LEADERSHIP
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“ Digital transformation goes beyond automation or processes moving from paper to online transactions ,” explains Lee . “ It ’ s important to question : how can I rely on a platform like Ariba to provide information to me from all over the world ? This could be from regulators , suppliers , my users or trade partners . Finding out how to harness all that information to ultimately make better decisions is vital .”
Lee also believes in “ procuring with a purpose ” and maintains that companies such as SAP Ariba should drive responsibility in the supply chain . “ We believe procurement isn ’ t just dollars and cents ,” affirms Lee . “ Organisations need to use third party data and intelligence to proactively identify risks and then respond to protect their brand and minimise disruption . Profitability is only one aspect . Sustainability is also in our spectrum as a supplier , so it ’ s important to adopt ways to manufacture the goods in a sustainable manner , in terms of energy efficiency , greenhouse gas emissions and so on .”
With the supply chain industry in a state of flux due to the influential impact digitalisation is having on
“ The only way to achieve long-term success is to provide solutions that are meaningful and better serve customers ”
James Lee Chief Operating Officer , SAP Ariba & SAP Fieldglass
FEBRUARY 2020