Procurement is entering a new era — and the early adopters of digital and AI technologies are already reaping the benefits.
That’s the message from Deloitte’s 2025 Global Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) survey, which finds that organizations embracing digital transformation and investing in AI capabilities are outperforming their peers across key metrics. The report draws from the responses of over 250 CPOs across 40 countries and 10 industries.
“Procurement is at a true inflection point,” the report states. “The convergence of generative AI, agentic AI, and growing pressure for supply resilience is forcing leaders to rethink strategies — fast.”
How AI is changing procurement
Procurement teams classified as digital leaders — those who pair advanced technologies with skilled talent — are seeing clear performance gains:
- 96% hit or beat cost savings targets (vs. 80% of others)
- 94% exceeded cost avoidance goals (vs. 75%)
- 84% reported higher stakeholder satisfaction (vs. 59%)
- 84% outperformed on supplier metrics (vs. 59%)
- 56% drove innovation, more than double the rate of digital followers.
Deloitte attributes these gains not just to technology, but to a thoughtful integration of AI into workflows — and a focus on digital literacy.
“Technology alone isn’t enough,” the report notes. “Success depends on how well teams blend automation with human judgment.”
Generative AI is rapidly reshaping procurement, enabling smarter knowledge systems, conversational AI interfaces, and intelligent agents capable of reasoning and memory. But Deloitte cautions that the value of these tools hinges on human readiness.
High-performing teams are:
- Building AI-powered knowledge systems
- Designing hybrid human-machine workflows
- Prioritizing ongoing training in emerging technologies
As global volatility continues, procurement is playing a larger role in managing business risk. The survey highlights top strategies among CPOs:
- 74% are securing alternative suppliers.
- 64% are investing in supply chain visibility.
- 61% are enhancing supplier collaboration through data sharing.
These efforts reflect a shift in procurement’s role, from cost control to strategic resilience.
The report points to a growing divide: Companies combining digital tools with skilled teams are becoming procurement leaders, while others risk falling behind.
“Those who move first — and wisely — will define the future of procurement,” Deloitte concludes.
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