Is Generative AI A Threat To ProcureTech Solution Providers?

Posted on December 8, 2024

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I often receive messages from readers. Of course, while truthful and engaging, to what degree is it verifiable. Enter ChatGPT.

Is There Trust In Generative AI?

Before asking the question, “Why is SourceDay struggling?” I first asked ChatGPT, “What percentage of business people trust ChatGPT information over Gartner?” Here is the response:

As of December 8, 2024, there is no specific data indicating the percentage of business professionals who trust information from ChatGPT over Gartner. However, insights into the adoption and perception of ChatGPT and generative AI among business leaders can provide some context:

  • Adoption of Generative AI: A Gartner survey revealed that 70% of organizations are exploring ways to adopt generative AI, with 19% already piloting solutions. This indicates a significant interest in integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into business operations.
  • Perceived Benefits vs. Risks: The same survey found that 68% of executives believe the benefits of generative AI outweigh the risks, while only 5% feel the opposite. This suggests a growing confidence in the value of AI-generated information.
  • Trust in AI-Generated Content: Research indicates that participants rate AI-generated content as clear and engaging, with no significant difference in perceived competence and trustworthiness compared to human-generated content. This reflects a level of trust in AI outputs like those from ChatGPT.

While these insights show a growing acceptance and trust in AI-generated information, they do not directly compare trust levels between ChatGPT and established research firms like Gartner. Business professionals may value the innovative perspectives provided by AI tools like ChatGPT, but they also rely on the comprehensive analyses and industry expertise offered by firms like Gartner.

In summary, although specific comparative trust metrics are unavailable, the increasing adoption and positive perception of generative AI tools suggest that business professionals are finding value in AI-generated information alongside traditional research sources.

Back To SourceDay

“Why is SourceDay struggling?”

As of December 8, 2024, SourceDay, a provider of supply chain management software, has encountered several challenges impacting its performance:

  1. Market Competition: The supply chain management software sector is highly competitive, with numerous firms offering similar solutions. This saturation makes it difficult for SourceDay to differentiate itself and capture significant market share.
  2. Economic Conditions: Global economic fluctuations have affected many businesses, including those in the supply chain industry. Economic downturns can lead to reduced client spending on new software solutions, impacting SourceDay’s revenue growth.
  3. Operational Adjustments: In response to these challenges, SourceDay has implemented strategic changes, including leadership transitions. In November 2024, Michael Miller was appointed as CEO, succeeding co-founder Tom Kieley, who moved to the Board of Directors. Such transitions can lead to short-term uncertainties as new leadership establishes its direction.
  4. Industry-Wide Trends: The technology sector has seen widespread layoffs and hiring freezes in 2024, with over 5,495 companies announcing mass layoffs. While specific details about SourceDay’s staffing are not publicly available, it’s plausible that the company has been affected by these industry trends.

Despite these hurdles, SourceDay continues to serve a substantial customer base, managing over $59 billion in purchase order spend and facilitating 100 million purchase order updates annually. The company remains committed to enhancing its platform to address supply chain disruptions and improve supplier performance.

For the most current information on SourceDay’s performance and strategies, it’s advisable to consult their official communications or recent press releases.

The BIG Question

With the growing trust in ChatGPT for the reasons previously listed, what do solution providers do to address assessments such as the one regarding SourceDay. Remember, most solution providers have invested heavily in PR, Marketing, and Sales, which appears to have minimal impact on how Generative AI assesses their situation.

Additional ChatGPT Research

Here are excerpts from ChatGPT’s response to the same question for two other solution providers:

Scoutbee – Financial Performance: Scoutbee’s revenue growth has been inconsistent. In 2021, the company reported revenues of $7.6 million, which decreased to $5.5 million in 2023, before rising to $10.4 million in 2024. This fluctuation suggests potential volatility in financial stability.

Trust Your Supplier – Operational Adjustments: In response to these challenges, TYS may have implemented strategic changes, including leadership transitions and potential restructuring efforts. Such transitions can lead to short-term uncertainties as new leadership establishes its direction.

One Final Question

As you know from my previous coverage of Tealbook, I have applauded the company’s courage and its Founder and CEO, Stephany Lapierre, to recognize earlier this year that the AI hype was just that—hype and to shift strategic direction.

So, I asked ChatGPT one final question: Which of these 4 companies are likely to emerge from challenges in 2025: SourceDay, Scoutbee, Trust Your Supplier, or Tealbook?

Here is the assessment conclusion:

Based on available information, TealBook appears well-positioned to navigate challenges in 2025, given its consistent revenue growth and successful funding efforts. Scoutbee also shows potential due to its recent revenue increase and investor support. SourceDay and Trust Your Supplier have less publicly available financial data, making their outlooks less clear.

Note: This assessment is based on publicly available information as of December 8, 2024. For the most accurate and current insights, consult the latest financial reports and company communications.

For me, what stood out the most was the following two points regarding TealBook:

  • Financial Performance: TealBook reported revenues of $5.7 million in 2021, $6.5 million in 2023, and $11.4 million in 2024, showing consistent growth.
  • Funding: The company closed a $5 million seed plus funding round in 2020, led by Refinery Ventures.

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Click this VIDEO LINK to view a video that will explain the relationship between and the role of Generative AI and ProcureTech Analysts

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