Digital disruption in sourcing takes many forms, from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to cloud-based supplier collaboration platforms. This disruption is "disruptive" because it dismantles the silos that have long existed between a buyer and their supply chain.

: Trisa Thompson helps develop global supply chains that include risk management, location identification, and fraud prevention.

Thompson (2019) proposes a strategic sourcing framework that consists of the following steps:

A critical theme in the discourse of digital transformation—and one emphasized by strategic leaders like Thompson—is that technology is an enabler, not a replacement for human expertise. While digital platforms can provide data, the interpretation of that data into strategic insight remains a human competency.

forthcoming research. * Introduction. The industrial world is evolving into a digital one (Parviainen, Tihinen, K¨ a¨ ari¨ ainen, ... ResearchGate Show all Leveraging External Innovation: Partnering with startups, universities, and third-party experts to bridge digital skill gaps. Centralizing R&D: Moving away from isolated business unit projects toward centrally managed innovation hubs. AI-Driven Procurement: Using tools like AI for tail spend management to analyze vendor performance and identify cost-saving opportunities at a scale humans can’t match. The Four Pillars of Success To navigate this transformation successfully, organizations must align four foundational pillars: Technology: Implementing tools like machine learning and analytics for internal efficiency. Process: Modernizing operations to allow for rapid, customer-driven innovation. People: Cultivating a workforce that is comfortable with constant change and ambiguity. Skills: Identifying where internal capabilities are weak and sourcing those skills externally. Conclusion Digital transformation is not a destination but a continuous state of adaptation. By combining a robust digital strategy with a forward-thinking strategic sourcing model, companies can turn the threat of disruption into a platform for growth. Would you like to focus the next post on a specific industry, such as manufacturing or financial services, or explore a deeper dive into AI-driven procurement tools? AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses Copy Creating a public link... You can now share this thread with others Good response Bad response 14 sites Sourcing Innovation in the Digital Age - IntechOpen Dec 5, 2023 —

Here is an essay developed around the core themes found in her work and the general industry shift she represents.

The role of in modern business has shifted from a competitive advantage to a fundamental necessity for survival. For professionals like Tresa Thompson , who serves as a Logistics Manager and Course Materials Procurement specialist, this shift is most evident in the evolution of strategic sourcing . This article explores how digital disruption is reshaping the sourcing landscape and why proactive transformation is the only way forward for industrial leaders. The Core of Digital Disruption vs. Transformation