Spending on AI Tools Grows Fivefold in Europe’s SMBs

The integration of AI into logistics is transforming the industry.

Organisations are enhancing their operations with improved efficiency, transparency and decision-making.

AI-driven technologies, including machine learning and predictive analytics, are helping organisations to optimise inventory management, demand forecasting and route planning. 

Other technologies such as real-time data analysis enable swift responses to disruptions and improve resilience and advanced tools like computer vision enhance quality control, while AI-powered robotics streamline warehousing and manufacturing. 

The technology’s ability to process vast data sets and predict trends positions it as a critical driver of future procurement and supply chain innovation.

UK and Europe trust in AI tools rises

Studying 4,300 SMBs in the UK and Europe, Spendesk reveals that as the AI industry grows in maturity, businesses are mass-adopting and strategically investing in scalable, creative and safety-focused AI tools to balance cost, functionality and societal impact. 

The data showed that the adoption rate for AI solutions has grown more than 32 times in two years – with 19 UK companies adopting in 2022 and 599 in 2024. 

Businesses in the UK are also moving beyond basic AI adoption and integrating the technology into the core of their workflow. 

Similarly, French and German SMBs have increased their adoption of AI tools 57 times, spending on average €1,332 (US$1,396) per month.  

The fast growth of OpenAI in the UK also indicates a prioritisation of large-scale and adaptable AI platforms for diverse applications. Organisations are using these tools to directly interact with customers, enabling real-time engagement and streamlined customer services.

Alongside the growth of OpenAI adoption, companies are also investing in AI usage and safety by adopting Anthropic into their operations.

Anthropic is an AI safety and research company, renowned in the space for its expertise.

"AI has been around for a long time and companies have been testing and launching proofs of concepts (POCs) for the past 10 years. Their number one challenge, however, has been to scale up these initiatives,” comments Axel Demazy, CEO of Spendesk.

“What I see in this data is that GenAI has accelerated employee access to AI; and when you look at how steep that acceleration is, you can tell the inflection point is far from being reached. We have only scratched the surface of how AI can augment human operations at scale in all our workflows and we will see continued investment by businesses as a result."

The future of AI in procurement & supply chains

AI in the supply chain promises transformative advancements fostering greater efficiency, resilience and sustainability. 

Predictive analytics will enable highly accurate demand forecasting and proactive risk mitigation against disruptions like natural disasters or geopolitical tensions. 

AI-powered autonomous vehicles and drones are also revolutionising logistics, reducing delivery times and costs.

Integration with Internet of Things (IoT) devices is facilitating real-time monitoring, enhancing visibility and traceability throughout the supply chain, as well as sustainability initiatives benefiting from AI-driven waste reduction and optimised resource utilisation. 

Generative AI also has the potential to streamline decision-making, with privacy and bias concerns being addressed by the rise of enhanced ethical AI practices.

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