Why People are the Core of Procurement Technology's Future

As technology continues to redefine the procurement landscape, it is crucial not to overlook the vital role people play in its future.

While the impact of new tools is undeniable, it is the workers who harness them that create real value. They are not only applying these tools to benefit their companies, but are also innovating new ways to improve business processes and outcomes.

In the last few years much has been said about market volatility and procurement’s transition towards becoming a source of strategic resilience.

The function has been key in either preventing supply chain issues at the source or steering businesses through periods of uncertainty. The people behind the technology are the ones who deliver these essential transformations.

If you are interested in learning more on the future of procurement technology, a panel will be held with leaders during the Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Middle East Summit, with free tickets available. 

Harnessing technology and talent

Research from The Hackett Group’s 2025 Digital World Class Procurement study shows that leading procurement organisations are thriving by redefining their role and viewing volatility as an opportunity.

While many firms have frozen spending to conserve cash top-performing, procurement teams are achieving exceptional results. These leaders reportedly deliver 2.6 times higher ROI than their peers, despite operating with 31% fewer staff and 19% lower costs relative to spend.

Their advantage lies in intelligence-driven operating models and the strategic application of technologies like generative AI.

This approach enables faster execution and greater strategic influence when opportunities arise. To meet these challenges organisations are increasingly turning to AI agents to automate routine procurement tasks, allowing teams to concentrate on higher-value work.

According to McKinsey procurement teams today oversee 50% more spend than they did just five years ago.

The result is a function that's more efficient agile and strategic.

McKinsey states: "They will accelerate the transition to a hybrid workforce where procurement professionals coexist and collaborate with their digital coworkers. This transition could result in the procurement function being 25-40% more efficient according to our analysis while repurposing team activity from routine tasks to strategic decision making."

A human-centred approach at A.R.M Holding

One company that places its people at the core of its strategy is A.R.M Holding, a UAE-based private investment firm. #

The firm is dedicated to creating value and delivering positive change, demonstrating how investment can deliver tangible long-term progress.

By adopting a distinctly human-centred approach, A.R.M Holding has made a meaningful difference through projects spanning real estate hospitality and healthcare.

In an interview with Business Focus, its Chief Development Officer, Alain Kallas, said the force behind A.R.M Holding's future will be its people.

He explained that human experience and connection remain a constant thread that ties A.R.M Holding and its work together.

"Success starts from within," explained Alain. "We've built a powerhouse of a team that lives and breathes our values.

"Each person brings a distinctive strength and together we truly understand the people and communities we serve. This isn't just about business it's about shaping a better future together."

Strategic leadership in procurement

Alain's colleague, Ahmed Raafat, Associate Director - Supply Chain at A.R.M Holding, is a key example of this ethos.

With over 20 years of experience shaping large-scale developments across the UAE he will be speaking at the upcoming Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The Middle-East Summit.

As Associate Director - Supply Chain he leads strategic sourcing, sustainable procurement and value-driven supplier partnerships for master planning mixed-use developments and ultra-luxury projects.

Ahmed is recognised for embedding ethics, sustainability and innovation into procurement excellence, having led transformative initiatives including digital procurement adoption and the development of resilience-driven supply chain frameworks.

His leadership is defined by building high-performing teams, fostering strategic supplier partnerships and embedding resilience and ethics across the value chain.

He combines technical expertise with a clear vision of procurement as a strategic enabler of business growth.

His vision is to position procurement and supply chain as a catalyst for competitive advantage ensuring projects not only meet timelines and budgets but also create lasting impact for stakeholders and communities.

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Middle East Summit

With a packed agenda and stand-out speakers, the Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Middle East Summit stands out for its breadth of coverage – CSCOs, CPOs and CSOs alike will all take something valuable away with them. 

Whether you are refining supplier networks, developing digital tools or embedding ESG priorities, the event offers direct, practical guidance.

Registration is open through the event agenda page, where attendees can also customise their experience. Plus, there’s no travel needed – just insight streamed straight to your screen.

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Middle East Summit
Dates: 3–4 February 2026
Format: Virtual
Location: Online
Register for free: https://next.brella.io/join/SPSCDUBAI