Interview with DataMap's Michael Quinn at Coupa Inspire 2025
ARIA Resort was the venue of choice as procurement and supply chain's finest came together in Las Vegas for Coupa Inspire 2025.
Procurement Magazine sat down with Michael Quinn, Chief Technology Officer at DataMap, who spoke on ERP integration and the importance of collaboration at industry events.
Transforming procurement tools
DataMap has carved out a distinctive space within the procurement technology landscape.
Michael explained that DataMap not only implements software but transforms organisations on technological and business levels.
He expanded: "At DataMap, we help customers implement supply chain technology and transform their organisation from a business and change management perspective, while building some of the coolest apps and technology to help integrate the latest procurement platforms with the latest ERPs."
This comprehensive approach has established DataMap as a reliable Coupa partner through various channels.
Michael emphasised that effective procurement transformation involves more than simply activating a software package; instead, it necessitates thorough change management across departments such as procurement, accounts payable, finance, legal and IT.
AI's role in the procurement evolution
Discussion naturally turned toward AI, with Michael expressing enthusiasm for the technology's possibilities. He was particularly intrigued by Coupa's transition into an "AI-first platform" and its "bring your own agent" feature, which promises to automate procurement processes.
"It's going to be an extreme game changer," Michael remarked, when discussing AI's impact on procurement. He noted that, traditionally, the industry has operated by a "managing by exception" method, where automated systems manage standard tasks and humans address exceptions. AI dramatically alters this framework by automating even the exceptions.
Michael added: "There are a lot of exceptions pre-AI that you have to deal with. Bringing AI in and that AI layer, all of those manual exceptions that are being managed by exceptions will now be managed by agents."
This represents an elevated handling of exceptions, where professionals focus on AI agents' exceptions rather than the underlying processes.
Why integration is vital
While AI captures much attention, Michael also highlighted the essential nature of ERP integration in procurement technology.
"Sometimes, some of the most exciting things can, on their face, seem pretty boring," he acknowledged while explaining why connecting ERP systems is crucial for procurement efficiency.
Michael emphasised that most organisations have ERP systems in place and the integration of these with top-tier procurement platforms like Coupa is crucial. DataMap addresses this by developing prebuilt connectors to ensure seamless data transition during system implementations.
Collaborative innovation at industry events
Reflecting on the importance of industry gatherings like Coupa Inspire, Michael underscored the significance of community when it comes to sparking innovation: "It's all about community and what we're doing here is optimising the way that we interact with one another."
Such events provide structured opportunities to plan upcoming operational and interaction strategies involving the full ecosystem—customers, suppliers, buyers and technology partners.
For Michael, the collaborative setting is invigorating, fostering idea exchange and collaboration essential for industry progress.
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