The Future of Supply Chain

Can your supply chain make decisions faster than your competitors? We sit down with Brooks Noonan of NTT DATA to explore the shift from digital visibility to true autonomous execution—and what it actually takes to get there.=====What if your supply chain could resolve disruptions before your customers ever noticed? We sit down with Brooks Noonan of NTT DATA to unpack what it really means to go autonomous. We dig into which decisions AI can handle right now, why demand sensing is no longer a nice-to-have but the cost of admission, how real-time data minimizes the bullwhip effect—and why measuring ROI means looking at the balance sheet, not soft metrics. Join us as we discuss the fututre os supply chain!===== Guest 1: Brooks Noonan, Vice President, NTT DATA Business Solutions Brooks Noonan is an executive leader and corporate board member specializing in enterprise modernization and SAP business transformation. Currently serving as Vice President at NTT DATA Business Solutions and as a Board Member for Ben Tire Distributors, he excels at bridging technology strategy with execution to drive sustainable business growth.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:NTT DATA Business Solutions: https://nttdata-solutions.com/us/Supply Chain Management:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Brooks Noonan: LinkedInRichard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please rate us and subscribe to stay up to date on future episodes!

In this episode Amy Brachio explains why product-level carbon accounting is reshaping how supply chains buy, invest and compete. And why two factories with identical operations can legally report completely different carbon figures.=====In this episode, we talk with Amy Brachio, CEO of Carbon Measures and former EY Global Vice Chair for Sustainability. She explains why product-level carbon accounting is fast becoming a core business and procurement issue, from the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to green steel standards and why two factories with identical operations can legally report completely different carbon figures.===== Guest 1: Amy Brachio, CEO of Carbon MeasuresAmy Brachio is the CEO of Carbon Measures, a global coalition of businesses committed to reducing carbon emissions by aligning market incentives with the actions needed to drive impact at scale. Amy joined Carbon Measures in September 2025, continuing her leadership at the intersection of climate action, business resilience, and the need for accurate, verifiable data to underpin sound decision-making. Prior to joining Carbon Measures, Amy spent nearly three decades at Ernst & Young (EY), most recently as Partner and Global Vice Chair for Sustainability, where she drove EY's offerings to help global clients achieve their sustainability goals, led the firm's 40% carbon emission reduction by 2025, and established EY as the global leader in sustainability services.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin To brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmCarbon Measures: Carbon Measures WebsiteTechnical Expert Panel on Carbon Accounting: Technical Expert Panel on Carbon AccountingSupply Chain Management:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Amy BrachioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybrachio/Richard Howells:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowellsSin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

This week, SAP's Atena Reyhani joins us to explore how agentic AI and SAP Business Network are enabling autonomous supply chains–from cross-enterprise orchestration to data-driven decisions. =====Atena Reyhani, Head of Product Management for SAP Business Network Core, joins us to unpack how agentic AI is transforming supply chains. We explore real-world use cases like order prioritization, the role of cross-enterprise data in AI decision-making, guardrails for responsible AI adoption, and why the future belongs to autonomous supply chains. ===== Guest 1: Atena Reyhani, Head of Product Management for SAP Business Network Core, SAPIn this role, Atena leads the AI strategy for the Network and helps to shape the path forward for our customers in becoming increasingly autonomous enterprises. The world's largest platform for business-to-business commerce and collaboration, SAP Business Network facilitates over $7.7 trillion in commerce through more than 910 million transactions annually, as of the 12 months ending Q2 2026. Prior to assuming the role in August 2025, Reyhani served as Chief Product Officer for ContractPodAi, spearheading the development of innovative enterprise and legal solutions – notably including Leah, a leading agentic AI solution for the enterprise legal sector. Renowned for her ability to turn bold ideas into transformative realities, Reyhani leads cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional AI solutions that redefine how enterprise work gets accomplished. Previously, Atena held leadership roles in product management, driving innovation in SaaS products for higher education at Pepperdine University and in the gaming and lottery industries at Diamond Game Enterprises.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:SAP Business Network: https://www.sap.com/businessnetworkAtena Reyhani at SAP Connect in Las Vegas Session linkSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Atena Reyhani: LinkedInRichard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

Together with Dominik Ladich from KPMG discuss how organizations can embed sustainability into core ERP and supply chain processes, covering the Green Ledger, Scope 3 emissions, and how AI enables unprecedented transparency across global supply chains.=====Dominik Ladich, Director in Advisory at KPMG Austria, joins us to explore how sustainability is moving from standalone reporting projects to embedded KPIs within core ERP and supply chain processes. The conversation covers the drivers behind sustainability initiatives, from CSRD compliance to value creation; how SAP's Green Ledger extends financial accounting into environmental accountability; the data challenges of operationalizing ESG across procurement, manufacturing, and logistics; and how primary data exchange with suppliers can transform Scope 3 emissions management. ===== Guest 1: Dominik Ladich, Director, Advisory, KPMG AustriaDominik Ladich is a Director in Sustainable IT, helping organizations navigate sustainable SAP technology transformations that drive business value.His expertise lies at the intersection of technology and sustainability, with a focus on automating and implementing regulatory and sustainability requirements such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), EU Taxonomy, and decarbonization initiatives. He also supports the development and implementation of strategic use cases, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Digital Product Passports, and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Through these initiatives, Dominik helps organizations increase transparency and resilience across global supply chains while embedding sustainability as a driver of long-term value creation.With extensive experience in designing integrated business and reporting processes and modern IT architectures, Dominik also serves as Head of Sustainability Solutions for global KPMG and SAP initiatives. In this role, he drives the integration of sustainability into core business processes and helps organizations translate ESG objectives into measurable outcomes and sustainable business value. Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:KNAPP AGAdvancing ESG compliance and value with SAP technologyAdvance your sustainability agenda with KPMG and SAP SAP Green Ledger: What Is SAP Green Ledger?Supply Chain Management:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

