ markets with about 13,000 consultants.
The firm focuses on digital transformation, cloud migration, and data modernization for clients in sectors like finance, healthcare, and retail. It is known for its partnerships with AWS, Microsoft, and Google Cloud.
Slalom combines strategic consulting with technical delivery. However, its regional model and traditional consulting approach can limit agility and speed, which has prompted many organizations to seek more flexible, ROI-focused partners like RTS Labs for faster execution and measurable business outcomes.
Slalom offers a broad suite of services (strategy, experience design, change, cloud, data etc) across many industries. RTS Labs is more narrowly focused on certain technical areas (AI/ML, data engineering, software dev) albeit across some industries.
What Services Does Slalom Provide?
Slalom offers consulting and technology services that help enterprises modernize and scale by combining strategy, design, and engineering expertise.
Cloud Consulting & Modernization
Slalom helps organizations migrate to the cloud, modernize infrastructure, and automate operations. Its teams work with AWS, Microsoft, and Google Cloud to build scalable, resilient environments that support business growth.
Data & Analytics
The firm designs enterprise data architectures and analytics platforms that turn data into actionable insights. Services include dashboarding, predictive modeling, and data modernization initiatives.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Slalom assists clients in integrating AI and ML models for automation, forecasting, and customer intelligence. However, these services are often part of larger transformation engagements rather than standalone solutions.
Software & Product Engineering
Slalom develops custom applications and digital products to improve customer experiences and streamline internal processes.
Digital Transformation & Technology Strategy
Its consultants advise on digital strategy, process optimization, and innovation frameworks. While effective for traditional enterprises, Slalom’s delivery model may not always provide the speed, flexibility, or ROI-driven approach that newer, tech-native firms like RTS Labs deliver.
Notable Projects of Slalom
Slalom’s portfolio spans some Fortune 500 enterprises and public sector organizations. While these projects showcase Slalom’s breadth, many follow traditional consulting models that prioritize stability over speed and innovation.
- AEG Presents (Entertainment & Events): Slalom helped modernize its tour scheduling platform and automate workflows, improving data visibility and internal coordination.
- Aurecon (Engineering & Infrastructure): It partnered to build a centralized data platform that enhanced reporting accuracy and allowed real-time operational insights.
- Jersey Mike’s Subs (Retail & Hospitality): It supported digital experience upgrades by modernizing web infrastructure to improve scalability and customer engagement.
Pricing Structure of Slalom Offerings
Slalom follows a project-based pricing model, specific for each client. The pricing is determined after an initial consultation, depending on scope and duration of the project.
Slalom’s pricing is designed for Fortune 1000 budgets, not startups or SMBs. The engagements often span 6 to 18 months for full transformation programs. This cost covers end-to-end services, including strategy, design, implementation, and change management.
While Slalom offers premium expertise, its cost structure often leads mid-market firms to seek partners like RTS Labs, who provide comparable strategic and technical depth with more flexible pricing and faster delivery models.
Why Look for Slalom Alternatives?
Slalom has earned its place among the most respected consulting firms. Yet even with these strengths, many organizations today are reassessing fit, flexibility, and ROI.
Businesses no longer want one-size-fits-all consulting. They want faster, AI-enabled, outcome-focused engagement models that deliver measurable business impact, and not just strategic recommendations.
Cost and Engagement Model
Slalom’s pricing is competitive for large enterprises, but often prohibitively expensive for mid-market organizations. For firms seeking incremental modernization rather than full transformation, this model offers limited flexibility.
Delivery Speed and Agility
Slalom’s multi-phase, enterprise-grade engagements mean projects often span 6–18 months, involving extensive planning cycles. In contrast, today’s fast-moving businesses, especially in finance, logistics, and healthcare, require rapid sprints and iterative delivery that show tangible results in weeks, not quarters.
Industry Depth and Customization
While Slalom serves diverse industries, it often uses vendor-driven playbooks rather than deeply customized frameworks. Businesses in regulated or innovation-driven sectors, like finance, insurance, manufacturing, DePIN, or AI-driven enterprises, often need bespoke solutions that go beyond the standard Salesforce or AWS stack.
Integration and Innovation Gaps
Many Slalom engagements focus on modernizing existing systems rather than integrating emerging technologies. Companies aiming to future-proof their operations increasingly turn to partners who can merge traditional ERP, CRM, and analytics with next-gen AI ecosystems.
Top Slalom Alternatives at a Glance
Here’s a comparative look at the top Slalom alternatives that combine deep technical expertise with faster delivery models and measurable ROI.
| Company | Core Focus Areas | Ideal Client Type | Key Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slalom | Strategy, cloud enablement, data modernization, change management | Large enterprises, Fortune 500s | Deep partnerships (AWS, Microsoft, Google), strong digital strategy and change management expertise | Premium pricing, limited mid-market flexibility, slower customization cycles |
| RTS Labs | AI consulting, data engineering, software modernization, digital transformation | Mid-market and enterprise clients seeking agile, high-impact technology solutions | Agile execution; rapid delivery; strong AI and data-engineering expertise; hands-on collaboration; competitive pricing | Smaller scale limits presence in global multi-region deployments |
| LeewayHertz | Custom software, blockchain, AI/ML solutions | Startups & mid-market tech firms | Strong product development & innovation focus | Less strategic consulting depth than Slalom |
| The Hackett Group | Process optimization, benchmarking, finance transformation | Mid-to-large enterprises | Proven methodology, deep finance transformation focus | Less agile for tech builds, has higher cost |
| Thoughtworks | Agile development, digital product design, AI & cloud systems | Tech-driven enterprises | Strong engineering culture, rapid innovation, DevOps excellence | Premium cost, less tailored for non-tech sectors |
| Avanade | Microsoft-focused enterprise modernization | Large enterprises | Deep Microsoft integration, robust implementation scale | Limited flexibility outside Microsoft ecosystem |
| Accenture | Global consulting, AI, data, digital, cloud | Global enterprises | Global scale, multi-industry presence, deep AI & analytics resources | Very high pricing, slower time-to-market |
| Deloitte | Strategy + tech consulting, AI, cybersecurity | Large/global enterprises | Broad consulting depth, regulatory expertise, trusted brand | Expensive, slower engagement timelines |
| Cognizant | Digital transformation, automation, cloud, analytics | Enterprise & upper mid-market | Established offshore delivery, large talent base | Quality consistency varies by region |
| EY (Ernst & Young) | Strategy, risk, and finance-focused digital transformation | Large enterprises | Trusted advisory brand, strong risk/compliance expertise | Not agile for fast software innovation |
| Infosys | IT modernization, AI & automation, ERP integration | Global enterprises | Scalable delivery, ERP & automation strength | Overly process-heavy for smaller clients |
10 Best Slalom Alternatives in 2026
The consulting landscape in 2026 is broader and more specialized than ever. While Slalom remains a respected player, many organizations are exploring firms that combine AI-driven strategy, faster delivery, and flexible pricing. Here’s a breakdown of the top consulting alternatives, both global giants and high impact boutique partners, worth considering.
1. RTS Labs
RTS Labs combines the strategic vision of a consultancy with the technical precision of an engineering firm. The company helps organizations convert ideas into measurable outcomes by uniting AI, data, and automation. Its approach is agile, transparent, and hands-on, focused on delivering working solutions rather than long consulting roadmaps.
Some of the services it provides include AI consulting, AI development services, data engineering, data analytics, DevOps, custom software development, etc.
RTS Lab’s Core Services
1. AI Strategy and Implementation:
RTS Labs helps enterprises move from experimentation to production with AI. Its teams design practical AI roadmaps, develop predictive and generative models, and deploy them across marketing, operations, and customer experience.
Whether it’s automating decision workflows or building natural-language interfaces, RTS ensures every AI investment ties back to business value.
Also Read: AI Readiness Checklist: Simple 9-Step Guide (2025)
Case Study:
A financial services client worked with RTS Labs to implement AI-powered fraud detection and personalized investment tools. By integrating predictive models into their core systems, the company reduced fraud detection time by 70% and enhanced customer satisfaction through real-time, tailored recommendations.
2. Data Engineering and Analytics Modernization
RTS Labs builds the foundation for smarter decision-making through end-to-end data engineering. The firm designs scalable data lakes, modernizes analytics infrastructure, and implements real-time dashboards that give business leaders visibility into performance metrics.
