What Procurement Teams Should Know About the Future of AI
Explore procurement AI trends, autonomous sourcing research and live demonstrations at PLAN 2026, Zycus's complimentary virtual event.
Zycus Inc 
Procurement teams have a lot to consider when exploring artificial intelligence. While automation can help simplify everyday tasks, businesses also need to understand where AI fits into their existing processes and how it can support better decisions. For procurement leaders, the challenge is finding practical ways to use new technology without losing sight of business priorities.
PLAN 2026, a virtual event hosted by Zycus on 18 November 2026, will explore how procurement is changing and what organisations can expect from the next stage of autonomous sourcing.
Making Sense of Autonomous Procurement
Procurement involves more than purchasing goods and services. Teams work with suppliers, manage sourcing activities, evaluate costs and coordinate with different departments. Many of these activities involve repeated steps that can take time away from more strategic work.
AI-powered procurement tools are creating new possibilities for handling parts of these workflows. However, understanding the technology and knowing how to apply it are two different things.
A well-planned autonomous procurement event can help professionals explore these developments, learn from industry research and understand how other organisations are approaching the transition.
What Will PLAN 2026 Cover?
PLAN 2026 brings together industry experts and technology specialists to discuss the direction of procurement AI.
One of the programme's highlights is the launch of the Hackett Autonomous Sourcing Index, based on a survey of more than 100 chief procurement officers. The research will offer insights into sourcing maturity and the progress organisations are making towards autonomous sourcing.
The event will also feature Forrester's predictions for procurement AI in 2027. For procurement teams planning future investments, these perspectives can help frame discussions about priorities, capabilities and implementation.
Attendees can also watch a live demonstration of Zycus Merlin working through a real-world procurement scenario. This provides an opportunity to see how AI can be applied to a procurement workflow rather than considering its potential only in abstract terms.
From New Ideas to Practical Decisions
Adopting AI does not have to mean changing every procurement process at once. Businesses can start by reviewing existing workflows, identifying recurring challenges and deciding where automation may be useful.
The insights shared during the Zycus procurement event can help procurement professionals think through these questions. Participants will also be able to receive their Autonomous Sourcing Index score and a personalised readiness plan for 2027 within 24 hours.
These resources offer a starting point for evaluating current sourcing capabilities and identifying areas that may deserve closer attention.
Who Should Attend?
PLAN 2026 is relevant to procurement executives, sourcing professionals and teams involved in procurement technology and transformation. The complimentary virtual event will have regional broadcasts for the Americas, EMEA and India, and APAC. The same programme will be delivered across regions in under three hours.
For professionals who want a clearer picture of where procurement AI is heading, the event offers a focused way to explore the topic.
Visit the PLAN 2026 website to learn more about the programme and registration.
