Key Shifts in Procurement for 2025

Rohan Patel

May 7, 2026

As we move into 2025, procurement is undergoing a rapid transformation, propelled by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and predictive analytics. Companies are pushing for enhanced efficiency, which has expanded the procurement function from a tactical task to a critical strategic role at the board level. In this article, we’ll explore the key developments in procurement and how digital tools are reshaping the industry.

Key Shifts in Procurement for 2025

Broad Adoption of AI, Automation, and Predictive Analytics

The procurement sector is increasingly embracing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and predictive analytics. These innovations enable businesses to make more informed decisions, improve demand forecasting, and optimize their sourcing strategies.

Greater Focus on ESG Compliance and Sustainable Procurement

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming central to procurement strategies. Organizations are placing greater emphasis on sustainable sourcing practices to reduce their environmental impact, ensure ethical supply chains, and align with the values of their stakeholders.

Strengthened Supplier Collaboration and Ecosystem Development

Procurement is evolving into a more collaborative process, with deeper, more strategic relationships between suppliers and buyers. This approach is enhancing transparency in the supply chain, fostering innovation, and promoting shared growth.

Data-Driven Decisions and Cybersecurity Prioritization

As procurement becomes more data-focused, companies are leveraging analytics to optimize their spending and purchasing decisions. Furthermore, there is an increased focus on cybersecurity, ensuring procurement systems are safeguarded against evolving cyber threats.

Dharmendra Darji

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Dharmendra Darji brings deep procurement technology expertise and enterprise implementation experience to SAFAL. Before co-founding the company, he worked on large-scale procurement technology projects for Fortune 500 organizations, gaining direct insight into where enterprise software succeeds - and where it breaks under real operating conditions.

That experience continues to shape SAFAL's product direction. Under his leadership, SAFAL has evolved from an E-Auction capability into a full AI-powered Source-to-Pay suite while retaining the operational depth and implementation discipline that defined the company from the beginning.

He leads SAFAL's strategy, product direction, and client engagement model, with continued involvement in major implementations to ensure the platform remains connected to real enterprise procurement needs.

Mohammad Ali Holda

Co-Founder & Chief Sales Officer (CSO)

Mohammad Ali Holda has built SAFAL's enterprise client portfolio across India and the GCC through a consultative, environment-first approach. His focus has remained consistent: understand the client's procurement reality before proposing a platform solution.

His experience spans enterprise procurement sales and operational procurement across Oil & Gas, EPC, Chemicals, Manufacturing, and Hospitality. That market understanding helps SAFAL distinguish between what industrial enterprises need and what generic software often offers.

The relationships he has built across India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman continue to Strenghten SAFAL's market positioning, product priorities, and long-term enterprise engagements.

Devika Khetiya

Senior Manager, Business Growth & Strategy

Devika Khetiya contributes to SAFAL’s strategic growth initiatives with a focus on business operations, process improvement, and organisational development aligned with the company’s enterprise procurement vision.

Her role is centred on strengthening internal structures, streamlining operational processes, and supporting scalable business practices that help SAFAL grow efficiently across industries and regions. She works closely with leadership teams to align business priorities, execution frameworks, and long-term growth strategies.

With a strong focus on organisational effectiveness and strategic planning, Devika helps ensure SAFAL’s approach remains practical, process-driven, and aligned with the evolving needs of industrial enterprises.

Through her contribution to business strategy, operational alignment, and process optimisation, she supports SAFAL’s long-term objective of expanding its AI-powered Source-to-Pay platform as a scalable, enterprise-ready procurement solution.