Recently, the business area that deals with buying things (procurement) has benefited from new technologies. According to a Zipido report 2023, almost 83% [1] of chief procurement officers believe it’s important. They feel it’s time to be super efficient, good at handling risks, and make smart choices to meet ever-changing customer demands. In this regard, in this article, let’s understand the popular trends and future of digital procurement transformation. We will learn the role of AI in making decisions, blockchain in integration, and other such innovative technologies. Let’s see how they help reshape procurement with ease.

Three Focus Areas in Digital Procurement Transformation  

Use AI for Automation 

As per the Harvard research, big companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Koch Industries use a special computer program called AI (Artificial Intelligence) to help them handle their supply chain [2]. They use AI to automate a lot of tasks. It includes buying new items, searching and identifying new suppliers to work with, automatic negotiations, etc. This saves them a lot of time. 

Instead of the old way of keeping track of what they have in their stores, these companies now use a new system that orders more stuff by itself when needed. This helps them ensure they only have a little or little of something. AI can also handle paying for things automatically when they are delivered, which saves time and means fewer people are needed to do these jobs.

Use Blockchain to Improve Supply Chain Visibility

The use of Blockchain in supply chain transformation is also increasing. According to the Industry Trends, Value, Analysis & Forecast Report by Zion Market Research, it may attain a growth of 51.3% [3] between 2022 and 2028. The technology offers a secure and tamper-proof platform to shield sensitive information. Some leading supply chain startups that use Blockchain like this are Yojee, Te-FooD, T-Mining, and SUKU.

This app lets everyone see what’s happening clearly. For example, businesses can write down their deals at different steps in their supply chain in a special kind of record book called a Blockchain ledger. They can also use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things). Then, the Blockchain can spot problems in getting supplies or sending products to the supply chain. This helps companies act quickly to reduce these risks in advance.

Utilize Big Data for Spend Analysis 

Nearly 97% [4] of companies worldwide are using big data to get useful business information. The technology makes use of your expenditure information to offer useful advice. You can learn to easily predict profits, avoid mistakes, and identify new market opportunities. Many companies are already doing this to find areas of improvement in procurement. This saves companies from tiresome manual processes and paper-based workflows.

End Thoughts

Digital procurement is already a reality. Shifting the focus to supply chain digital transformation is improving the overall procurement efficiency. It also helps cut down manual intervention and save costs in procurement. Adhering to best practices and trends in e-procurement can help companies reap more benefits of digitization. Read our case study on how Moglix enabled automotive OEMs to unlock 2% cost savings in indirect procurement through supplier consolidation. For more information on procurement transformation, contact Moglix Business today!