We explore why the real value of supply chain transformation begins after go-live — from measuring outcomes monthly and fixing broken processes to building the digital and data foundations that make AI deliver.=====Why do so many supply chain transformations stall after go-live? In this episode, we sit down with Renan Guedes, CEO and Founding Partner of Exed Consulting, to unpack why technology adoption rarely equals value realization. Renan shares why the go-live is just the beginning of the relationship, how to measure business outcomes — from inventory levels and forecast accuracy to freight costs and OTIF — every month after launch, and why candid root-cause analysis beats chasing all-green dashboards. Press play to hear how to turn a go-live into lasting value.===== Guest 1: Renan Guedes, CEO & Founding Partner, Exed ConsultingRenan Guedes is the CEO and Founding Partner of Exed Consulting, a global consulting firm with 500+ professionals and offices in São Paulo, Lisbon, Miami, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. He has spent his career at the intersection of technology and supply chain, leading ERP and SCM transformations for enterprises rethinking planning and logistics in an era of AI and constant disruption. He holds a PhD and MSc in Business Administration focused on digital transformation, has authored books and academic research in the field. Renan is part of Harvard Business School's OPM program, leads Exed AppHaus São Paulo as an open innovation hub in Latam, and is a YPO member, angel investor, and startup mentor. He writes on digital transformation and leadership for Exame.  Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:Exed Consulting:  www.exedconsulting.com Supply chain article linksFrom disruption to performance: how supply chains are being tested and transformed in real time — https://exedconsulting.com/supply-chain-disruptions-strait-of-hormuz-ai-planning/IA no SAP IBP: intelligent supply chain planning — https://exedconsulting.com/insight/ia-no-sap-ibp-planejamento-inteligente-supply-chain/Supply Chain Management:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Renan Guedes: LinkedIn | Renan Guedes | ExameRichard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

We explore what happens when robots become coworkers, from embodied AI and humanoid robots in manufacturing and logistics to workforce transformation, robot certifications, and the path toward a more autonomous supply chain. =====What happens when your next coworker isn't human? In this episode, we sit down with SAP's Dr. Lukasz Ostrowski to explore how embodied AI is stepping off the screen and onto the shop floor. Get a sneak peek at what the factory of the next decade could look like, and why the journey toward an autonomous supply chain is closer and more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Press play if you're curious about where robotics is heading next, and what it means for the people, processes, and future of supply chain. ===== Guest 1: Dr. Lukasz Ostrowski, Development Manager & Head of Embodied AI & Robotics, SAPDr. Lukasz Ostrowski is Development Manager & Head of Embodied AI & Robotics at SAP, focusing on bringing innovation into SAP at scale. With 10+ years of leadership experience, he specializes in disruptive innovation in collaboration with line-of-business and industry leaders. He helps enterprises make robots business-aware—grounding physical execution in SAP business context, governance, and outcomes.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:Read: SAP Shares Physical AI Partnerships & New Robotics PilotsSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

John Holmes from Accenture and Andy Hancock from SAP joined us to explore why asset management matters more than ever. The conversation covers EAM and APM convergence, lift-and-shift cloud migration risks, and how AI agents, IoT, and digital twins move maintenance from time- and condition-based approaches toward predictive and prescriptive strategies. We also discuss citizen EAM owners, workforce transformation, autonomous asset management, and supply chain resilienceGuest 1: John Holmes, NA Intelligent Asset Management Practice Lead Managing DirectorGuest 2: Andy Hancock, Global Vice President, Global Head of Domain Advisory Asset Management and Field Service, SAPAs a seasoned global executive who has held numerous leadership roles during his 19-year tenure at SAP, he has brought quantifiable results to leading global brands through innovation advocacy. Having worked in more than 40 countries and experienced a vast array of cultures, he understands the importance of challenging the status quo to drive business outcomes and create a competitive diUerentiator in turbulent global markets.Host: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.=====Show Links:Accenture: ⁠https://www.accenture.com⁠Supply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Episode TranscriptEpisode DescriptionFollow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

Ryan Jones from SAP discusses the new era of field service and asset management, covering AI agents, autonomous operations, and how integrated asset management drives supply chain resilience.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====Ryan Jones, Product Marketing Manager at SAP, joins us to explore the evolving landscape of field service and asset management. We talked about the risks of operational fragmentation, the ripple effects of asset downtime, and how AI agents transform maintenance from a cost center into a revenue driver. Ryan also shares success stories and discusses SAP's new unified offering, and outlines the journey toward autonomousoperations.===== Guest 1: Ryan Jones, Product Marketing Manager, Asset Management & Field Service, SAPRyan Jones has spent the last 10 years at SAP working across enterprise asset management, field service, and ERP. He has held roles in solution advisory, solution management, and product marketing, helping customers connect business processes with practical technology adoption. Before SAP, Ryan was an operations manager and SAP ERP user, giving him a grounded perspective on what it takes to make enterprise systems and AI work in real operations.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:SAP Field Service and Asset Management: The Next Evolution of SAP FieldService Management. LINKSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

We explore how COOs can rethink supply chain security, from physical risks and open source vulnerabilities to AI threats, data sovereignty, and building a cyber-resilient culture across the business network.Download the ⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====We sit down with a cybersecurity expert to unpack the full scope of supply chain security, from physical risks like truck hijacking and component integrity to emerging digital threats like AI-driven attacks on open source software. We discuss why COOs must evaluate supplier capabilities, embrace data sovereignty, secure AI projects, and foster ecosystem collaboration to build truly resilient supply chains. ===== Guest 1: Jay Thoden van Velzen, Technical Advisor in SAP's Office of the Chief Security OfficerJay Thoden van Velzen is Technical Advisor in SAP's Office of the Chief Security Officer, where he covers and supports security process-, product-, and partner management, putting him in the middle of navigating rising security threats, an increasing compliance burden and rapid technology changes, to secure SAP's cloud platform expansion, Business AI and the Autonomous Enterprise. He previously led SAP's cloud infrastructure security operations during the Next Generation Cloud Transformation Program running 2020-2022, establishing key cloud security programs that SAP still relies and builds on today. His relationship to Supply Chain Management remains strong, having functioned earlier as its main Security Expert 2015-2019.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:Supply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

