Next Level Purchasing

06/08/2026

Our whitepaper, State of Artificial Intelligence in Procurement and Supply Chain Management: 2026 Executive Report, explains how Procurement professionals can stay competitive, strategic, and indispensable in an AI-driven environment. Learn about:

• How agentic AI is transforming sourcing, contract management, and supplier collaboration
• What separates organizations seeing real ROI from those stuck in pilot mode
• The skills Procurement leaders need to develop now
• How infrastructure and governance will shape the next three years

Written by Jeff Dean, Vice President of Education at NLPA, this report bridges technology strategy with practical Procurement ex*****on, helping professionals translate AI adoption into measurable business value and career growth.

Download the Whitepaper here: https://zurl.co/4BQP2

06/05/2026

Is your procurement team working harder, but the metrics aren't improving?

Effort up. Savings flat. Leadership asking for ROI.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

The challenge often isn't capability, it's translating day-to-day work into the KPIs leadership actually tracks.

Next Level Purchasing Association works alongside Procurement teams to turn strategy into measurable business results:
✓ Identify and realize cost savings
✓ Improve process efficiency
✓ Optimize workflows
✓ Build capabilities that stick
✓ Align Procurement performance with business goals

We don't replace your team. We enable them, helping you demonstrate value in metrics leadership understands.
Ready to move your numbers?

👉 Book a consultation: https://zurl.co/WXpoi

06/04/2026

Successful contract negotiations rarely begin 90 days before renewal.

In Cobblestone Software’s recent webinar, Jeff Dean, VP of Education at NLPA, explains why contract expiration dates should be viewed as strategic planning milestones, not just deadlines.

“Time is my best friend in Procurement, and I don’t get to hang out with my best friend very much.”

The organizations that consistently achieve stronger negotiation outcomes are often the ones that start earlier, create more visibility, and give themselves the flexibility to evaluate options before pressure builds.

Watch Jeff break down how to build 18+ months of negotiation runway:
https://zurl.co/Euy5y

06/03/2026

AI agents are executing Procurement tasks autonomously, not just suggesting actions.

Specialized agents now handle contract milestone monitoring, pricing anomaly detection, automated reorders, and invoice validation without human initiation.
Key data points:

Procurement AI adoption jumped from 50% to 94% between 2023-2024, leading all enterprise functions (AI at Wharton research).

But workloads are increasing 10% while budgets grow just 1%, a 9% efficiency gap only technology can close (Hackett Group 2025).

Source: https://zurl.co/NyyE8

NLPA helps Procurement teams deploy AI strategically, redesigning processes to leverage autonomous capabilities effectively.
https://zurl.co/fPiNg

06/02/2026

🎖️ Congratulations to our Q2 Veteran Scholarship recipient, Boyd Watson!

Boyd brings 12 years of manufacturing expertise to the table, with a strong track record in supply chain management, procurement, and vendor relations. His dedication to excellence, both in service and in his career, makes him a truly deserving honoree.

We're proud to support veterans like Boyd as they continue to lead and grow in their fields.
Please join us in congratulating Boyd on this well-earned recognition! 🙌

06/01/2026

Same years of experience. Different recognition.

Certification doesn't replace experience. It proves you've codified it into strategic capability that hiring managers and leadership understand and value.

NLPA certifications are built on the CPO Body of Knowledge; connecting education, training, certification, AND consulting in one integrated pathway.

Ready to turn experience into recognized capability?

See the CPO pathway: https://zurl.co/2ufLb

05/29/2026

Global trade is entering a new phase where tariffs and trade agreements are increasingly tied to forced labor enforcement. This shift is redefining compliance expectations across supply chains.

Procurement teams are now on the front lines of ensuring ethical sourcing, supplier transparency, and regulatory alignment. Navigating this landscape requires deeper due diligence and stronger supplier relationships.

Understanding these changes is critical for mitigating risk and protecting brand integrity.

Read more: https://zurl.co/iPspN

One thing is clear: Tariffs are being used not merely as a punitive measure but as a negotiating tool.

05/28/2026

“AI Highlights Process Opportunities”

Why do some AI initiatives in procurement struggle to deliver results?

Jeff Dean, VP of Education at NLPA, shares an important perspective in this clip from Cobblestone Software’s recent webinar.

One of AI’s biggest advantages is its ability to reveal inefficiencies that may otherwise go unnoticed. By addressing those areas first, organizations can build a stronger foundation for automation and long term scalability.

Watch the full conversation on using AI as a diagnostic tool before an automation tool:
https://zurl.co/XhoCE

05/27/2026

Procurement teams are being asked to do more with the same headcount. When the team is maxed out, initiatives stall and results plateau.

NLPA's Procurement Team Assistance model works alongside your team to:

→ Execute priority sourcing and savings initiatives
→ Apply best practices in real workflows
→ Coach your people while delivering measurable results
→ Track performance you can report to leadership
→ AI and digital roadmap ex*****on

It's not about replacing your team. It's about giving them the support to deliver at the level expected.

Explore NLPA Team Assistance → https://zurl.co/hgN4M

05/26/2026

Stop competing on price. Start competing on partnership.

As a leader, you're responsible for supply resiliency amid global disruption. But is your team equipped to be a "Customer of Choice"?

Suppliers favor partners who:
✔ Streamline onboarding and compliance
✔ Communicate with clarity
✔ Bring collaborative value, not just volume

NLPA Certifications give your team the executive-level skills to secure your Supply Chain and deliver results leadership can trust.

Future-proof your Procurement team here: https://zurl.co/bzbdM