Procurement Automation Is About to Change Your Workday

From 9 Hours to 1: How Automation Will Radically Transform Procurement by 2027

Ever feel like procurement is an endless loop of repetitive tasks? You're not alone. But here's some exciting news - according to Bain, by 2027, the typical procurement workday might shrink dramatically, from about 9 hours to just 1 hour. Yep, you read that right.

How Will This Happen?

Thanks to the rise of AI and smart workflow technologies, many of the routine operational tasks will be heavily automated. Check out these impressive projections from Bain:

• Vendor Screening: Reduced by 80%

• RFP Creation: Reduced by 90%

• Contracting: Reduced by 90%

• Price Benchmarking: Reduced by 80%

These aren’t just numbers—they represent a seismic shift in how procurement teams spend their valuable time.

Less Busywork, More Strategic Impact

The point isn't just to save time. The real benefit? Procurement professionals will shift from repetitive tasks to strategic roles. They'll have more time to focus on activities that drive real value and innovation.

Sarah Davis, Head of Procurement at Nike, explains:

“Automating the routine tasks means my team can focus more on strategic sourcing, relationship management, and sustainability initiatives. It’s not just saving time; it’s unlocking potential we didn’t even realize we had.”

Indeed, procurement teams can use the extra hours to:

• Cover more sourcing requests effectively

• Regularly re-tender contracts for better outcomes

• Engage earlier with business stakeholders

• Develop stronger, more resilient supplier ecosystems

• Push forward on innovation, sustainability, and risk management

Brands Already Leading the Charge

Companies like IKEA and Walmart are already reaping benefits from procurement automation.

Yuanyuan Zheng, a former Global Procurement Leader at IKEA, shares:

“We’ve automated our vendor management and price benchmarking. It freed up hours daily, giving our team more space to nurture supplier relationships and enhance sustainability practices.”

Likewise, Walmart has incorporated procurement automation tools to streamline supplier onboarding, significantly accelerating their processes and enabling more strategic supplier collaborations.

Key Trends in Procurement Automation

Some of the latest trends driving this transformation include:

• Generative AI and NLP (Natural Language Processing): These technologies streamline RFP and contracting processes by rapidly analyzing, drafting, and negotiating contracts.

• Predictive Analytics: These help procurement anticipate supplier issues before they arise, minimizing disruptions.

• Blockchain and Smart Contracts: Enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency in procurement processes, especially contracting and payment.

Holger Apfel, a member of Swiss Marketing Procurement, highlights the urgency of adopting these new tech trends:

“The future is already here. Companies that embrace these technologies now are positioning themselves way ahead of competitors.”

Takeaways

• Procurement automation isn't just about efficiency; it's about enabling strategic work that creates real value.

• Brands like Nike, IKEA, and Walmart are already setting the standard, proving that significant automation isn't just possible—it's transformative.

Share Your Thoughts!

How do you see procurement automation reshaping your role or your team’s workflow? Have you already started implementing these tools in your organization? Drop your comments below - I’d love to hear your insights and experiences!