PwC's Christian Sachse joins us to talk all things logistics. Discover recent trends such as automation, AI, nearshoring, and sustainability.Download the episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, Christian Sachse of PwC Germany shares what supply chain leaders must prepare for in logistics, from automation and AI to sustainability, nearshoring, labor shifts, and resilience. He explains how planning, visibility, and control towers support better execution.  ===== Guest 1: Christian Sachse, Director, PwC Christian Sachse is a Director at PwC Germany, where he leads the transportation practice within PwC's global Center of Excellence for Logistics Transformation. With a career spanning over a decade in SAP logistics consulting — progressing from ABAP developer to senior leadership roles at firms including IBM, Deloitte, and PwC — he brings deep expertise in SAP Transportation Management and end-to-end supply chain optimization to global organizations across automotive, manufacturing, retail, chemicals, and beyond. In today's discussion, he shares his perspective on the future of supply chain technology and innovation.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:PwCSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

In dieser Folge sprechen Sin To und Annette Garcia Lorenzo mit Johann Stadler von Hilti und Andreas Madlencnik von SAP über Datensouveränität, hybride Cloud-Landschaften, globale Skalierbarkeit und KI im Supply-Chain-Kontext.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== Wie gelingen Datensouveränität, hybride Cloud-Architekturen und globale Skalierbarkeit in der Supply Chain? Sin To und Annette Garcia Lorenzo sprechen mit Johann Stadler (Hilti) und Andreas Madlencnik (SAP) über Private Cloud, Public Cloud, PLM, ERP, Manufacturing Execution und KI, für alle, die Industrie, Daten und End-to-End-Prozesse strategisch weiterdenken. ===== Guest 1: Johann Stadler, Head of Large Projects & Manufacturing IT, Hilti GroupJohann Stadler is an experienced leader in Business & IT with a strong background in managing multiple departments across Europe, Asia and America. He plays an active role in shaping Hilti's corporate strategy, oversees the tactical dimension, realization, and operations in Large Projects and Manufacturing IT. He has a proven track record in delivering IT solutions and processes essential for leveraging Hilti's corporate strategy.Guest 2: Andreas Madlencnik, Business Development Manager PLM | Middle Eastern Europe | Supply Chain ManagementHost 1: Sin ToSin To brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.Host 2: Annette Garcia-LorenzoAnnette García Lorenzo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working at SAP since 2001, with over 8 years of experience in the Product Lifecycle Management and Manufacturing space. As Adoption Lead for PLM and SAP IPD, she helps SAP customer and partners make the most of our solutions, while channelling their feedback back to SAP product management. She is an active speaker, blogger, and podcaster on the topics of PLM and Manufacturing.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠www.sap.com/scm⁠Follow Us on Social Media : Johann StadlerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannstadler/ Andreas MadlencnikLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas-madlencnik/ Annette Garcia-LorenzoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-garcia-lorenzo/ Sin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208 SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro Warum Geschwindigkeit, Qualität und Kostenoptimierung entscheidend werden00:01:00 Thema der Folge: Datensouveränität im Cloud-Zeitalter00:02:00 Was ist eine hybride Systemlandschaft?00:04:00 Vorteile hybrider ERP-Landschaften für Konzernbereiche00:06:00G eopolitik, Supply Chain und regionale Anforderungen00:09:00S trategische Vorteile von Public- und Private-Cloud-Kombinationen00:11:00 Herausforderungen: Integration, Materialstammdaten und SAP BTP00:13:00 CAD-zentrisches PLM vs. ERP-nahes PLM00:16:00 Engineering- und Supply-Chain-Perspektiven zusammenbringen00:19:00 MES als Software-as-a-Service00:22:00 KI im PLM- und Supply-Chain-Kontext00:25:00 Context Awareness, Halluzinationen und vernetzte Daten00:28:00 Blick in die Zukunft der Supply Chain00:32:00 Fast Five00:33:36 Outro

This week, KPMG's Hernan De la Torre and Stefan Seitz join us to discuss neural supply chain orchestration, agentic AI, clean core governance, and why ERP remains essential for faster, smarter, more resilient supply chains.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, we speak with KPMG's Hernan De la Torre and Stefan Seitz about the shift from experimental GenAI to industrial embedded AI. We talk about orchestration, agent-based decision-making, clean core governance, human-in-the-loop control, and how AI is reshaping supply chain roles, execution, and resilience. Sounds interesting? Come join us! ===== Guest 1: Hernan De la Torre, Principal, KPMG in the USHernan De la Torre is a Principal in Advisory at KPMG, leading SAP-enabled supply chain transformation across consumer, retail, and manufacturing sectors. With more than two decades of experience, he focuses on designing business-led operating models powered by SAP and advanced AI capabilities. He is an architect and recognized voice on Neural Supply Chain Orchestration (NSCO), a framework that embeds AI-driven decision intelligence directly into SAP workflows to strengthen supply chain execution, global operations, and trade responsiveness. Hernan partners with executive leaders to translate enterprise strategy into scalable execution, helping organizations navigate tariffs, geopolitical shifts, and cross-border complexity while driving measurable performance across finance and supply chain ecosystems.Guest 2: Stefan Seitz, Director, KPMG in GermanyStefan Seitz is leading KPMG's global SCM reference model in the SAP space and is at forefront of various digital supply chain transformations in automotive and industrial manufacturing.As an industrial engineer by trade he maintains a strong business focus in applying the newest technology trends.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:KPMGPublication: AI Is Moving Supply Chains from Reactive Execution to Autonomous Orchestration The IDC recognition: KPMG recognized as a ‘Leader' in the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Supply Chain SAP Ecosystem Services 2025–2026 Vendor AssessmentSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Hernan De la Torre: LinkedInStefan Seitz: LinkedInRichard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

