RE-IMAGINING S2P IN THE ERA OF AUTONOMOUS PROCUREMENT

negotiated contracts and optimising costs in high-value categories. On the other hand, indirect spend – covering office supplies, marketing services and other operational expenses – benefits from automation tools that simplify tail spend management and reduce inefficiencies.

Emerging technologies Technology advances also continue to reshape S2P. The emergence of tools like generative and agentic AI is driving efficiency and strategic value across procurement. Through the automation of repetitive tasks, such as supplier onboarding, AI is freeing up procurement teams to instead be strategic drivers at the heart of their companies. By utilising AI alongside tools such as predictive analytics, procurement is fast becoming a far more strategic function, able to make well-informed decisions.

Navigating transformation Many ERP providers have an S2P solution( or S2P components), and business leaders have their reasons for thinking this is sufficient, whether due to cost or a long and trusted relationship with the provider. But, with every passing day, it is clear that procurement is moving towards a future that is an autonomous, data-driven and strategic environment. Business leaders are leveraging advanced technologies like generative AI to enable dynamic pricing insights, realtime sourcing recommendations and automated contract negotiations. The need for an approach designed with modern procurement in mind will be instrumental in helping organisations navigate this transformation successfully as procurement continues its journey from tactical function to strategic business partner.

Gartner predicts that over 70 % 1 of recent ERP initiatives will miss their business case goals, with 25 % failing catastrophically 2

1

Gartner Research, What IT Leaders Must Do to Avoid Disappointing ERP Initiatives

2

Gartner Research, Enterprise Resource Planning to Optimize Operations

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