Autonomous Sourcing Explained: Where It Works in 2026

Autonomous sourcing in 2026: where it works, where it hits limits and why do so many pilots never reach production. In this episode, Joël Collin-Demers sits down with Tiago Melo, VP of Solutions Consulting at Fairmarkit, at SOAR 2026 to map where autonomous sourcing stands today. They cover the difference between autonomous and automated, why pilots stall when they test the tool but not the operating model, where AI sourcing performs and where it falls short, and how accountability works when an agent executes hundreds of events under your policy. Fairmarkit is a content sponsor of Pure Procurement but this episode was not sponsored. CHAPTERS 0:00 - Cold Open 0:42 - Intro 1:16 - Recorded at SOAR 2026, context and disclosure 2:37 - Tiago Melo Introduction 3:25 – Defining autonomous sourcing, autonomous vs. automated 6:31 – The tool is the constant, the customer is the variable 9:40 – Moving past linear sourcing workflows 16:36 – Why pilots get stuck in "pilot jail" 19:22 – Where AI sourcing is strong, and where it falls short 27:00 – Good enough data and the "cold start" 29:51 – Accountability and auditing agents 35:11 – Value-based vs. shape-based sourcing policies 36:21 – How the tactical buyer role changes 39:35 – Suites vs. specialists, integration is the real battleground 42:41 – The person behind the insights 45:12 – Advice, put yourself where you can be wrong in public RESOURCES See the SOAR 2026 conference replay "on demand": https://www.fairmarkit.com/webinars/s... SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW Newsletter: https://newsletter.pureprocurement.ca... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033v17t... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... LinkedIn:   / joelcollindemers   ABOUT ProcureTech Unpacked is an independent podcast for procurement and finance leaders navigating technology decisions. #AutonomousSourcing #AgenticAI #ProcurementTechnology #DigitalProcurement #ProcureTech #Procurement