Michel Roger of Accenture joins us to discuss how AI, autonomy, robotics, and data governance are reshaping logistics, workforce skills, and supply chain leadership.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== This week, we, together with Michel Roger of Accenture explore the future of logistics, from agentic AI and physical robotics to connected workforce models and real-time digital twins. Come join us to learn how companies can scale AI beyond pilots, reshape warehouse operations, strengthen multi-tier visibility, and prepare talent for a more autonomous, exception-driven supply chain. ===== Guest: Michel Roger, Global SAP Supply Chain Leader, AccentureThroughout his career, Michel has specialized in designing, implementing and deploying SAP solutions for Supply Chain processes for global clients in North America, Latin America and Europe. He has worked mostly for Consumer Goods and Life Sciences clients. Internally to Accenture, he is responsible for developing Supply Chain & Operations capabilities of 5,000+ people specialized around SAP solutions covering planning, distribution, and manufacturing processes. Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:AccentureSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Michel Roger: LinkedIn Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

What if the key to successful AI in supply chains is not technology, but the human brain? In this episode, Benjamin Bargetzi reveals how AI can sharpen decisions, challenge bias, and help leaders navigate uncertainty.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== What does it really take for AI to transform supply chains successfully? In this episode with Benjamin Bargetzi, neuroscientist and tech entrepreneur, we explore why the answer may lie less in algorithms and more in the human brain. Benjamin shares how AI can become a sparring partner for better decisions, helping leaders challenge bias, build trust, and navigate uncertainty without losing human judgment. ===== Guest: Benjamin Bargetzi – Neuroscientist, Author & Tech Pioneer, Founder of Project MindGuard, and former Advisor to the Chairman of the World Economic ForumBenjamin Bargetzi is one of Europe's most-demanded pioneers on the intersection of artificial intelligence and the human brain. A Swiss neuroscientist, psychologist, bestseller author, and tech entrepreneur, he has held key roles with Google, Amazon, and the World Economic Forum, and studied the human brain in Oxford, London, Zurich, and Singapore. He is the personal advisor to key political figures around the world, and founder of MindGuard, a tech ecosystem combining neuroscience training methods with machine learning to help Ukrainian citizens, hospitals, and veterans deal with extreme stress, PTSD & trauma.Host: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin To brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmBenjamin Bargetzi Homepage: https://benjaminbargetzi.com/Book:  https://benjaminbargetzi.com/de/das-ende-der-leere/Book: Nie wieder sinnlos: 42 Impulse, die Dein Leben verändernBook: The End of Emptiness: 42 thoughts, that will transform your lifeFollow Us on Social Media : Benjamin BargetziLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-b-bargetzi/ Richard Howells:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells⁠⁠⁠ Sin To: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208⁠⁠⁠ SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/⁠⁠⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro00:00:51 Meet Benjamin Bargetzi00:04:06 Why AI Transformations Fail00:07:11 AI as Sparring Partner00:09:13 Three Jobs of ML00:16:01 Biases Under Uncertainty00:24:19 Strengthening Decision Muscle00:28:18 Leading Change That Sticks00:32:02 Turn Complaints Into Innovation00:35:20 Dopamine and Meaningful Work00:36:41 The future of Supply Chain 00:37:54 Outro

In this episode with Tamara Tomasevic, Head of Program Development at CIONET Germany, we discuss how cloud, data, and AI are driving digital transformation in supply chains. Tamara shares insights on fostering enterprise intelligence, encouraging cross-functional teamwork, and scaling AI through mindset and skill development. The episode explores leadership strategies and the future of supply chain connectivity and sovereignty.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode Richard and Sin talk with Tamara Tomasevic, Head of Program Development at CIONET Germany, about what really drives digital transformation. From digital sovereignty and exit strategies to re‑architecting processes around enterprise intelligence, Tamara cuts through the hype and gets real about what works. Learn why data quality makes or breaks AI, why mindset matters more than budget, and how leaders can scale AI with confidence in an increasingly complex supply chain world. ===== Guest: Tamara Tomasevic, Head of Program Development at CIONETTamara is Head of Program Development at CIONET Germany, connecting CIOs, CDOs, and CTOs across the country. She is passionate about building strong communities in the digital era. Previously, she helped establish the Bavarian State's AI Network and, as a communication scientist, believes communication is at the heart of digital disruption.Host: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin To brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmCIONET Germany: https://www.cionet.com/cionet-germanyFollow Us on Social Media : Tamara TomasevicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-tomasevic-community/ Richard Howells:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells⁠⁠ Sin To: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208⁠⁠ SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/⁠⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Sovereignty And Resilience00:00:31 Welcome And Power Triangle00:01:07 Meet Tamara And CIONET00:01:59 Digital Leaders Hot Topics00:05:10 Cloud Strategy In Supply Chain00:08:03 Data Quality And Ownership00:09:52 Turning Data Into Assets00:11:20 AI Misconceptions And Use Cases00:14:21 Scaling AI Beyond Pilots00:16:21 Why Networks Matter00:18:42 People Skills And Culture Shift00:20:46 90 Day Action Plan00:22:00 Future Outlook And Wrap Up

This week, Ryan Misquita of IBM shares practical Gen AI use cases in supply chain planning, from exception management and forecasting to clean data foundations, KPI measurement, and avoiding pilot purgatory.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, IBM's Ryan Misquita joins us to discuss practical Gen AI in supply chain planning, real-world use cases, data governance, integration, KPI measurement, and rollout challenges. The episode also explores how AI can elevate planners and what autonomous, agentic supply chains may look like next. ===== Guest 1: Ryan Misquita, Associate Partner, IBM Consulting, IBMRyan Misquita is an Associate Partner and the IBM SCM North America Practice Leader. He has over 20 years of experience in business strategy and technology solution design across the Manufacturing, Distribution, Life Science, and Retail industries. A specialist in SAP S/4HANA, Digital Supply Chain and SAP IBP - Integrated Business Planning , Ryan has a proven track record of leading large-scale consulting engagements that transform integrated planning and manufacturing supply chain operations.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:IBM LinkIBM IBV Report : Unified ERP for the agentic enterprise          https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/unified-erp IBM IBV - The SAP advantage for generative AI https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/sap-generative-aiSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:00:59: Guest's Introductions00:02:13: Top Gen AI pain points in supply chain planning00:03:37: Practical use cases moving from pilot to production00:06:03: Building the foundation: clean data, governance, and process rigor00:07:54: AI as augmentation: elevating planners, not replacing them00:10:54: KPIs and how to measure Gen AI success00:12:40: Avoiding pilot purgatory and rollout mistakes00:17:10: How IBM supports supply chain transformation with AI00:21:50: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:22:49: Outro

