Demystifying purchasing automation: how humans and machines can boost results
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2025 8:56 am
Buyer , Buyers
In the dynamic B2B business landscape, process automation allows companies to optimize their operations, reduce costs and focus on more strategic decisions.
Contrary to popular belief, purchasing automation does not threaten the work of professionals, but rather acts as an ally, enhancing human skills.
To talk about the subject, we invited the following overseas chinese in worldwide data to the panel “Demystifying purchasing automation” at the ME B2B Summit 2024:
Carolina Neme – Procurement Manager at OLX Group;
Juan Padial – Managing Partner of Supply Chain and Procurement at KPMG Brazil;
Alex Leite – Educational Director at Live University.
One of the main objectives of the panel was to highlight the benefits of automation in purchasing processes, in addition to the impact of emerging technologies, such as the use of AI to increase efficiency in the sector.
How is automation revolutionizing purchasing management?
Automating processes means freeing teams from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic activities, such as negotiating with suppliers and innovation .
The digitalization of purchasing flows significantly reduces the operational burden, improves the organization of activities and strengthens strategic decision-making.
In addition to boosting companies' results, the freed up time helps create a more balanced work environment, improves professionals' quality of life, productivity and satisfaction in their purchasing career .
Automation also ensures greater transparency and traceability of information, which is essential for compliance in purchases .
With data available in real time, decisions become more aligned with the organizations’ objectives.
Digital platforms, such as e-Procurement , provide more transparent and faster collaboration between buyers and suppliers, strengthening relationships and more sustainable purchasing management.
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence , RPA (robotic process automation) and blockchain have revolutionized supply chain and purchasing management.
These technologies not only reduce manual errors but also boost efficiency and competitiveness.
What skills are indispensable in the age of automation?
In a constantly changing market, professionals need to develop essential skills to stand out.
One of them is openness to new things: exploring and understanding technologies, cultivating lifelong learning and adapting quickly to changes in the business environment.
Analytical skills are another key skill in the age of automation. Professionals who are able to interpret data and transform it into insights make more accurate decisions.
More than knowing about technological solutions, it is essential to know how to apply them intelligently.
Fostering a culture of innovation requires clear and transparent communication of the benefits of automation .
In this sense, to reduce resistance to change, professionals in the sector need to participate in the implementation processes. This helps to create a sense of belonging and alignment with the company's objectives.
Automation also plays an important role in sustainability , driving more responsible purchasing.
The professional of the future, who combines human skills, sustainable purchasing and automation, will be at the forefront of the market, transforming processes and promoting a positive impact, both for organizations and for society.
In the dynamic B2B business landscape, process automation allows companies to optimize their operations, reduce costs and focus on more strategic decisions.
Contrary to popular belief, purchasing automation does not threaten the work of professionals, but rather acts as an ally, enhancing human skills.
To talk about the subject, we invited the following overseas chinese in worldwide data to the panel “Demystifying purchasing automation” at the ME B2B Summit 2024:
Carolina Neme – Procurement Manager at OLX Group;
Juan Padial – Managing Partner of Supply Chain and Procurement at KPMG Brazil;
Alex Leite – Educational Director at Live University.
One of the main objectives of the panel was to highlight the benefits of automation in purchasing processes, in addition to the impact of emerging technologies, such as the use of AI to increase efficiency in the sector.
How is automation revolutionizing purchasing management?
Automating processes means freeing teams from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic activities, such as negotiating with suppliers and innovation .
The digitalization of purchasing flows significantly reduces the operational burden, improves the organization of activities and strengthens strategic decision-making.
In addition to boosting companies' results, the freed up time helps create a more balanced work environment, improves professionals' quality of life, productivity and satisfaction in their purchasing career .
Automation also ensures greater transparency and traceability of information, which is essential for compliance in purchases .
With data available in real time, decisions become more aligned with the organizations’ objectives.
Digital platforms, such as e-Procurement , provide more transparent and faster collaboration between buyers and suppliers, strengthening relationships and more sustainable purchasing management.
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence , RPA (robotic process automation) and blockchain have revolutionized supply chain and purchasing management.
These technologies not only reduce manual errors but also boost efficiency and competitiveness.
What skills are indispensable in the age of automation?
In a constantly changing market, professionals need to develop essential skills to stand out.
One of them is openness to new things: exploring and understanding technologies, cultivating lifelong learning and adapting quickly to changes in the business environment.
Analytical skills are another key skill in the age of automation. Professionals who are able to interpret data and transform it into insights make more accurate decisions.
More than knowing about technological solutions, it is essential to know how to apply them intelligently.
Fostering a culture of innovation requires clear and transparent communication of the benefits of automation .
In this sense, to reduce resistance to change, professionals in the sector need to participate in the implementation processes. This helps to create a sense of belonging and alignment with the company's objectives.
Automation also plays an important role in sustainability , driving more responsible purchasing.
The professional of the future, who combines human skills, sustainable purchasing and automation, will be at the forefront of the market, transforming processes and promoting a positive impact, both for organizations and for society.