WS Investor
03 Dec 2025, 09:09
NEC has launched a new AI agent service in Japan that automates procurement negotiations for manufacturers, using its proprietary Automated Negotiation AI. Beginning December 2025, the service will autonomously handle delivery date and quantity adjustments with suppliers, reducing negotiation times from hours or days to about 80 seconds.
A proof-of-concept conducted in 2024 showed that the AI achieved a 95 percent automated agreement rate across roughly 1,300 parts, confirming its ability to respond quickly to demand fluctuations and improve supply chain efficiency.
NEC says the service addresses growing complexity in manufacturing supply chains, labor shortages and the need for faster decision-making. The technology, now recognized as an international standard for e-negotiation by UN/CEFACT, supports inventory optimization, prevents stockouts and delivery delays, and allows procurement teams to focus on higher-value strategic tasks. The system integrates with existing ERP and procurement platforms for seamless deployment.
A proof-of-concept conducted in 2024 showed that the AI achieved a 95 percent automated agreement rate across roughly 1,300 parts, confirming its ability to respond quickly to demand fluctuations and improve supply chain efficiency.
NEC says the service addresses growing complexity in manufacturing supply chains, labor shortages and the need for faster decision-making. The technology, now recognized as an international standard for e-negotiation by UN/CEFACT, supports inventory optimization, prevents stockouts and delivery delays, and allows procurement teams to focus on higher-value strategic tasks. The system integrates with existing ERP and procurement platforms for seamless deployment.