This week, Mike Weisberg of Implement explains how AI is improving sales forecasting through trust, purpose, and accuracy, while reshaping the planner's role, reducing inventory bias, and separating prediction from human judgment.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, Mike Weisberg shares practical guidance on using AI in sales forecasting, including the right data foundation, six implementation dogmas, and explainable models. He also outlines how planners evolve into business partners and why judgment still matters most. ===== Guest: Mike Weisbjerg, Partner, Implement Consulting GroupMike is a Partner at Implement Consulting Group, where he has spent the last decade working at the intersection of supply chain planning and technology. He specialises in demand planning and AI-driven forecasting and decision making. With a focus on implementing demand planning solutions, Mike helps organisations move AI from proof of concept to production - with forecasts that planners actually trust.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:Implement Consulting Group. LinkArticle: Beyond accuracy: Six dogmas for turning AI forecasting into real business valueSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠ ⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:06: Guest's Introductions00:02:05: Why traditional forecasting struggles in volatile markets00:03:25: The three fundamentals: trust, purpose, accuracy00:07:03: Which data matters most for AI forecasting00:10:12: Why bad data should not delay AI adoption00:13:26: The six dogmas for AI forecasting implementation00:14:38: The evolving role of the demand planner00:16:54: Measuring success beyond forecast accuracy00:18:35: How can Implement help companies in this latest AI-infused planning era?00:19:36: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:20:17: Outro

In this episode, we speak with Leroy Roberts about preventing supply chain failures through accountability, leadership under pressure, and the role of AI, clarity, and collaboration in resilient decision-making.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== This week, we talked with Leroy Roberts about leadership under pressure, supply chain disruption, and preventing failure through clear accountability. We discussed psychological safety, the balance between firm control and burnout, the value of AI in risk management, and why future supply chains depend on collaboration, partnership, and better decision-making.  ===== Guest 1: : Leroy Roberts, British Army veteran, Non-Executive Director, and Executive Adviser,  Team-Worth SolutionsLeroy Roberts is a British Army veteran, Non-Executive Director, and Executive Adviser specialising in culture and conduct risk in high-pressure, regulated environments. He works with executive risk owners, including CEOs, CROs, COOs, CPOs, and CHROs, to strengthen decision-making, accountability, and truth-telling under pressure. Leroy helps organisations reduce culture and conduct risk signals within 90 days through practical, diagnostic-led interventions that restore operational grip and produce measurable, auditable improvement. Drawing on leadership experience from the British Army and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, alongside board-level governance experience, he brings a grounded perspective on how leadership behaviour under pressure either amplifies or contains organisational risk. He is the author of The Risk Owner's Reset and a contributing author to the international best-selling series Stand on the Shoulders of Giants.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:Link to the book: amazon.com/dp/B0GMS2G361 The Culture and conduct scorecard: https://pro.speakerhub.com/speaker-feedback/?qr=e9a16245-4ab1-4c63-81e7-ce225d9e5372Supply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:00: Guest's Introductions00:01:59: Staying in control during disruption without micromanaging00:04:07: Accountability gaps and early warning signs00:07:40: Building a safe environment for constructive challenge00:11:08: Using AI for risk management with human judgment00:13:26: Accountability without burnout in volatile conditions00:19:20: Leadership under pressure during COVID logistics00:22:56: ''The Risk Owners Reset'' book00:25:55: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:27:12: Outro

In this episode, PwC's Moritz Kramer shares practical GenAI use cases in supply chain planning, from decision support and scenario analysis to data harmonization, productivity gains, and guided decision-making with humans still in control.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== This week, Moritz Kramer of PwC explains how GenAI is moving supply chain planning from static analysis to real-time, decision-centric support. He covers data readiness, black-box transparency, productivity uplift, and why AI will augment planners rather than replace them. ===== Guest 1: Moritz Kramer, Director Integrated Business & Financial Planning, PwC GmbH WPGMoritz is a Director with over 10 years of experience shaping and delivering business‑led supply chain transformations for international organizations. He works across the full transformation journey—from defining strategic direction to translating vision into execution—covering SCM strategy, operating model innovation, organizational and process design, and the implementation of advanced planning solutions, like SAP. His work is driven by the ambition to build resilient, intelligent, and future‑ready supply chains, leveraging digital and AI technologies where they create clear business impact, while keeping a strong focus on value, scalability, and sustainable change.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:PwCSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:30: Guest's Introductions00:03:04: Real value of GenAI in supply chain planning00:04:24: Scenario exploration and natural-language responsiveness00:05:12: Productivity uplift and automation of manual work00:05:53: Bridging business and IT with GenAI00:07:45: GenAI as the “black box” explainer00:09:42: Data readiness for GenAI rollout00:11:24: AI for data harmonization00:13:36: AI replacing or augmenting people00:20:20: Biggest implementation obstacles00:23:46: Future trends for AI and GenAI 00:27:09: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:28:31: Outro

In this episode, we speak with Adi Sharoff of BrainBox Consulting Digital about why business networks are the invisible backbone of supply chains. We discuss B2B friction, supplier onboarding, touchless automation, AI, and how procurement teams can move from manual execution to forward-looking value creation.Guest: Adi Sharoff, Managing Partner, Brainbox ConsultingAdi Sharoff is a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, and investor with over two decades of experience in digital transformation, procurement, and enterprise technology. As Managing Partner of Brainbox Consulting, he leads global initiatives across SAP Ariba, SAP Business Network, Concur, and BTP-driven automation programs. With a strong track record of delivering large-scale transformation projects across APAC, Europe, and North America, Adi is passionate about helping organizations modernize procurement, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable business growth. He is also actively involved in strategic advisory, practice development, and building high-performing global teams.Host: Richard Howells, SAP   Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.  ===== Show Links:Brainbox ConsultingSupply Chain Management:  SAP Supply Chain Management SAP Insights: Supply Chain         Follow Us on Social Media   Adi Sharoff - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adi-sharoff-a14870187/ Richard Howells - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells/ SAP Digital Supply Chain - LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapscm/Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

