845: Inside the AI Foundation Behind Next-Gen Procurement W/ Fang Chang

"If you don't go on the journey, you risk being left behind. The key is to try, learn, and apply AI in a way that creates real value." - Fang Chang, EVP and Chief Product Officer at SAP

AI isn't just another feature on your tech checklist. It's changing the way procurement teams deliver impact… but only for those bold enough to rethink from the ground up. 

In this podcast episode, host Philip Ideson speaks with Fang Chang, EVP and Chief Product Officer at SAP, who shares what it looks like to rebuild an established platform like Ariba on a true AI foundation. Fang's team didn't just layer new tech onto old workflows; they tore everything down and rebuilt with AI at the core. 

If you've ever asked whether your team should wait for the "next" wave of AI innovation or start learning by doing, this conversation is a must-listen. Fang walks through technical choices, balancing agility with reliability, and what an AI-powered procurement experience now enables for the business.

In this episode, Fang discusses:

• Why simply layering AI onto legacy tools leaves value on the table
• How to decide where AI creates business outcomes… and where it doesn't
• What real agility looks like in a fast-evolving AI landscape
• How contextual "insights to action" bring value at every step
• The new balance of human oversight with AI-driven workflows

Links:

• Fang Chang on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to This Week in Procurement
• Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube