New study shows: AI in procurement often lacks strategic foundation – only two percent are well-positioned
Although artificial intelligence is increasingly being trialled in procurement, there is a near-total lack of strategic implementation. This is the finding of a recent survey by procurement consultancy KLOEPFEL by EPSA, which polled 62 procurement managers. The data clearly shows: AI in Purchasing while it is used on a case-by-case basis, true integration into processes or systematic control is generally nowhere to be found.
Missing AI strategies dominate
Only two percent of the surveyed companies pursue a clear strategic AI approach in procurement. For more than half (52 percent), the topic is not strategically anchored at all. In 18 percent of cases, the use of AI is based solely on bottom-up initiatives from the workforce.
„AI is often used for individual tasks but not integrated into processes and systems. Without this integration, no ROI is generated. Many companies are merely optimising what already exists with it, instead of creating real added value. This also very clearly shows that AI must be an issue for company leaders,“ explains Christoph Knöll, co-founder of the AI consultancy Neurawork.
Lack of system integration and missing processes
There is a massive deficit in the linkage with existing workflows and systems. A full 87 percent of companies have barely integrated AI into their procurement systems, or not at all. Only two percent have a deep integration, for example into ERP or SRM systems.
Even in day-to-day operations – for example, with orders, analyses or supplier management – AI is still a niche phenomenon. 48 percent forgo it entirely, 29 percent only use it in test phases, and 19 percent only use it sporadically. Just three percent apply Artificial Intelligence across multiple procurement processes.
Application mostly only for simple routine tasks
For 76 percent of respondents, AI primarily functions as a chatbot for simple text-based tasks or research. Buyers resort to the technology for complex tasks far less frequently: 29 percent use it for calculations or analyses, and only 21 percent integrate AI into strategic processes or analyses. Almost a quarter (23 percent) of participants stated that they currently do not use artificial intelligence in purchasing at all.
Unstructured use and data quality hurdles
Instead of organised structures, most companies suffer from unchecked growth. 56 percent rely on individual ad-hoc solutions without defined standards. A further 26 percent have at least limited regulations, but central control or uniform concepts are the absolute exception. Only five percent can point to standardised AI use – for example, through defined use cases, consistent prompts or central assistants.
Another core structural problem is data quality. Only eight percent of those responsible rate their purchasing data as „very good“ (maintained, clean, and structured) for use with AI. While 42 percent rate their data as „good,“ exactly half (50 percent) see it as a critical barrier.
Accordingly, the mood is downbeat: 39 percent express dissatisfaction with the current use of AI. Almost half give a neutral assessment, and only 13 percent are satisfied. The rating „very satisfied“ was not awarded at all.
Background to the survey
The majority of survey respondents (52 percent) are based in the industrial sector, followed by trade and services with 23 percent each. The surveyed companies represent all revenue sizes, with a focus on medium-sized businesses. The data was collected online between March and April 2026.
Conclusion: Enormous untapped potential in procurement
Alexander Hornikel, Country Manager at procurement and supply chain consultancy KLOEPFEL by EPSA, sums it up: „Procurement is still in the early stages when it comes to AI. Instead of genuine transformation, what we see is a patchwork of individual applications, trials and siloed solutions. The real potential of AI – the automation of core processes, the improvement of decision-making and the creation of new value – remains largely untapped.“