In this episode we sit down with Bernhard Kowatsch, Director of Global Accelerator and Ventures at the UN World Food Programme (WFP), to talk about humanitarian logistics and how digital tools and AI are transforming decision-making. Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode we sit down with Bernhard Kowatsch, Director of Global Accelerator and Ventures at the UN World Food Programme (WFP), to talk about humanitarian logistics and how digital tools and AI are transforming decision-making. Bernhard explains that acute hunger has risen from 85 million pre-COVID to over 318 million due to conflicts, extreme weather, and economic shocks, increasing supply chain complexity across 120 countries using thousands of trucks, ships, and aircraft. The WFP uses AI for real-time and forecasted food security, and its Scout optimization tool to balance cost and speed across procurement, warehousing, and routing, saving $6M in 18 months and targeting $25M annually. He describes responsible AI, human oversight, prioritization by vulnerability, last-mile constraints, and WFP's Munich Innovation Accelerator model and partnership needs. ===== Guest: Bernhard Kowatsch Bernhard Kowatsch is the Director Global Accelerator and Ventures at the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP). Since he created the Global Accelerator in 2015, it has become one of the Worlds biggest impact startup accelerators, offering 18 annual programmes.Prior to starting the Accelerator, Bernhard co-founded the award-winning ShareTheMeal app that crowdsources funding for WFP and has delivered over 300 million meals for hungry children worldwide. His previous experience includes creating WFP's Business Innovation Unit and working as a Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠www.sap.com/scm⁠ World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator:  https://innovation.wfp.org/World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator 2025 Year in Review: https://innovation.wfp.org/year-review-2025World Food Programme Hunger Map: https://hungermap.wfp.org/food?w=ipc-phase-3Follow Us on Social Media : Bernhard KowatschLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernhardkowatsch/ Richard Howells:LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells⁠ Sin To: LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208⁠ SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Future Supply Chains and AI Vision for WFP00:38 Humanitarian Logistics Intro01:42 Meet Bernhard Kowatsch02:35 Crisis Drivers and Hunger Surge04:46 Scale and Speed in Emergencies06:16 Planning Under Uncertainty09:18 Digital Supply Chain and Responsible AI12:01 Making AI Work Scout Savings14:34 Prioritization Access and Last Mile Tech18:43 Innovation Accelerator in Munich22:30 Partnering with WFP24:17 Future Supply Chain Wrap Up

Today, we speak with Rafael Avila, who discusses how AI-powered logistics improves visibility, reduces emissions, and helps companies balance cost, service, and sustainability in transportation planning.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, Rafael Avila of Westernacher joins us to discuss the future of logistics. He explains how AI can make emissions visible earlier, improve mode and carrier decisions, reduce waste, and support better service. The conversation also explores workforce shifts and the importance of end-to-end supply chain visibility. ===== Guest: Rafael Avila, Supply Chain and Logistics leader, Westernacher ConsultingRafael Avila is a Supply Chain and Logistics leader specializing in SAP Transportation Management and end-to-end supply chain transformation at Westernacher Consulting. With over a decade of experience, he has worked across global organizations to design and deliver solutions that improve transportation planning, execution, and visibility across complex networks. A former IBM consulting leader, Rafael spent years supporting large-scale S/4HANA programs and shaping supply chain strategies across industries including consumer products, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and mining. His work has focused on helping organizations connect transportation with warehousing, trade, and order management to unlock more integrated and resilient supply chains. Today, Rafael continues to work closely with clients on modern logistics challenges, with a strong focus on simplifying complex topics, driving practical outcomes, and exploring how technologies like AI are reshaping transportation and supply chain decision-making.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:WesternacherArticle: Smarter Transportation Management cuts your carbon footprintSupply Chain Management:  ⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠ ⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠, Oyku Ilgar: ⁠LinkedIn⁠      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:22: Guest's Introductions00:04:48: Making transportation emissions visible with AI00:07:39: Why reporting alone does not reduce emissions00:09:50: Mode selection and carrier choice matter00:12:33: AI can cut cost, emissions, and service waste together00:14:27: Biggest sustainability wins in transportation planning 00:18:28: How AI changes the logistics workforce 00:22:33: Common pitfalls in digitizing supply chain00:25:14: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:26:28: Outro

This week, we talk with SAP's Ralf Hierzegger about how network intelligence and AI can assist logistics teams in managing disruptions, enhancing collaboration, and building a more resilient supply chain.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, we speak with SAP's Ralf Hierzegger about how constant disruption, digital dependencies, and climate and regulatory shifts are reshaping logistics. They explore why supply chains must move beyond company borders, how AI can support real-time decisions, and why trusted network collaboration is essential for better execution, efficiency, and resilience. ===== Guest 1: Ralf Hierzegger, Chief Product Owner of SAP BN4L, SAPRalf has built his career at the intersection of logistics, consulting, and digital innovation. After starting out as a forwarding agent from 1990 to 1992, he studied economics from 1993 to 1996 before joining SAP in 1996 as a consultant. In 2013, he stepped into the role of Solution Architect at SAP SE Custom Development, focusing on Foreign Trade and Transportation Logistics. Since 2023, he has served as Chief Product Owner of SAP BN4L, helping shape the future of business networks in logistics. He is married and the father of two grown-up children.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:Read: Circumventing Geopolitics: How Network Intelligence and AI Can Answer Uncertainty blog SAP Business AI Platform Supply chain logistics SAP Logistics AssistantSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:22: Guest's Introductions00:02:23: Why logistics disruption is harder now00:06:26: Structural challenges in supply chain and logistics00:08:02: Using AI to respond to delays and blockages00:10:51: Why AI alone cannot solve logistics 00:12:36: The value of AI for a business network 00:14:24: How data sharing improves network performance00:16:27: First steps for adopting network intelligence and AI00:19:06: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:20:31: Outro

Arkestro's CEO, Rob DeSantis, joins us this week for an insightful conversation about why AI is the next major paradigm shift in the supply chain and how it can unlock faster value, better decisions, and happier teams.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== Join us as we explore AI as the next paradigm shift in supply chain. This week, Arkestro CEO Rob DeSantis shares lessons from the internet and cloud, the importance of trust and data quality, how AI is reshaping human work, and why fast time to value matters. ===== Guest 1: Rob DeSantis, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, ArkestroRob DeSantis is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Arkestro. As a former co-founder of Ariba running sales, Rob has deep expertise in the procurement space, having helped propel Ariba from zero to $250 million in revenue in four years and IPO of the year in 1999 before its acquisition by SAP a decade later. In addition to co-founding Ariba, Rob was also an early angel investor and board member of LinkedIn, the world's largest professional online network.More recently, Rob served as an investor and advisor to a small portfolio of companies, including Bloom Energy, HiQ Labs, Agiloft, USEND and more. He is also a co-founder of TrueParity. Rob started his career as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry and holds a BSME from the University of Rhode Island.Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:Arkestro: https://arkestro.comSupply Chain Management:  ⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠ ⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:00: Guest Introductions00:02:51: The biggest paradigm shifts00:04:53: Lessons from the internet and cloud for AI adoption00:07:23: Overcoming laggards and proving value in production00:08:55: Trusting AI in black-box supply chain planning00:11:54: How AI changes human roles and skills00:15:20: The main business benefits of AI00:19:02: KPIs for measuring AI success00:20:44: How Arkestro supports the paradigm shift00:22:38: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:23:19: Outro

SAP SCM value doesn't end at go-live. Jacob Ladson and Dmitry Antonovich share how continuous improvement, clean core, KPI governance, and agentic AI help organizations keep supply chain solutions delivering value.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== This week, LeverX's Jacob Ladson and Dmitry Antonovich join us to discuss what happens after go-live in SAP supply chain implementations. They cover operational drift, user adoption, clean core strategy, KPI governance, continuous improvement, and how agentic AI may reshape warehouse operations. Join us as we discuss the future of the supply chain! ===== Guest 1: Jacob Ladson, EWM Practice Lead, LeverXJacob Ladson is the EWM Practice Lead at LeverX, based in Houston, Texas, where he helps organizations modernize and optimize warehouse operations using SAP Extended Warehouse Management. He brings extensive experience leading warehouse transformation initiatives across implementations, enhancements, and optimization programs for complex distribution and manufacturing environments.Jacob partners with operations and IT leaders to translate business objectives into practical SAP solutions that improve throughput, labor efficiency, inventory accuracy, and operational visibility. He is known for delivering scalable, sustainable warehouse solutions that drive measurable results beyond go-live.Guest 2: Dmitry Antanovich, Solutions Director, SAP Supply Chain Management, LeverXTechnology and business leader with a strong focus on growth, strategy, and execution in SAP-driven transformation initiatives. As a Solutions Director, I lead solution strategy and customer engagement across complex SAP programs, helping organizations translate business priorities into clear technology roadmaps. I work closely with executive stakeholders, SAP teams, and partners to guide modernization efforts, moving from legacy landscapes to scalable, cloud-enabled architectures built on SAP S/4HANA and SAP BTP.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:LeverX: https://leverx.com/SAP EWM Value Realization Program: https://leverx.com/services/sap-ewm-value-realization-programWarehouse Efficiency Check Up: https://leverx.com/services/warehouse-assessment Blogs: SAP EWM Optimization After Go-Live: Unlocking Hidden Warehouse Performance: https://leverx.com/newsroom/sap-ewm-optimization-after-go-live Common Post Go-Live Traps in SAP EWM: How to Move From Stable to High-Performing Warehousing: https://leverx.com/newsroom/common-post-go-live-traps-in-sap-ewmSupply Chain Management:  ⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠ ⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠       Follow Us on Social Media : Jacob Ladson: LinkedInRichard Howells: LinkedIn, SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters:00:00:00: Intro00:01:22: Guest's Introductions00:02:55: Why value stalls after go-live00:05:15: Common causes of post-implementation failure00:06:03: Why trust and knowledge transfer matter00:07:48: Keeping the system flexible as the business changes00:09:01: Why clean core and technical debt matter 00:10:40: Using new SAP tools to stay agile00:12:10: Revisit unused capabilities after go-live00:15:26: KPI governance after implementation00:17:00: Breaking down silos across supply chain teams00:18:49: Continuous improvement examples after go-live00:22:30: How can LeverX help in logistics implementations 00:23:42: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:25:53: Outro

In this episode, SAP's David Vallejo discusses whether AI will replace or redefine supply chain jobs, and explains how assistants, agents, trust, and reskilling will shape a more strategic future for the workforce.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== SAP's David Vallejo joins us to explore one of supply chain's biggest questions: will AI replace jobs or redefine them? The conversation covers practical AI use cases, the role of assistants and agents, how to build trust, why reskilling matters, and which KPIs prove business value. ===== Guest: David Vallejo, Vice President, Head of SCM Innovations Product Marketing, SAPHis global organization leads strategy and growth initiatives for SAP's SCM portfolio which encompasses solutions for product lifecycle management, manufacturing, planning, logistics, assets and service management as well as the Business Network. The suite of AI-first solutions enable customers to orchestrate their supply chain with confidence to become risk-resilient, adaptable, and sustainable in their supply chain operations.David joined SAP in 2014 and has held various leadership positions before attaining his current role. During David's tenure he drove the successful launch of SAP's Supply Chain Business Network focusing on direct materials collaboration across the extended supply chain and driving the customer co-innovation program as product owner for SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP).Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:Supply Chain Management:  SAP Supply Chain Management SAP Insights: Supply Chain       Follow Us on Social Media : David Vallejo: LinkedInRichard Howells: LinkedIn, Oyku Ilgar: LinkedIn      SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00: Intro00:01:18: Guest introduction00:01:54: Will AI replace supply chain jobs?00:06:05: Where AI will have the first impact00:10:01: Building trust and adoption in teams00:13:58: Assistants, copilots, and job design00:19:02: Best early use cases for agents00:22:52: Reskilling supply chain organizations00:26:28: KPIs that prove AI value00:29:00 What's the future of the supply chain?00:31:10: Outro

