As the year draws to a close, every organization takes stock: What did we achieve? Which projects were completed? And where should we head next? From the perspective of procurement digitalization, 2025 was a milestone year. More and more mid-sized and large companies started their transformation journeys, and the focus went far beyond cost-cutting. Flexibility, transparency, and full control over the procurement chain became the real goals.
One of the key lessons of the year was that digitalization is never just an IT project. The organizations that succeeded treated it as a strategic initiative. They did not shape the business around the technology but instead selected digital tools to serve their business goals. SAP Ariba and other leading platforms delivered the strongest results when implementations were rooted in clear business logic, prioritized objectives, and people-centered operations.
Yet for many, 2025 also highlighted that the hardest part is not making the decision but executing it. Lack of commitment, weak change management, and insufficient education slowed down or even derailed projects. Digital transformation does not end with a “go-live”; in fact, that is when it truly begins. The companies that thrived were those who viewed implementation not as a one-off event but as a long-term operational shift.
Timing also proved critical. Companies that launched their projects early in the year could already report tangible results by the end of 2025: shorter cycle times, more transparent processes, and real-time reporting. Those who hesitated often fell behind, continuing to pay the price of manual errors and lack of visibility.
Looking ahead, 2026 will bring new challenges: automation and data-driven decision-making will gain even more importance, while sustainability will increasingly shape procurement practices. Companies that prepare with clear strategies, prioritized goals, and an open organizational culture will gain a decisive advantage.
If you want to discuss how your company can successfully continue its digital journey in 2026, book a meeting here: https://calendly.com/akos-gergely-doqsys/doqsys-discovery-call