Also Read: Predictive Analytics in Insurance: Benefits, Usecases, and More
Its expertise spans AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, ensuring flexibility and speed for clients of all sizes.
Case Study:
A global pharmaceutical company partnered with RTS Labs to centralize and modernize its data operations. RTS built a cloud-native data platform that unified multiple data sources, created reusable logic layers, and automated reporting pipelines.
The result was a 19% increase in market share and faster, more accurate product analytics.
3. Custom Software and ERP Integration
RTS Labs develops custom applications and integrates complex ERP systems to streamline operations. Its engineers focus on building scalable, secure, and user-centric software that fits existing business processes rather than forcing new ones.
From backend integrations to intuitive user interfaces, RTS balances innovation with reliability.
Case Study:
For a healthcare technology firm, RTS Labs re-engineered a legacy mobile application used by thousands of medical professionals. The project involved a complete architecture overhaul, UI redesign, and new QA workflows.
The outcome was a high-performance, compliant app that improved usability and stability across platforms—delivered on time and within budget.
4. Digital Transformation and Process Automation
RTS Labs drives full-scale digital transformation, helping companies modernize legacy systems, automate workflows, and optimize customer and employee experiences.
Using process mining and AI-driven automation, the firm reduces manual bottlenecks and accelerates digital adoption across departments.
Case Study:
A technology company enlisted RTS Labs to overhaul its manual reporting and customer service processes.
Through robotic process automation (RPA) and integrated analytics dashboards, RTS reduced repetitive tasks by 60% and cut customer response times by nearly half, freeing teams to focus on higher-value work.
RTS Labs’ Pricing Model
RTS Labs follows a flexible, outcome-based pricing structure, tailored to each client’s scope, timeline, and ROI goals. This client-centric approach contrasts with the rigid, enterprise-scale models used by traditional consultancies, making RTS an ideal partner for mid-market and growth-stage organizations seeking measurable transformation.
RTS Labs vs. Slalom: Key Differentiator
RTS Labs stands out for its deep specialization in AI, data, and automation, paired with hands-on delivery and transparent collaboration. Every engagement is led by senior engineers and strategists who remain involved through implementation, ensuring agility, accountability, and tangible results.
In essence, RTS delivers enterprise-level transformation without enterprise-level overhead, making it a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to firms like Slalom.
2. LeewayHertz
LeewayHertz focuses on custom software development and AI integration. It is known for its strong engineering bench and blockchain capabilities.
LeewayHertz’s Core Services
- AI and ML product engineering
- Blockchain, IoT, and Web3 systems
- Automation and data analytics
LeewayHertz’s Pricing Model
Transparent, milestone-based pricing that supports startups and midsized enterprises.
LeewayHertz vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
Faster prototyping and product delivery, but less emphasis on business strategy and enterprise change management.
3. The Hackett Group
The Hackett Group is a well-established management consulting firm specializing in performance benchmarking, finance transformation, and process optimization.
The Hackett Group’s Core Services
- Business performance benchmarking
- Finance and procurement transformation
- Intelligent automation consulting
The Hackett Group’s Pricing Model
The pricing model is project-based. The firm typically caters to enterprise budgets.
The Hackett Group vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
Deeper roots in finance and operations excellence, but not as focused on emerging AI capabilities as firms like RTS Labs.
4. Thoughtworks
Thoughtworks is an innovation-led consulting firm known for engineering excellence and agile transformation.
Thoughtworks’ Core Services
- Enterprise software engineering
- Cloud-native application development
- Agile transformation consulting
Thoughtworks’ Pricing Model
It offers premium-tier pricing, positioned between boutique and enterprise consultancies.
Thoughtworks vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
Ideal for tech-driven organizations prioritizing engineering agility; less suited for end-to-end business transformation.
5. Avanade
Avanade is a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft. It is a powerhouse in Microsoft ecosystem transformation.
Avanade’s Core Services
- Microsoft Cloud and Dynamics 365 integration
- AI and analytics on Azure
- Workplace and security modernization
Avanade’s Pricing Model
Its pricing model is enterprise-focused, often aligned with Microsoft licensing costs.
Avanade vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
It is better suited for Microsoft-centric enterprises. However, engagements can be cost-heavy and rigid compared to RTS Labs’ modular approach.
6. Accenture
Accenture is a global leader in strategy, consulting, and technology transformation, serving nearly every major industry.
Accenture’s Core Services
- AI, data, and cloud transformation
- Cybersecurity and sustainability consulting
- Industry-specific ERP modernization
Accenture’s Pricing Model
Accenture’s Pricing Model
It offers top-tier enterprise pricing with multi-year engagement models.
Accenture vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
Accenture has massive scale and resources, but suffers from less flexibility, slower deployment, and higher total cost of ownership.
7. Deloitte
Deloitte combines management consulting with deep industry analytics, delivering AI-enabled enterprise transformation at scale.
Deloitte’s Core Services
- AI and data modernization
- Risk, compliance, and financial advisory
- Enterprise ERP and system integration
Deloitte’s Pricing Model
Its pricing tiers are positioned for enterprise level. The pricing model is typically retainer or project-based with global delivery teams.
Deloitte vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
Deloitte offers broader compliance and risk expertise but slower, more bureaucratic implementations.
8. Cognizant
Cognizant focuses on technology modernization and digital engineering for enterprises worldwide.
Cognizant’s Core Services
- Data engineering and AI platforms
- Application modernization
- Industry-specific digital operations
Cognizant’s Pricing Model
Its pricing tiers are flexible for global enterprises. The prices are competitive in long-term managed service engagements.
Cognizant vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
Excellent for global scalability, though mid-market clients may find engagement size and scope excessive.
9. EY (Ernst & Young)
EY is one of the Big Fours. It offers business transformation and AI consulting built on its deep financial and compliance roots.
EY’s Core Services
- Financial transformation and audit AI
- AI-driven analytics and decision support
- ERP and cloud consulting
EY’s Pricing Model
EY’s pricing models are enterprise-grade, typically multi-phase with compliance oversight.
EY vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
Its services are strong for governance and regulatory projects, but slower in modern AI and tech deployment.
10. Infosys
Infosys provides global-scale technology consulting, blending AI, automation, and cloud services.
Infosys’ Core Services
- AI-driven automation with tools like Infosys Cobalt, Topaz, etc.
- ERP and legacy system modernization
- Enterprise IT and managed services
Infosys’ Pricing Model
It offers tiered pricing suitable for large enterprises; not ideal for smaller, high-velocity projects.
Infosys vs Slalom: Key Differentiator
It offers global reach and delivery depth but less personalized engagement compared to boutique consultancies.
Slalom vs Alternatives: Which is Right for You?
| Business Type / Need | Best Fit | Why This Firm Works Best | Example Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small to Mid-Sized Businesses (SMBs) | RTS Labs / LeewayHertz | Affordable, flexible engagement models, fast delivery cycles, and strong focus on tangible outcomes | Businesses seeking AI-driven process automation, data integration, or quick digital upgrades without enterprise overhead |
| Large Enterprises / Fortune 500s | Slalom, Accenture, Deloitte, EY | Global scale, deep consulting bench, robust compliance and multi-market delivery capabilities | Enterprise-wide ERP transformations, global change management, cloud migration with multi-regional complexity |
| Regulated Industries (Finance, Healthcare, Insurance) | RTS Labs, The Hackett Group | Industry-grade compliance, secure data architecture, predictive analytics and AI for risk, finance, and claims management | Financial services digital compliance frameworks, healthcare data pipelines, or insurance AI modeling |
| Technology-Driven Companies | Thoughtworks, Avanade, RTS Labs | Strong technical culture, agile engineering, cloud-native and AI-first development practices | Building intelligent apps, adopting agentic/AI-driven automation, or scaling SaaS platforms |
| Process-Heavy / Back-Office Transformation Needs | The Hackett Group, Cognizant, RTS Labs | Expertise in finance transformation, workflow automation, and business process re-engineering | Automating finance shared services, streamlining procurement workflows, or optimizing supply chain systems |
| Innovation & Emerging Tech Adoption | RTS Labs, LeewayHertz, Thoughtworks | AI, data, and automation specialists who can prototype, pilot, and scale innovation rapidly | Experimenting with generative AI, predictive analytics, or digital twin models for enterprise processes |
How to Choose the Right Slalom Alternative
Choosing a consulting partner isn’t about finding the biggest name. It’s about finding the best fit for your organization’s scale, complexity, and goals.
Use this simple framework to assess which alternative aligns with your operational and strategic needs.
Define Your Objectives and Project Scope
Start by mapping your core needs. The needs can be digital transformation, AI strategy, ERP modernization, or data engineering. A clearly defined scope helps distinguish between firms that specialize in execution versus those focused on strategy alone.
Evaluate Industry Experience and Technical Depth
Check whether the firm has proven experience in your industry and can deliver tailored AI or cloud solutions. For example, RTS Labs combines AI+data engineering expertise to deliver measurable ROI in finance, healthcare, and construction, a level of specialization that many large consultancies generalize.
Compare Engagement Models and Flexibility
Slalom and global consultancies often work on multi-year retainers or enterprise-scale contracts. Boutique firms like RTS Labs offer modular, outcome-based pricing ideal for mid-market companies needing quick impact without the overhead of enterprise consulting.
Assess Agility and Cultural Fit
Transformation projects succeed when teams move fast and communicate seamlessly.
Evaluate how adaptable your partner is to your working style. Boutique consultancies offer closer collaboration, shorter feedback loops, and faster delivery, ensuring alignment throughout execution.
Pro Tip: Look beyond credentials. Ask each firm for a recent measurable success metric, e.g., cost savings, time-to-market improvement, or automation ROI. This helps you gauge not just promises but proven impact.
Why RTS Labs Is the Best Slalom Alternative
Slalom has built a respected reputation for strategy-led transformation and large-scale enterprise delivery. But for many mid-market firms or fast-scaling enterprises that model can mean higher costs, slower turnarounds, and limited flexibility.
RTS Labs offers the same strategic expertise with a leaner, AI-driven, and more agile approach tailored to your goals, timeline, and budget.
- Custom AI & Data-Driven Transformation: We design solutions around your business data. From predictive analytics in finance to AI-powered supply chain optimization and intelligent ERP integrations, every implementation is measurable and purpose-built, ensuring faster ROI and sustainable value.
- Flexible Engagement Models: It offers pricing and delivery structures that scale with your project. This flexibility allows you to experiment, validate impact, and scale without committing to rigid multi-year contracts common among larger consultancies like Slalom or Accenture.
- AI, Cloud & Data Expertise Under One Roof: While Slalom often integrates third-party vendor solutions, RTS Labs develops customized AI, cloud, and data pipelines in-house for seamless interoperability across your systems. This unified approach removes silos, improves governance, and keeps long-term ownership in your hands.
- Faster Execution, Closer Collaboration: We operate like an extension of your internal team, not an external vendor. The firm’s agile model ensures 2–3x faster delivery compared to large consultancies by maintaining continuous feedback loops and embedded cross-functional teams.
- Proven Results Across Industries: From healthcare predictive modeling to construction analytics and finance automation, we have delivered measurable outcomes for clients across regulated and data-heavy sectors.
RTS Labs delivers the strategy of a global firm with the speed, innovation, and personalization of a boutique partner, helping you modernize operations, implement AI, and drive measurable business outcomes faster than traditional consulting models.
Ready to scale beyond strategy? Partner with RTS Labs to turn insight into action.
FAQs
1. Why are companies looking for Slalom alternatives in 2025?
Many organizations find Slalom’s consulting model effective but costly and better suited for large enterprises. Mid-market firms increasingly prefer boutique consultancies like RTS Labs that deliver comparable expertise with faster execution and flexible pricing.
2. What types of services does Slalom Consulting offer?
Slalom provides strategy, technology implementation, AI, and digital transformation consulting, focusing on cloud migration, data modernization, and customer experience design.
3. Which consulting firms are the best Slalom alternatives?
Top alternatives in 2025 include RTS Labs, Thoughtworks, The Hackett Group, LeewayHertz, Deloitte, and Avanade, each offering a unique mix of AI, cloud, and transformation expertise.
4. How does RTS Labs compare to Slalom?
RTS Labs offers custom AI, data engineering, and digital transformation solutions with shorter delivery timelines and outcome-based pricing, making it ideal for both mid-market and enterprise clients seeking agility and ROI.
5. How can I choose the right Slalom alternative for my business?
Define your goals, evaluate industry expertise, compare pricing models, and assess flexibility. Boutique partners like RTS Labs offer a balanced approach between innovation and cost efficiency.
