Stepstone, Case

Development of an AI-supported “Negotiation Companion” to optimize purchasing.

Industry Services and platforms

Topic AI

Focus Digital Transformation

Services Data Backbone, AI in Processes, Custom Software

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Starting point

Stepstone wants to significantly improve strategic purchasing through the intelligent use of data and AI. The vision is a system-supported “Negotiation Companion” that supports purchasing in negotiations with existing and potential suppliers, with precise recommendations, well-founded assessments and maximum usability.

The vision of the “Negotiation Companion” is to strengthen Stepstone's purchasing for the long term through data-based decision support and intelligent recommendations. To achieve this goal, a first functional prototype was developed, as a starting point for a comprehensive, scalable and user-friendly concept. From the outset, the focus was on a technical architecture that is sustainable in the long term and meets the specific requirements of purchasing.

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Approach

5 steps to the “Negotiation Companion”

Analysis & workshops

At the beginning, together with Stepstone's purchasing team, we analyzed which information, KPIs and levers are required in the seven planned modules. In several workshops, we defined the business requirements and prioritized key functions for the “Negotiation Companion.”
UX concept & wireframes

Based on the content requirements, we developed a consistent UX concept. Wireframes were created for each of the seven modules, which clearly visualize KPIs and interactions and enable intuitive user guidance.
Technical concept & feasibility analysis

We designed the technical architecture for all planned modules, including the system landscape, relevant integrations and interfaces. Through a feasibility analysis and initial technical tests, we were able to ensure the feasibility and scalability of the solution at an early stage.
Prototyping & MVP development

Based on the overall concept, we developed a functional prototype that already represented the most important modules. This was iteratively developed into an MVP, with stable connection to systems such as Creditsafe and Sievo as well as deployment on Stepstone's Azure infrastructure.
Transfer & Empowerment

The final MVP was successfully handed over to the purchasing team. With clearly documented architecture and self-service functionalities, Stepstone is now able to independently use the "Negotiation Companion" and update data.

“With our companion, we have gained an additional team member who can analyze complex contexts in a factually sound and structured manner and provide us with an initial assessment. An initial basis for recognizing correlations and addressing critical issues in the blink of an eye. This new reinforcement has become a valued colleague in no time at all.”

Wolfgang Schwemmer Team Lead Procurement, Stepstone

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Result

Impact

With the new concept, Stepstone's “Negotiation Companion” becomes a scalable and intelligent negotiation tool with a clear vision.

11x more supplier analysis
Significantly increased efficiency through self-service approaches
Smooth connection of internal and external data sources
Using Elasticsearch as a flexible data hub
AI-driven negotiation approaches

With the “Negotiation Companion”, Stepstone is ideally positioned for a productive future in digital purchasing, powerful and user-friendly.

Takeaways

Requirements first, then wireframes. In workshops with the procurement team, we defined the information, KPIs and levers for the seven modules. Wireframes for each module followed.
Checking feasibility early. A feasibility analysis and early technical tests confirmed the solution could be built and scaled before the prototype was developed.
Self-service after handover. The MVP runs on Stepstone's Azure infrastructure and connects to Creditsafe and Sievo. Thanks to self-service features, the procurement team updates the data itself.