As businesses increasingly turn to automation to improve procurement processes, it’s important to remember the role of human workers in the equation. Spend Matters suggests that while automation can certainly increase efficiency and reduce costs, it’s essential to maintain a balance between automation and human expertise.
One way to achieve this balance is by prioritizing the roles that require human expertise and decision-making, such as negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. By automating more routine tasks, such as data entry and invoice processing, procurement teams can free up time and focus on the more complex aspects of their job.
Additionally, businesses can invest in upskilling their procurement teams to adapt to new technologies and tools. By providing training on data analytics, machine learning, and other relevant skills, businesses can ensure that their teams are equipped to work alongside automation and leverage its benefits.
Ultimately, the goal of automation should be to augment human expertise, rather than replace it. By finding the right balance between automation and human expertise, businesses can improve procurement efficiency and drive value while maintaining a human-centered approach.
