What's the Smarter Path to AI-Powered Procurement?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming central to procurement as organisations seek more efficient, transparent and resilient supply chains.
By automating routine tasks such as invoice processing and supplier onboarding, AI frees teams to focus on strategic decision-making. Predictive analytics also enable better risk management and cost optimisation by forecasting demand shifts, supplier disruptions or market fluctuations.
As sustainability and compliance grow in importance, AI tools help procurement leaders track performance, identify opportunities for innovation and ensure responsible sourcing practices.
At the upcoming instalment of Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London, AI in procurement will take centre stage during an exclusive workshop sponsored by Coupa, exploring Thoughtworks' AI-driven procurement transformation.
To register your interest in attending this high-level workshop, click here.
Please note: these tickets are for C/V/D-level executives only and a business email address is needed to register. If you do not meet this criteria, your ticket may be cancelled.
AI adoption gathers pace
AI adoption is gathering pace across procurement, with the technology playing a growing role in decision-making and long-term strategy, according to ProcureAbility, part of the Jabil group.
The report, AI Adoption and Its Impact on Procurement, showed that AI satisfaction levels among procurement professionals are strong, with 92% of respondents saying they are pleased with how related solutions are working in their functions.
Such tools are being deployed across a range of procurement activities, with supplier discovery and selection seeing the highest level of uptake. Around 77% of respondents report using AI in this area, followed by spend analysis and categorisation, used by 76%.
“AI is no longer optional in procurement; it’s a critical driver of competitiveness,” stated Darshan Deshmukh, President of ProcureAbility.
“Organisations that move beyond tactical use cases to embed AI strategically will unlock transformative benefits in cost management, supplier relationships and operational performance.”
Experts spoke at length about AI's potential to reshape procurement during the Future of Agentic AI panel at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago earlier this year.
Those who participated stress that the technology comes with critical risks, especially around data quality, cybersecurity, ethical frameworks and operational models.
"Think slow and act fast," advised Bhavik Pathak, Director and Head of Supplier Quality - Americas Region at Alstom. "Don't just follow the trend; use AI effectively with guardrails."
Success, the panellists agreed, requires clear processes, strong governance, human oversight and organisational agility.
"We need to make sure humans are in the loop," added Kareem Mohamednur, Principal, Procurement Transformation at PwC. "It's about scaling securely without freezing progress."
The smarter path to AI-powered procurement
At Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE London, join Johan Mills, Global Head of Business Services at Thoughtworks, for an in-depth look at how the company is reshaping procurement with AI.
Hear first-hand about the firm's search for the right AI tools to boost efficiency, lessons learned along the way and practical advice for success.
This Coupa-sponsored session, The Smarter Path to AI-Powered Procurement, will explore key themes including ethical data, augmenting teams with AI, myths versus reality and the future of AI in procurement.
Expect an inspiring workshop packed with insight and actionable guidance to help strengthen your organisation’s AI-driven procurement strategy.
Johan will be joined by Anthony Tate, Senior Director of Segment Marketing and Comms at Coupa.
Click here to register your interest.
About Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE London 2025
Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE is returning to the Business Design Centre in London for its annual Global Summit on 23-24 September.
This unmissable event is aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing and connections among the world's procurement and supply chain leaders.
Those attending can enjoy inspiring keynotes, engaging panels and exclusive workshops covering a diverse range of topics, including supply chain transformation, procurement technology, sustainability and ESG, AI, finance, logistics and supplier relationship management.
To secure your tickets, click here.
