Driving P2P Transformation with AI: Insights from Industry Leaders
In the digital age, unlocking value in Procure-to-Pay (P2P) requires more than automation; it needs a data-driven, people-centric approach powered by AI. At the Shared Services & Outsourcing Week Europe 2025, industry leaders shared insights into how AI is transforming P2P and what it takes to succeed. The panel consisted of:
- Samir Kazi, Head of Transformation & Transitions, Global Process Owner S2P, Clariant
- Adam Mroczkowski, P2P and Global Process Owner, Rockwell Automation
- Moderator: Nick Ward-Hunt, VP Finance, Head of SSC, PPD (Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Cleansed Data is the Foundation of AI-powered P2P
“You’re doing a disservice to yourself if you don’t cleanse your data.”
Samir Kazi’s message was clear as he emphasized that standardized, clean data is the bedrock of any AI, automation, or RPA initiative. For example, when Samir first stepped into his role, his team discovered they were missing 30–40% of supplier email addresses, stunting their automation potential.
Adam Mroczkowski echoed this, urging organizations to “eliminate, simplify, standardize, and then automate.” But it’s not just about data. Samir added that governance is essential to keep automation sustainable long-term.
Bringing People on the Transformation Journey
But, AI-powered P2P is not solely reliant on technology, your people need to be on board too. As Adam noted:
“People are the most valuable part of the story.”
To succeed with AI, organizations must empower people to be part of the change. Upskilling, communication, and inclusion are critical. Especially with Gen Z professionals entering the workforce, there’s a unique opportunity to tap into their drive to make an impact. Samir pointed out that transformation comes with resistance, but this can be mitigated through the ADKAR model:
AI Roadmaps: What’s Next?
Both leaders shared their AI roadmaps for the future of P2P:
Clariant’s AI Vision:
- Advanced invoice matching for touchless processing
- Expanded autonomous help desks
- Smart tools to assist procurement managers during negotiations
- Focused, use-case-driven AI development (not off-the-shelf solutions)
Rockwell Automation’s Strategy:
- A custom-built in-house app with strong compliance controls
- AI tools for contract analysis and data mining
- A simplified Payment Term Calculator to streamline vendor terms
The Panel’s Top Tips:
- Start with data: Standardization and cleansing are key for any AI initiative.
- Prioritize people: Change management, training, and communication are as important as technology.
- Think long-term: AI is not a quick fix, it’s a journey. Success comes from targeted use cases and scalable models.
- Governance matters: Automation without structure leads to fragility. Sustainable AI needs process ownership and oversight.
Building the Future of P2P with AI:
P2P is no longer just a transactional function; it’s a strategic engine for growth. With the right data, people, and tools, organizations can unlock unprecedented value across the procurement lifecycle. The journey isn’t without its challenges, but as these leaders prove, the opportunities outweigh the obstacles. To gain more excellent insights from our SSO Network, join us for our upcoming Intelligent Document Processing Virtual Summit.
