The bots are here! And they are set to take on more and more tasks in the corporate environment. But the brain still beats the machine. So anyone who relies solely on bots and their learning ability (machine learning) will not get very far in purchasing. There is no doubt that procurement also needs to break new ground and make sensible use of digitalization. Automation is a cost-effective and important pillar – but only if it is used correctly. And this is precisely where we find ourselves at a crossroads. Because despite all the possibilities that artificial intelligence opens up, without human intuition, expertise, and brainpower, the success of a purchasing organization will be limited. Let’s be honest: pattern-based analyses (which is all bots do at present) have been around for a long time, for example in the form of cost development, cost benchmarking, and analyses of cost drivers such as volume changes, exchange rates, and raw material indices.
And whether AI will be capable of much more in purchasing, such as developing practical, creative evaluations, remains to be seen.
Even though it is often sold as such, purchasing control is not just a savings machine! That is one of its core areas, but purchasing control does much more than that: it manages! And to do that, strategic purchasing naturally needs a comprehensive, intelligent information platform to support it, with AI playing a central role. After all, data is the new raw material – and it is waiting to be evaluated and used effectively. Only then can it provide clear guidance and enable optimal decisions to be made. The SoftconCIS system is mature, continuously learning, and based on practical and real-world requirements.
Our WebCIS is an intelligent self-service BI solution that allows even the most complex purchasing analyses to be mapped “self-determinedly.” But we also know that it does not replace people! The system reduces the time required for preparation and analysis. And it enables you to look beyond the horizon. After all, a successful purchasing organization does not just look to the past, but plans for the future with concepts such as data-based forecasting, parts list controlling, and purchasing planning that is worthy of the name. The future dimension (planning) and the links to sales (parts list) make purchasing a driving force for the entire company. Unlike many others, our WebCIS opens up new horizons for new questions and topics. Strategic purchasing controls artificial intelligence and is not just guided by it!
Savings – and more!
Those who are “only” aiming for savings are also well served by WebCIS – we support purchasing organizations that are not yet fully mature with numerous ready-made KPIs and evaluation options. That provides security! In addition, as a “master data pilot,” we bring order to data with consistent classification. But our purchasing control system offers much more, such as maximum flexibility and great freedom to design your own analyses. Important: We supplement artificial intelligence with human intelligence – WebCIS learns not only through abstract algorithms, but also and especially from our customers and their real-world challenges. An algorithm will never generate an idea for an innovative evaluation, but customer feedback will. WebCIS already has 20 years of practical knowledge behind it – and development continues, most recently with a special highlight for purchasers: variance analyses of prices and quantities, best-in-class prices and worst prices worldwide as features that can be used to easily calculate potential.
Artificial intelligence is ideal for running analyses, recognizing patterns, detecting errors, and pointing out anomalies. However, strategic and creative solutions still require human input. And that is our focus—today and in the future.
