It is impossible to have a forward-looking discussion about procurement without digital transformation and automation coming up. That said, figuring out what their inclusion means on a company-by-company basis will differ drastically – creating a unique challenge for every CPO who decides to lead their organization on a digital journey.

I'm joined today by Kris Koneru, the Business Practice Head of Sourcing & Procurement at Infosys BPO. He was in the 'hot seat' for a dynamic AoP Live session in early April about all of the considerations beyond technology that organizations need to be prepared for before committing to transformation.

Since AoP Live sessions are driven by audience questions and comments – some submitted in advance and some submitted during the session – we never know quite where the focus will be on a given topic. For this AoP Live there was no question what procurement professionals felt the need to learn more about: they wanted to know how digital transformation will affect their performance objectives and metrics. Far more questions were submitted on this topic than any other.

Kris also discussed how digital transformation can be incorporated in broad change management initiatives, what impact it is likely to have on procurement's internal and external relationships, and how talent management and leadership development priorities will need to shift to maximize a digital-first environment.