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The evolution of procurement
How high performing human and artificial intelligence can be harnessed to answer critical business questions
Prerna Dhawan , Chief Solutions Officer at The Smart Cube , boasts almost 16 years ’ experience in the procurement and supply chain space . “ I started my career as a research analyst ,” she begins . “ From there , I began managing accounts and working with our clients in the life sciences , consumer goods , and industrial sectors , helping them to see how they can use intelligence and analytics in their procurement function to drive value .
“ Over the last ten years , I ’ ve been in London , working with many of our accounts in the UK and Europe . I work with our clients to identify their needs , how they are evolving , what their challenges are , and then accordingly , what types of intelligence they require , and how to embed that within their organization to enhance operations . I now head up this solutions function , and with my team , we focus on the solutions and embedded products we take to market .
“ We look at both the evolution of propositions , and the partnerships needed to strengthen and take them to market . Therefore , it ' s both that come under my remit ,” Prerna continues .
“ The most exciting element for me is being client facing and seeing how the procurement function has evolved . I enjoy workshopping with clients and looking at what could be done differently .” Indeed , in the time that Prerna has been working in procurement , the function has matured considerably .
“ In the early days ,” she explains , “ we were often asked specific questions , surrounding alternative
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