{"id":19924,"date":"2024-04-12T09:31:47","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T07:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pre.althea-groupe.com\/news\/procurement-roles-an-inevitable-transformation"},"modified":"2024-04-12T09:31:47","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T07:31:47","slug":"procurement-roles-an-inevitable-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preprod.althea-groupe.com\/en\/news\/procurement-roles-an-inevitable-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Procurement roles: an inevitable transformation?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Representing more than 50%<\/strong> of companies\u2019 revenue in France (<\/em>Cegos)<\/a>\u2026 Procurement functions are vital<\/strong> to business activity. We asked ourselves: what will Procurement look like tomorrow? What roles<\/strong> will the Procurement function evolve towards?<\/em> <\/p>\n

The Procurement function: decoding a role that is essential for businesses <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Often reduced to the simple practice of purchasing goods and services, the Procurement function is first and foremost a profession<\/strong>, and it encompasses a strategic<\/strong> dimension that is not always well understood.<\/p>\n

Procurement is a key partner<\/strong> in the company\u2019s overall performance: supplier relationship management, cost optimisation, risk mitigation (particularly around supply).<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, the Procurement function also contributes to company performance <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Put simply, Procurement has several roles<\/strong>; it is a strategic balancing act<\/strong> between savings and quality in the business world. Beyond the exchange of goods and services, a true Procurement strategy can, for example, help improve product quality and therefore the company\u2019s competitiveness. <\/p>\n

Moreover, where the function excels is in its role in risk management and anticipation<\/strong>. Crises can take you by surprise and completely block the company\u2019s operations. Being able to anticipate and adapt flexibly makes the difference in difficult times, and it is very often what ensures a company\u2019s long-term viability. <\/p>\n

Roles that will shift towards anticipation and strategic decision-making with the emergence of AI <\/strong><\/h2>\n

The question any cross-functional team is entitled to ask: what will my role<\/strong> be next year, in 3 years, in 5 years\u2026? In reality, Procurement functions already know the answer to that question. <\/p>\n

Because yes, we are aware that operational efficiency will be a key topic.<\/strong> Indeed, the emergence of technologies such as AI, process automation, blockchain and data analytics will transform<\/strong> the way procurement is carried out.<\/p>\n

What is the value for Procurement in integrating AI and RPA?<\/h3>\n

The value for the Procurement function in integrating these technologies will be to improve operational efficiency, visibility across the supply chain, and data-driven decision-making.<\/p>\n

According to a study by Axys Consultant<\/a><\/strong>, only 15%<\/strong> of Procurement Directors have already implemented AI applications, and 43%<\/strong> say they have started looking into the topic.<\/p>\n

Still according to the Axys Consultant study, the main objectives sought with AI for Procurement Directors will be:<\/p>\n