Rebooting Procurement Processes

Abstract

Efficient procurement processes are pivotal for strategic performance in digital organizations, requiring continuous refinement driven by automation, integration, and performance monitoring. This research investigates and demonstrates the potential for synergies between RPA and BPM in procurement processes. The primary objective is to analyze and evaluate a manual procurement-intensive process to enhance efficiency, reduce time-consuming interventions, and ultimately diminish costs and cycle time. Employing Design Science Research Methodology, this research yields a practical artifact designed to streamline procurement processes. An artifact was created using BPM methods and RPA tools. The RPA was developed after applying BPM Redesign Heuristics to the current process. A mixed-methods approach was employed for its evaluation, combining quantitative analysis on cycle time reduction with a qualitative Confirmatory Focus Group of department experts. The analysis revealed that the synergy between BPM and RPAs can leverage procurement processes, decreasing cycle times and workload on intensive manual tasks and allowing employees time to focus on other functions. This research contributes valuable insights for organizations seeking to harness automation technologies for enhanced procurement operations, with the findings suggesting promising enduring benefits for both efficiency and accuracy in the procurement lifecycle.