AI+Human Intelligence: A New Model of Managing Tail Spend in the Middle East

Tail spend remains one of procurement’s most overlooked challenges, yet it often represents a significant source of cost leakage, supplier risk and operational inefficiency. For organisations across the Middle East, increasing regulatory requirements, localisation initiatives and supplier governance expectations are raising the importance of gaining greater visibility and control over non-strategic spend. Establishing a centralised system of record for transactions, suppliers, sourcing activities and approvals provides the foundation for stronger compliance, better decision-making and improved spend management.

A hybrid model that combines artificial intelligence with human expertise is emerging as the most effective way to address this complexity. AI can rapidly analyse spend data, identify sourcing opportunities, streamline supplier discovery and flag potential compliance or ESG concerns at scale. However, procurement outcomes still depend on human judgement, local market knowledge and supplier relationship management. By combining automation with procurement expertise, organisations can transform fragmented tail spend into a more transparent, controlled and value-generating area of the business, while supporting regional requirements such as in-country value programmes and evolving regulatory obligations.

Read the full article on CPO Strategy.