CATEGORY MANAGEMENT
How can organisations effectively integrate AI tools to optimise spend analysis , demand forecasting and supplier relationship management ?
MATTHEW KIPPEN : We are at the beginning of that journey . All spend analytic tools integrate AI to enhance access to data and boost displays of different analysis types . Classical dashboards are probably outdated , as the information you need right now can often not be found in the right way .
I trust asking for a specific piece of information and receiving it immediately in the best possible format in the future . Demand forecasting again depends heavily on the quality of the inputs , transparency and commitments of all parties in the supply chain . Supplier relationship management needs to be redefined as such . Beating suppliers and expecting to develop a fruitful relationship is not the right approach .
Again , AI tools cannot help to cure bad procurement practices , but they can help us cleanse and enrich data , understand and predict patterns and focus supplier relationship management on the relationship – not on tracking questionnaires and certificates .
SANTOSH NAIR : AI integration requires a structured approach that aligns technology with procurement goals , ensuring seamless adoption and value realisation . I would recommend the following steps for effective AI integration :
• Establish a single source of truth : AI solutions must be seamlessly integrated with ERP , supplier management and sourcing platforms to centralise procurement intelligence .
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