Purpose

The objective of this paper is to study the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the supplier scouting process, considering the information and the capabilities required to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

Twelve cases of IT and information providers offering AI-based scouting solutions were studied. The unit of analysis was the AI-based scouting solution, specifically the relationship between the provider and the buyer. Information processing theory (IPT) was adopted to address information processing needs (IPNs) and capabilities (IPCs).

Findings

Among buyers, IPNs in supplier scouting are high. IT and information providers can meet the needs of buyers through IPCs enabled by AI-based solutions. In this way, the fit between needs and capabilities can be reached.

Originality/value

The investigation of the role of AI in supplier scouting is original. The application of IPT to study the impact of AI in business processes is also novel. This paper contributes by investigating a phenomenon that is still unexplored and unconsolidated in a business context.

中文翻译：

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用于供应商搜寻的人工智能：一种信息处理理论方法

目的

本文的目的是研究人工智能 (AI) 在支持供应商搜寻过程中的作用，并考虑这样做所需的信息和能力。

设计/方法论/途径

研究了 12 个提供基于人工智能的侦察解决方案的 IT 和信息提供商的案例。分析单元是基于人工智能的搜寻解决方案，特别是供应商和买方之间的关系。采用信息处理理论（IPT）来解决信息处理需求（IPN）和能力（IPC）。

发现

在买家中，寻找供应商的 IPN 很高。IT和信息提供商可以通过基于人工智能的解决方案支持的IPC来满足买家的需求。通过这种方式，可以达到需求和能力之间的契合。

原创性/价值

对人工智能在供应商搜寻中的作用的研究是原创的。应用IPT来研究人工智能对业务流程的影响也是新颖的。本文通过调查商业环境中尚未探索和巩固的现象来做出贡献。