Erik Oberlander
AI IN PROCUREMENT
Erik Oberlander
Head of Procurement Value Creation PwC
“ I have not seen a single case of a real AI application during the past couple of years ”
AI is everywhere in procurement conversations , but is it really making an impact ? Speaking at Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE London 2024 , Erik addressed the hype head-on . “ I have not seen a real or a single case of a real AI application during the past couple of years across so many different procurement organisations ,” he says . Despite constant talk of AI revolutionising procurement , Erik believes the reality hasn ’ t caught up to the expectations .
“ I feel AI , on the one hand , is completely overhyped at the moment , especially in procurement and operations . But on the other hand , it ’ s also completely under , or procurement bias or completely underestimating its mid and longterm potential .” AI isn ’ t a magic fix yet , but its future impact could be game-changing .
For procurement leaders , the challenge is clear : avoid getting caught up in unrealistic expectations while still preparing for AI ’ s long-term potential . The key lies in balancing caution with curiosity – because while AI might not be fully delivering now , those who ignore its evolution risk falling behind .
96 March 2025