The next BriefingsDirect technology innovation thought leadership discussion explores how rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are poised to reshape procurement -- like a fast-forwarding to a once-fanciful vision of the future. Whereas George Jetson of the 1960s cartoon portrayed a world of household robots, flying cars, and push-button corporate jobs -- the 2017 procurement landscape has its own impressive retinue of decision bots, automated processes, and data-driven insights. We won't need to wait long for this vision of futuristic business to arrive. As we enter 2017, applied intelligence derived from entirely new data analysis benefits has redefined productivity and provided business leaders with unprecedented tools for managing procurement, supply chains, and continuity risks. To learn more about the future of predictive -- and even proactive -- procurement technologies, please welcome Chris Haydon, Chief Strategy Officer at SAP Ariba. The discussion is moderated by BriefingsDirect's Dana Gardner, Principal Analyst at Interarbor Solutions. Gardner: It seems like only yesterday that we were content to gain a common view of the customer or develop an end-to-end bead on a single business process.

Police have released images of the fake explosives belts worn by the men who carried out the London Bridge attack. Khuram Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba wore the belts as they stabbed people in Borough Market. The officer leading the investigation said use of the belts was a "tactic" he had not seen before in the UK and one that created "maximum fear". The belts were still on the attackers, who murdered eight people, when they were shot dead by police. Each belt had three disposable water bottles covered in masking tape attached to them.

The next BriefingsDirect technology innovation thought leadership discussion explores how rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are poised to reshape procurement -- like a fast-forwarding to a once-fanciful vision of the future. Whereas George Jetson of the 1960s cartoon portrayed a world of household robots, flying cars, and push-button corporate jobs -- the 2017 procurement landscape has its own impressive retinue of decision bots, automated processes, and data-driven insights. We won't need to wait long for this vision of futuristic business to arrive. As we enter 2017, applied intelligence derived from entirely new data analysis benefits has redefined productivity and provided business leaders with unprecedented tools for managing procurement, supply chains, and continuity risks. To learn more about the future of predictive -- and even proactive -- procurement technologies, please welcome Chris Haydon, Chief Strategy Officer at SAP Ariba. The discussion is moderated by BriefingsDirect's Dana Gardner, Principal Analyst at Interarbor Solutions. Gardner: It seems like only yesterday that we were content to gain a common view of the customer or develop an end-to-end bead on a single business process.

The next BriefingsDirect technology innovation thought leadership discussion explores how rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are poised to reshape procurement -- like a fast-forwarding to a once-fanciful vision of the future. Whereas George Jetson of the 1960s cartoon portrayed a world of household robots, flying cars, and push-button corporate jobs -- the 2017 procurement landscape has its own impressive retinue of decision bots, automated processes, and data-driven insights. We won't need to wait long for this vision of futuristic business to arrive. As we enter 2017, applied intelligence derived from entirely new data analysis benefits has redefined productivity and provided business leaders with unprecedented tools for managing procurement, supply chains, and continuity risks. To learn more about the future of predictive -- and even proactive -- procurement technologies, please welcome Chris Haydon, Chief Strategy Officer at SAP Ariba. The discussion is moderated by BriefingsDirect's Dana Gardner, Principal Analyst at Interarbor Solutions. Gardner: It seems like only yesterday that we were content to gain a common view of the customer or develop an end-to-end bead on a single business process.

SAP acquired procurement software vendor Ariba in 2011, but the company's history dates back two decades. This week, SAP Ariba executives briefed analysts in Boston, giving an overview of recent roadmap milestones as well as a look ahead at what's yet to come. Growth markers: There are now 2.4 million suppliers on Ariba's business network, with more than $1 trillion in commerce transactions each year. In addition, Ariba has a presence in 190 countries. Yet Ariba has set some lofty goals for additional growth.