Build a procurement AI roadmap by choosing a small number of business problems. Prioritize use cases with workable data and manageable risk, test them in controlled pilots, and scale only when they show clear value and user adoption. The roadmap should also assign owners for data, technology, compliance, process redesign, training, and benefits measurement.

At ProcureCon Indirect West, Jovelyn Larson, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing at Wells Fargo, emphasized that initiatives lose momentum when they remain isolated procurement projects rather than shared business priorities. Her practical sequence was simple: "Pilot, then scale, then institutionalize." That means proving value early, embedding the work in finance approvals, product development, or onboarding processes, and transferring capability so that the business owns the change alongside procurement.

Survey results from the 2026 ProcureCon Insights State of Procurement Report found that 68% of procurement leaders are piloting AI in selected procurement areas without a formal roadmap, while only 8% have a defined roadmap with clear milestones under active execution. The finding suggests that experimentation is common, but many teams still need a more coordinated path from individual pilots to enterprise adoption.

CPOs, procurement transformation leaders, and AI program owners should begin with a 90-day plan for one or two high-value use cases, such as spend analysis, contract review, or intake routing. Define the business outcome, baseline performance, data requirements, human review points, adoption plan, and scale-or-stop criteria before launch; then review results with procurement, IT, legal, finance, and end users before expanding.

Join us at ProcureCon West to compare how procurement leaders are turning AI pilots into practical, business-owned programs that deliver measurable value.