Data analytics is the process of examining data sets in order to draw conclusions about the information they contain, increasingly with the aid of specialized systems and software. Data analytics technologies and techniques are widely used in commercial industries to enable organizations to make more-informed business decisions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is where we first heard the term cognitive technology. Technology experts began seeing the benefits of AI among consumer and business application. Amazon's Alexa and chatbots are two that come to mind that is now ubiquitous in homes and businesses.

First, it is important for procurement organisations and their leaders to embrace the reality and potential for AI and cognitive procurement. Understand that, like most technologies, AI may bring changes, but it also presents significant opportunities. Next, based on the capabilities outlined above, think about what projects or processes in your organisation could most benefit from cognitive procurement. As you apply AI to certain procurement tasks and processes, you'll begin developing internal capability and expertise. It will also change the profile and enhance the skill set of your procurement professionals.