Source-to-Pay trends Chapter 5:
Bridging the skills gap

With technology continuing to rapidly evolve, the only successful way of integrating it into everyday procurement and finance processes is by striking a complimentary balance of humans and AI working together. Training makes this possible.

According to the World Economic Forum, six in 10 workers will require extra training before 2027, but opportunities to re- or upskill are lacking. AI and big data utilisation rank third among company skills-training priorities in the next five years. Although 42% of surveyed companies by the WEF claim they will prioritise AI and big data utilisation, corporate reskilling strategies don’t always reflect said priority (source: WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf).

As we have identified, AI needs to be guided or trained – specifically, taught how to perform tasks. While it can assist with individual tasks, it cannot manage entire procurement or finance processes. As a result, reskilling is essential to bridge the gap between a workforce's current skill set and emerging technologies.

In other words, to realise the potential that AI offers and to reap the efficiency benefits it promises, employees must be able to use technologies correctly.

The growing demand for skilled Procurement professionals has shifted attention towards talent management. Procurement positions will soon demand new skills, especially in technology, data analysis, and strategic decision-making. Additionally, not one-off courses, but ongoing learning is recommended in procurement to keep pace with modern technologies, digital tools, and market trends – also helping experienced purchasers across the organisation to remind them of good-practice purchasing.
 

This is where Training Academies will be key to satisfying the need for re-skilling. A place where software users can access ongoing learning courses based around their platform, the available tools within it, and how to prepare for environmental changes in the market, such as the UK Procurement Act. These academies need to be specifically designed for professionals and teams, providing a blended learning approach for users to broaden their knowledge and skillset when using certain solutions.

In 2025, organisations that focus on talent development in procurement will be more equipped to navigate the fast-evolving business landscape. The investment in training will provide in-depth knowledge that allows teams to stay ahead of the game with new features and functionalities to ensure up-to-date knowledge and expertise of technologies. Moreover, up- and reskilling will allow streamlined implementation, enabling faster onboarding of new users to certain technologies and optimised values of solutions. Training on utilising technologies can increase productivity amongst a team, supported by progress tracking, online communities and goal-setting functions to help users stay motivated and productive.

Learn more about the Proactis Training Academy, including face-to-face teaching and an eLearning platform of modular courses comprising short videos, quizzes and guides, and provides access to interactive training.
 
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