Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Medium49.25%
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Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
The occupation "Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products" is assessed to have an automation risk of 49.3%, which closely aligns with its base risk of 50.0%. This moderate risk level reflects the blend of both automatable routine tasks and activities requiring human judgement and interaction. Technologies such as procurement software and artificial intelligence have already begun streamlining many administrative and data-driven functions in purchasing, indicating that portions of the role are susceptible to further automation. As organizations seek efficiency and cost savings, repetitive procurement tasks are likely to be increasingly handled by machines, although the full scope of the role retains elements that are difficult for AI to replicate. The automation risk is primarily driven by the high potential to automate the top three core tasks: monitoring and following applicable laws and regulations, preparing purchase orders and bids, and negotiating or administering contracts. These activities can be largely standardized using automated workflows, digital contract platforms, and rules-based compliance systems. AI-powered tools can review legal requirements, process documentation, generate purchase orders, and even conduct preliminary negotiations or supplier communications with minimal human oversight. This capability to digitize and automate a significant share of the transactional workload explains why the overall risk approaches the halfway mark. However, the occupation remains somewhat resistant to full automation due to activities that require interpersonal engagement, situational judgement, and on-site evaluation. Tasks such as networking at industry events, arranging complex payment processes for international shipping, and personally interviewing or visiting vendors to assess products and services demand nuanced reasoning and social interaction—skills that current AI struggles to replicate. Additionally, bottleneck skills like originality, albeit representing only 3.0% of task demand, are crucial when unique problems arise or creative deal-making is needed. As a result, while automation will increasingly transform routine procurement functions, the profession will continue to require human agents to build relationships, make subjective assessments, and adapt to unexpected challenges.
Filter by Automatable Status
Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
Partially Automatable
Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
Partially Automatable
Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.
Partially Automatable
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
Partially Automatable
Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services.
Partially Automatable
Hire, train, or supervise purchasing clerks, buyers, and expediters.
Partially Automatable
Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.
Automatable
Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.
Partially Automatable
Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and resolve problems related to undelivered goods.
Partially Automatable
Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies.
Partially Automatable
Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.
Partially Automatable
Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and Internet sites and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.
Partially Automatable
Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.
Partially Automatable
Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.
Non-Automatable
Arrange the payment of duty and freight charges.
Automatable
Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.
Non-Automatable
Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.
Partially Automatable
Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingEducation and TrainingFood ProductionDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEngineering and TechnologyPhysicsChemistryFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyPublic Safety and SecurityComputers and Electronics
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing Information
Apple AppleWorksChoice Job CostMicrosoft Dynamics GPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoftSmugMug FlickrWeb browser softwareGoogle AdsGoogle DocsIBM Cognos ImpromptuIBM Power Systems softwareMicroStrategyNetSuite ERPOracle DatabaseOracle PeopleSoft FinancialsSAP Business ObjectsFileMaker ProSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsMicrosoft DynamicsCorel QuattroProIBM Lotus 1-2-3Infor ERP SyteLineSage 100 ContractorConstruction Management Software ProEstCost accounting softwareCPR International GeneralCOST EstimatorCPR Visual EstimatorFinancial analysis softwareGalorath SEER-SEMIBM CostimaterQSM SLIM SuiteSoftstar Costar COCOMO IISoftware AG enterprise softwareWinEstimator WinEstMicrosoft VisioOracle E-Business Suite FinancialsOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSmugMug FlickrMicrosoft VisioDatabase softwareGoogle AdsGoogle DocsIBM Cognos ImpromptuIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessIBM Power Systems softwareNetSuite ERPOracle DatabaseOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneOracle PeopleSoft FinancialsSAP Business ObjectsFileMaker ProSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsMicrosoft DynamicsCorel QuattroProInfor ERP SyteLineSage 100 ContractorApple AppleWorksConstruction Management Software ProEstCPR Visual EstimatorFinancial analysis softwareIBM CostimaterQSM SLIM SuiteSoftstar Costar COCOMO IISoftware AG enterprise softwareWinEstimator WinEstCost estimating softwareXactware XactimateAssured Software JPPDexter + Cheney Spectrum Construction SoftwareDatabase reporting softwareDatabase reporting softwareAccounting softwareAccounting softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Dynamics GPOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementInventory management systemsDatabase softwareAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatIBM NotesMicroStrategyOracle E-Business Suite FinancialsOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementIBM Lotus 1-2-3Inventory management systemsChoice Job CostCost accounting softwareCPR International GeneralCOST EstimatorGalorath SEER-SEMCost estimating softwareXactware XactimateAssured Software JPPDexter + Cheney Spectrum Construction SoftwareResources Calculations Incorporated SoftCostResources Calculations Incorporated SoftCostIntuit QuickBooksOracle PeopleSoftSAP softwareIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft PowerPointSAP softwareWeb browser software
Sales Managers
Medium40.40%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Industrial Production Managers
Medium50.29%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
Purchasing Managers
Medium51.82%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Medium54.11%
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Supply Chain Managers
Medium53.29%
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Medium59.51%
Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Medium55.39%
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Customs Brokers
Medium58.90%
Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.
Cost Estimators
Medium45.75%
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Logisticians
Medium47.96%
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Logistics Analysts
Medium64.20%
Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing.
Management Analysts
Medium51.36%
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Financial and Investment Analysts
Medium50.96%
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Medium51.95%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
High72.23%
Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Medium63.33%
Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
Procurement Clerks
High71.53%
Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.
Customer Service Representatives
High68.30%
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Medium65.33%
Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
Medium65.21%
Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Medium45.64%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
Online Merchants
High68.87%
Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Medium58.93%
Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
Medium57.53%
Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.
Retail Salespersons
Medium52.39%
Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Medium58.11%
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Medium64.30%
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Real Estate Brokers
Medium50.81%
Operate real estate office, or work for commercial real estate firm, overseeing real estate transactions. Other duties usually include selling real estate or renting properties and arranging loans.
Real Estate Sales Agents
Medium50.79%
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Order Clerks
High80.71%
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.
Cargo and Freight Agents
Medium55.62%
Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
Freight Forwarders
High67.61%
Research rates, routings, or modes of transport for shipment of products. Maintain awareness of regulations affecting the international movement of cargo. Make arrangements for additional services, such as storage or inland transportation.