David Orme, Pontoon’s Director of Global Service Design - Services Procurement, outlines how AI and advanced analytics strengthen procurement performance for complex global workforces.
The widening gap between adoption and impact
Traditional procurement teams are often trapped in a cycle of reactive decision-making based on spreadsheets and historical data. This legacy model limits visibility and slows decisions when procurement and talent teams are working together to manage increasingly complex global workforces.
In response to these limitations, many organisations have invested in AI procurement tools to shift from operational reporting to strategic, forward-looking insight. However, although 83% of executives report using AI in their Services Procurement, only 25% have achieved any meaningful improvements in cost or quality.
This data supports what leading businesses already know: AI technology alone doesn't deliver results. Impact depends on whether it’s deployed strategically, and whether the organisation has the right expertise to unlock its full potential.
From risk exposure to risk intelligence
Procurement teams are expected to balance cost efficiency with robust risk management, which is why 64% of Chief Procurement Officers (CPO) cite supply chain visibility as a top priority.
AI can deliver this visibility and serve as procurement's early warning system. It enables organisations to analyse spend patterns, predict demand and price shifts, and identify risks in real time.
Algorithms can monitor market signals and strategic analysis of big data can help to identify potential future supply crunch points before they happen. It enables procurement teams to diversify supplier bases and anticipate potential risks, assuring business continuity.
A connected approach
Pontoon has practical AI-assisted tools to reduce risk, deliver unified visibility and strategic decision-making capability across the entire procurement workflow.
Our worker classification tool, Pathfinder AI, supports organisations in determining optimal workforce deployment channel across staff augmentation, services procurement, freelancers, and more.
We can also streamline complex processes and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple regions with our tech partner that leverages AI to improve Services Procurement workflows from initial scoping through to analytics.
Our AI-powered Pontoon Intelligence insights enable organisations to transform operational data into strategic decision points, providing the visibility that supports true workforce planning.
Together, these tools empower a fundamental shift in Services Procurement, from simply providing headcount to guaranteeing project outcomes at reduced risk.
From procurement potential to performance
The organisations already succeeding with AI in procurement share a common understanding: AI needs strategic implementation, supported by partners who understand both the technology and the unique challenges of Services Procurement.
Success requires combining technological capabilities with deep domain expertise and a commitment to continuous innovation. The result is better alignment between procurement and workforce strategy, delivered at lower cost and reduced risk.