AI is like a storm rolling in. You can either stay inside and do nothing, get drenched by the chaos, or step out with an umbrella, moving forward carefully and strategically. That’s the analogy one procurement leader shared in a recent WB Research survey, AI Adoption and its Transformative Impact on Procurement sponsored by Achilles. It captures perfectly where organizations stand today: at the cusp of a transformation, navigating both opportunity and uncertainty.
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The research, conducted among procurement professionals and organizations of varying sizes, shows that procurement teams are at very different stages of AI adoption. Organizations are experimenting, piloting, and slowly expanding AI across their processes, but very few have fully integrated it.
Only 5% have fully integrated AI across all processes, while 38% are advanced, applying AI to most areas where it makes sense. The largest group, 49%, is in a moderate stage, using AI selectively, testing the waters, and figuring out where it adds the most value. Meanwhile, a small portion, 8%, is in the early experimentation phase, running pilots and automating basic tasks.
So, what is AI doing in procurement today? The survey highlights some clear trends across a mix of in-house and third-party partners:
- Machine learning and predictive analytics are front and center, used by 69% of organizations for forecasting demand and monitoring supplier performance.
- Deep learning for pattern recognition (67%) and computer vision for quality inspection (53%) are helping teams spot trends, anomalies, and risks that would otherwise go unnoticed.
- Meanwhile, tools like natural language processing (37%) and conversational AI (11%) are not widely used, suggesting untapped potential for automation and smarter communication.
According to the research, businesses that are embracing AI are already seeing the benefit. Most report improvements in cost savings, operational efficiency, and sustainability. AI is helping teams identify savings opportunities, reduce maverick spending, and make better supplier choices. Importantly, ESG and sustainability considerations are rising in importance, with more than half of organizations using AI to support these goals alongside traditional financial outcomes.
But adoption isn’t without challenges. Survey respondents flagged limited functionality, transparency, and security concerns as barriers and change management and user readiness are identified as critical. Many organizations say they are actively preparing their teams through formal training, and new roles focused on AI, recognizing that success requires both cultural and technical readiness.
Investment signals a strong vote of confidence. 88% of organizations plan to increase AI-related spending in the next 12 months, demonstrating that leaders see AI as essential for competitiveness. Yet most implementations remain tactical rather than strategic, suggesting that the full potential of AI in procurement is still ahead.
The takeaway is clear: AI is moving beyond experimentation to become a strategic enabler in procurement. Organizations that step out with their umbrella, preparing carefully, building capability, and integrating AI fully, stand to gain a measurable edge in efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. The storm is here. The question is how ready is your organization to face it?
Achilles offers an increasing set of AI enabled tools and services to support procurement professionals to streamline procurement processes and get ahead of supply chain risk.
Get in touch to learn more about how AchillesAI is helping organizations integrate AI into their procurement processes.