For so many people , 5pm normally marks the end of the working day . Laptop lids are closed and phones are switched off for people to enjoy for the evening .

But covering procurement for the last few months , it is clearly an industry that can rarely , if ever , afford such a luxury . It is the always switched on function .

The industry is always working and discovering that next saving opportunity or chance to be a bit more sustainable , regardless of the hour of day .

Leaders are always on 24 / 7 , 365 days a year , harnessing the emerging technologies , which are rapidly becoming all-important in order to keep up with demand .

From AI-powered source-to-pay solutions to mobile apps that enable on-the-go decisionmaking , the advances in digital transformation being showcased every single month are nothing short of staggering .

Tools like PLM systems are helping teams to meet sustainability targets , while negotiation platforms ensure procurement never stands still .

As procurement attempts to evolve during this era of uncertainty , one thing ’ s for sure : its future is digital , data-driven and deeply strategic .

I hope our latest issue keeps you as excited about the future as I am – enjoy .

PROCUREMENT MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY

AARON MCMILLAN

Procurement Magazine November 2024 | Page 7

Procurement : The Function That Never Takes a Holiday

“ The future of procurement is digital , data-driven and deeply strategic ”

For so many people , 5pm normally marks the end of the working day . Laptop lids are closed and phones are switched off for people to enjoy for the evening .