Shakil Ahmed Chowdhury argues that AI will shift Procurement and Supply Chain work from execution to judgment
Why AI should expand professional capacity without transferring decision accountability
AI removes manual work, not professional accountability
Shakil Ahmed Chowdhury argues that Artificial Intelligence is becoming a necessary capability for Procurement and Supply Chain professionals.
Many teams still spend significant time searching for suppliers, comparing quotations, analyzing spend, tracking shipments, preparing reports and responding to routine supplier requests. These activities are necessary, but they are not where the highest value is created.
Where AI can increase capacity
- Analyze large volumes of spend transactions.
- Identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
- Monitor supplier performance and emerging risks.
- Support RFQ preparation and market intelligence.
- Improve demand forecasting and inventory analysis.
- Increase visibility across logistics and supply networks.
By reducing repetitive analytical and reporting work, AI can give professionals more time for Strategic Sourcing, supplier development, negotiation and risk management.
Human judgment remains essential
Chowdhury emphasizes that AI does not remove the need for human expertise. Supplier failures, geopolitical disruptions, conflicting business priorities and complex negotiations still require contextual judgment and accountability.
The emerging capability is therefore a combination of human expertise and AI-supported analysis, rather than a replacement of one by the other.
The original contribution is available in Shakil Ahmed Chowdhury’s LinkedIn post.