In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James welcomes Praveen Kalamegham, CTO of Workrise, to discuss the importance of industry-specific solutions in procurement technology, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The conversation dives into how tailored tools can better meet the unique needs of different industries and enhance procurement processes.

Tune in to learn how to confidently choose and implement the right procurement tech to drive efficiency and innovation in your organisation.

Praveen emphasises the importance of tailored procurement solutions for specific industries, particularly in the energy sector, where complex supply chains and massive capital projects are the norm. He highlights how tailored tools like Workrise address unique challenges, ensuring companies avoid the pitfalls of generic solutions that fail to meet sector-specific needs.

His perspective focuses on the need for transparency and trust in procurement processes, especially in an industry often driven by handshake agreements. By connecting all aspects of procurement—from sourcing to payment—Workrise fosters real-time visibility and stronger supplier relationships, enabling energy companies to operate more effectively.

A key takeaway is Praveen’s emphasis on adaptability. Workrise is designed to integrate with existing systems, allowing organisations to enhance their current operations without overhauling established processes. This flexibility is particularly vital for companies hesitant to adopt new technologies due to fears of disruption.

Praveen advocates for building an engaged supplier network, where active collaboration ensures resources are available when needed. This proactive approach, coupled with alignment between procurement and finance functions, accelerates decision-making and enhances cost efficiency.

By tailoring its solutions to industry needs, Workrise demonstrates how procurement technology can drive immediate value while laying the foundation for long-term success in a highly dynamic sector.

[00:02:21] Assessing procurement technology needs.

[00:06:31] Niche tools for energy procurement.

[00:08:11] Complexities of CapEx projects.

[00:12:38] Cost savings in energy supply chain.

[00:17:25] Niche solutions in energy sector.

[00:20:34] Supply-side ecosystem challenges.

[00:25:30] Partnerships in the energy industry.

[00:27:16] Trust through transparency in industry.

[00:29:26] Partnership in procurement tech.

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Praveen Kalamegham on LinkedIn
2. Check out Workrise
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads explores most the exciting opportunities in procurement technology, focusing on three emerging categories: spend analytics, e-sourcing, and AI-driven co-pilots, each offering unique solutions to procurement’s evolving challenges.

Tune in to learn how these innovative tools are reshaping the future of procurement, helping organisations stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.

This week James discusses how spend analytics is now a critical component for larger organisations, especially those operating multiple ERP systems. He compares navigating procurement without spend analytics to sailing a ship without a compass. New, affordable solutions leveraging AI are making these insights accessible to mid-market companies with revenues from $100 million to a few billion, allowing for better spend classification and analysis, and ultimately, more strategic decision-making.

E-sourcing tools also feature prominently, particularly for organisations looking to streamline tender processes and drive cost savings. Many companies still use outdated methods like emails and spreadsheets, but these lack the efficiency and data tracking capabilities of dedicated e-sourcing platforms. With high user adoption, these tools bring significant operational advantages by centralising supplier data and automating compliance tracking, making them a clear choice for procurement teams aiming for greater productivity.

James then introduces AI-driven co-pilots as the latest innovation to transform procurement. These tools are designed to automate repetitive tasks, such as routing purchase requests and acknowledging purchase orders, that might be too nuanced for traditional RPA solutions. The flexibility of AI co-pilots allows procurement teams to operate more strategically, focusing on high-impact projects rather than routine workflows.

Each of these technologies—spend analytics, e-sourcing, and AI-driven co-pilots—represents a leap forward for procurement teams seeking to innovate and adapt in a competitive landscape. By embracing these tools, organisations can drive efficiency, improve supplier relationships, and make more informed decisions.

[00:01:21] Categories of ProcureTech excitement.

[00:06:00] Growth in spend analytics technology.

[00:08:08] Underserved SME technology market.

[00:12:05] Tail spend management automation tools.

[00:16:15] The future of SRM technology.

[00:21:44] B2B marketplaces - do they have a future?

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
2. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
3. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
4. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
5. Sign up for the Procurement Software...

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads interviews Dan Gianfreda, the new CEO of DeepStream, to explore how procurement teams can move from reactive to proactive tech adoption.

Focusing on key procurement challenges and organisational maturity, Dan shares actionable insights to help procurement leaders make smarter, value-driven technology decisions aligned with their team's capabilities.

Tune in to discover how to transform your procurement function!

Dan highlights the need for procurement leaders to define specific objectives and success metrics before embarking on tech investments. Doing so ensures they avoid the costly mistake of overspending on tools that don’t meet immediate needs.

His approach centres on starting with simple, foundational tools that align with current capabilities. By mastering essentials first, organisations can prevent the frustration and underutilisation that often follow premature adoption of complex systems.

A significant takeaway is Dan’s emphasis on leadership involvement, which he sees as crucial for successful digital transformation. Active support from senior management not only ensures proper resource allocation but also cultivates a culture open to change, smoothing the path for tech adoption.

Dan advocates for a phased rollout, where procurement teams can progressively learn and adapt, building confidence and capacity before tackling advanced tools. This incremental approach minimises risk and maximises effectiveness. It provides a roadmap for realistic, strategic improvements that prepare procurement teams for long-term success in a constantly evolving tech landscape.

[00:01:34] Proactive procurement strategies

[00:05:51] Value realisation in ProcureTech

[00:09:05] Best of breed vs. suites

[00:12:01] Customer engagement in sales process

[00:15:20] Procurement software selection strategy

[00:19:59] Best of breed vs. suites

[00:23:33] One size doesn't fit all

[00:25:35] Customer success and expansion strategy

And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast!

Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps!

We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there.

If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.

1. Connect with Dan Gianfreda on LinkedIn
2. Check out DeepStream
3. Download our Tech Map for Enterprise
4. Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market
5. Download our Tech Map for SMEs
6. Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app
7. Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter
8. Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital...