Expectations and reality are drifting apart: 94.9 per cent of procurement managers at European SMEs expect a change in the role profile within procurement. At the same time, only 18.6 per cent consider their automation to be highly mature, whilst just 6.0 per cent do so with regard to AI usage. These are the findings of the latest “SME Procurement Barometer 2026” survey by BME and Onventis.

The innovative interplay between automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the key factors for procurement. However, both technologies only realise their full potential when they are used effectively by procurement. These are key findings of the SME Procurement Barometer 2026. The latest study also shows that the better routines are automated and information is prepared, the more the role of procurement shifts towards tasks that require judgement, experience and specialist assessment. Real progress is achieved when technology is not introduced in isolation, but rather effectively supports staff and strengthens their role in the process.

Onventis GmbH, in collaboration with the German Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (BME) and the ESB Business School as its academic partner, surveyed over 500 procurement managers from European SMEs. The 8th edition of the annual study, published in 2026, focuses on the tension between digitalisation strategies and the current challenges facing European procurement teams.

The key findings:

• Expectations and reality are drifting apart: 94.9 per cent expect a change in the role profile within procurement. At the same time, only 18.6 per cent consider their automation to be highly mature; when it comes to the use of AI, the figure is just 6.0 per cent.
• Structures determine progress: 64.8 per cent cite a lack of resources, 56.0 per cent data quality and 46.2 per cent a lack of process standards as the biggest hurdles. Progress depends largely on structured processes, clear responsibilities and reliable data.
• Supplier management remains the key area for action: 70.1 per cent see the greatest need for digitalisation here. In no other area do requirements, data and external dependencies intersect so strongly.
• Automation works – but not everywhere: 76.5 per cent report time savings, whilst 51.8 per cent report a reduction in errors thanks to automation. The greatest benefits are seen in clearly structured processes, whilst implementation in more complex areas remains significantly more labour-intensive.
• AI has arrived, but its benefits are often still unclear: 69.5 per cent are using AI, testing it or planning to use it. However, the level of maturity remains low.

“SME procurement has clearly defined its future role, but is held back in its use of AI by limited financial and personnel resources,” emphasises BME Chief Executive Dr Lars Kleeberg.

Further findings from the SME Procurement Barometer: 44.8 per cent of respondents rate the automation of their procurement processes as not very mature; when it comes to AI implementation, the maturity level is even lower at just 6.0 per cent. Furthermore, 95.1 per cent of respondents see invoice processing as offering the greatest potential for automation.

The 2026 SME Procurement Barometer in German language is available for download here