Learn how to source

Course Description:

NOTE: COURSE UNDER DEVELOPMENT. BLOCKS ADDED ALONG THE ROAD.

AI is rapidly changing how procurement works, from daily tasks to strategic decision-making.

This course provides a structured path to:

• Understand how AI works
• Apply AI in your daily procurement tasks
• Leverage AI embedded in procurement systems
• Drive AI initiatives and automation projects

COURSE OVERVIEW – THE 4 BLOCKS

This course is structured into four progressive blocks, each building new capabilities:

BLOCK 1 – AI Foundations (Understand AI Before Using It)

Build a correct understanding of AI and develop the core skill of prompting.

What You Will Learn

• What AI is—and what it is not
• How Large Language Models generate answers
• How to write structured prompts
• How to break down tasks for AI
• How to evaluate and validate AI output
• Understanding risks such as hallucinations and bias

You will learn how to:

• Avoid incorrect or misleading AI outputs
• Improve quality of communication and analysis
• Build a foundation for all further AI usage

You move from:

“Trying AI” → “Understanding how to use AI correctly”

BLOCK 2 – AI for Individual Productivity (Daily Procurement Work)

Apply AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot in your daily work as a buyer.

What You Will Learn

• Using AI to draft RFQs, emails, and negotiation arguments
• Supporting spend analysis and supplier research
• Structuring and summarizing procurement data
• Improving communication and documentation

Typical Use Cases

• RFQ preparation
• Supplier comparison summaries
• Internal stakeholder communication
• Basic spend insights

You will:

• Reduce time spent on repetitive tasks
• Improve consistency and quality
• Increase speed in preparation and analysis

You move from:

“Understanding AI” → “Using AI to create value daily”

BLOCK 3 – AI in Procurement Systems (ERP & Sourcing Tools)

Understand how AI is embedded in procurement tools and how to leverage it effectively.

What You Will Learn

• E-sourcing tools and AI
• ERP and P2P systems and AI
• The importance of structured and high-quality data
• How AI supports decision-making in sourcing and analytics

Key Focus

• Data quality and data models
• Interpreting AI-generated insights
• Linking system outputs to procurement decisions

You will:

• Improve value from existing procurement systems
• Avoid common failures due to poor data
• Use AI insights to support sourcing strategies

You move from:

“Using AI tools” → “Leveraging AI embedded in systems”

BLOCK 4 – AI as a Procurement Stakeholder (Driving AI Initiatives)

Enable you to act as a stakeholder in AI and automation initiatives within procurement.

What You Will Learn

• Identifying opportunities for AI and automation
• Understanding workflows and process design
• Working with tools like Microsoft Power Automate and AI agents
• Defining requirements and writing Statements of Work (SoW)
• Understanding governance, data ownership, and KPIs

Key Capabilities

• Translating business needs into technical requirements
• Collaborating with IT and AI specialists
• Driving procurement-led digital initiatives
• Business Relevance

You will:

• Move beyond being a user of AI
• Contribute to digital transformation
• Ensure AI solutions create real business value

You move from:

“AI user” → “AI value driver”