In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads explores most the exciting opportunities in procurement technology, focusing on three emerging categories: spend analytics, e-sourcing, and AI-driven co-pilots, each offering unique solutions to procurement’s evolving challenges.

Tune in to learn how these innovative tools are reshaping the future of procurement, helping organisations stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.

Which categories of procuretech excite me?

This week James discusses how spend analytics is now a critical component for larger organisations, especially those operating multiple ERP systems. He compares navigating procurement without spend analytics to sailing a ship without a compass. New, affordable solutions leveraging AI are making these insights accessible to mid-market companies with revenues from $100 million to a few billion, allowing for better spend classification and analysis, and ultimately, more strategic decision-making.

E-sourcing tools also feature prominently, particularly for organisations looking to streamline tender processes and drive cost savings. Many companies still use outdated methods like emails and spreadsheets, but these lack the efficiency and data tracking capabilities of dedicated e-sourcing platforms. With high user adoption, these tools bring significant operational advantages by centralising supplier data and automating compliance tracking, making them a clear choice for procurement teams aiming for greater productivity.

James then introduces AI-driven co-pilots as the latest innovation to transform procurement. These tools are designed to automate repetitive tasks, such as routing purchase requests and acknowledging purchase orders, that might be too nuanced for traditional RPA solutions. The flexibility of AI co-pilots allows procurement teams to operate more strategically, focusing on high-impact projects rather than routine workflows.

Each of these technologies—spend analytics, e-sourcing, and AI-driven co-pilots—represents a leap forward for procurement teams seeking to innovate and adapt in a competitive landscape. By embracing these tools, organisations can drive efficiency, improve supplier relationships, and make more informed decisions.

Timestamps:

[00:01:21 ] Categories of ProcureTech excitement.

[00:06:00 ] Growth in spend analytics technology.

[00:08:08 ] Underserved SME technology market.

[00:12:05 ] Tail spend management automation tools.

[00:16:15 ] The future of SRM technology.

[00:21:44 ] B2B marketplaces - do they have a future?

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there.

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