56% of the procurement departments surveyed describe their level of digitalization as Excel-dependent — or still very traditional, relying on paper, email, and telephone. At the same time, cost pressure, geopolitical risks, and demands on procurement are increasing. In this webinar, three industrial procurement leaders analyze the results of a survey of 160 procurement departments and share their own practical experience with AI.

The starting point — Excel dependency and hidden cost drivers

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The survey shows that the majority of industrial procurement departments still operate without data-driven support. Rising energy prices, labor costs, and geopolitical tensions are colliding with fragmented data landscapes and time-consuming manual processes. Hidden cost drivers — such as unnoticed shifts in volume ratios between suppliers — remain invisible without automated analysis.

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AI as a lever — from data preparation to negotiation

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Technotrans, Schenker Storen, and SteelcoBelimed are already using AI in specific core areas: automatic identification of consolidation potential, generating negotiation dossiers at the push of a button, defending against price increases, and supplier shifting. At Technotrans, an AI insight led directly to the identification of consolidation potential. At Schenker Storen, an automated alert detected an unnoticed shift toward a more expensive supplier.

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Building acceptance — what change management has to do with it

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Schenker Storen, with around 800 suppliers and a purchasing volume of 100 million CHF, has already firmly integrated AI into its daily procurement routine. Florian Stadter emphasized: Acceptance is not created by technology alone, but through transparent communication, targeted training, and the clear message that AI creates strategic capacity.

Florian Stadter, Head of Group Purchasing, Schenker Storen

Stefan Cittrich, Global Head of Procurement / Vice President, technotrans

Zvjezdan Garic, Director of Supply Chain & Direct Procurement, SteelcoBelimed

Torben Hinrichs, Procurement Excellence Expert, Tacto

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Watch the webinar recording now and learn how leading procurement departments are using AI in practice today.

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