Logistics used to be about keeping costs down; today, it's about surviving the next disruption. We're unpacking how to break free from aging legacy systems, when to play it safe versus leapfrog to the cloud, and what the future of logistics looks like.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠===== SAP's Till Dengel joins Richard Howells and Oyku Ilgar to discuss the shift from legacy logistics systems to cloud-based solutions. He outlines SAP's logistics modernization paths, explains how companies can assess complexity and risk, and shares his view on the future of supply chain as cloud-first, AI-enabled, and network-driven. ===== Guest: Till Dengel, VP Product Marketing Logistics, Assets and Service Management at SAP SETill Dengel oversees global market research, thought leadership, commercial strategy, positioning, messaging, and communications for SAP's Digital Logistics and Asset/Service Management portfolio. As an accomplished speaker in this domain, he offers a comprehensive perspective on market dynamics and the latest industry trends.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:Curious about your migration options? Check this out: 3 Journeys That Redefine Your Logistics in a Disruptive World  Supply Chain Management:  ⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠ Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: LinkedIn, SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

This week, we welcomed Sachin Vijayan from Westernacher, who explained how AI, agents, and real-time sensing are driving the shift toward self-healing supply chains and why humans will remain accountable.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠=====  In this episode, Sachin Vijayan of Westernacher joins us to discuss the rise of the self-healing supply chain. We explore how AI agents, sensing, automation, and real-time data can help supply chains respond to disruptions more quickly, while humans remain accountable for key decisions. ===== Guest: Sachin Vijayan, Global Planning Lead, Westernacher Consulting   Sachin Vijayan is an experienced supply chain transformation leader currently serving as the Global Planning Lead at Westernacher Consulting. With over a decade of experience in solutions architecture and consulting, he specializes in Digital Business Transformation, Integrated Business Planning (IBP), and Demand Planning across diverse global industries.Throughout his tenure at Westernacher, Sachin has held several key leadership positions, including the EU Regional Practice Lead and Solution Architect. He is recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between complex business requirements and robust technical models, driving operational excellence and high-quality client delivery.Sachin is known for his strategic approach to supply chain planning, helping organizations navigate modern market complexities through digital innovation and process optimization.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP  Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.  ===== Show Links:What if your supply chain could heal itself? Read the article Supply Chain Management:  SAP Supply Chain Management SAP Insights: Supply Chain       Follow Us on Social Media : Sachin Vijayan: LinkedInRichard Howells: LinkedIn, Oyku Ilgar: LinkedIn      SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn    Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00: Intro00:01:07: Guest Introductions00:01:44: What does “self-healing supply chain” mean in practice00:04:37: Core capabilities needed before a supply chain can self-heal00:07:50: The role of AI in enabling self-healing operations00:12:27: How humans and AI should work together00:17:33: What the planner of the future will do differently00:22:12: Where self-healing is already happening today00:26:17: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:27:20: Outro

In this episode, we go behind the scenes at Lufthansa Technik with Lena Kaehler. We discuss how they deliver aviation spare parts fast, adapt to trade changes, and aim for smarter AI and CO2 neutrality.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠===== On this episode, Lena Kaehler, Senior Director of Component Logistics, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Lufthansa Technik's global aviation spare-parts network. We break down how their team delivers speed and reliability to avoid AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations, while juggling strict safety regulations, airport access challenges, and an incredible variety of parts, including hazardous and high-value items.Discover how Lufthansa Technik supports around 800 airlines and manages a million shipments every year. Hear about their $2.3B pooled inventory, powered by a blend of proprietary systems, AI, and expert oversight.Lena also shares how they're adapting to shifting tariffs and trade rules, tackling crisis management, and optimizing transport networks. Plus: their vision for the future: smarter AI, ongoing trade volatility, and a push for CO2 neutrality.This is a must-hear episode if you want to get more insights from Lufthansa Technik. ===== Guest: Lena Kaehler, Senior Director Component Logistics, Transportation & Sales at Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services (LTLS).Lena Kaehler is Senior Director Component Logistics, Transportation & Sales at Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services (LTLS). With more than 20 years of experience in aviation, she has held roles across spare parts supply, base maintenance, airline flight operations, and logistics. In her current position, Lena is responsible for Lufthansa Technik's global transportation network, holistic logistics solutions for the component business, and sales activities for LTLS customers worldwide. She studied industrial engineering and is passionate about the international, connecting nature of aviation.Host 1: Sin To, SAPSin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku Ilgar has been working in the digital supply chain area at SAP since 2017. As a marketer and blogger, she creates written and visual marketing content about ERP and Supply Chain solutions and focuses on the topics of business trends, IoT, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmFollow Us on Social Media : Lena Kaehler:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-kähler-944659146/ Sin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to Oyku Ilgar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oykuilgar/ SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:22 Podcast Welcome00:01:20 Meet Lena Kaehler00:02:34 Aviation Logistics Challenges00:06:22 Scale of Global Network00:09:37 Pooling and Stock Planning00:12:46 Tariffs and Customs Volatility00:17:11 AI and Digitization Reality00:19:29 Repair Cycle and AOG Urgency00:22:26 Transport Network Operations00:26:55 Future of Supply Chain00:29:12 Wrap Up and Thanks

Discover industrial AI at Hannover Messe with SAP's Matthias Deindl, covering embodied AI, productivity-boosting agents, and demos like ginger-shot packaging, digital twins, warehouse robots and partner integrations. Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠===== This episode explores industrial AI at Hannover Messe (20–24 April) with SAP's Matthias Deindl. Key topics include embodied AI (robots in production, logistics, asset management) and AI agents that enhance productivity and reduce errors. The SAP booth at HMI features a ginger-shot packaging demonstrator, digital twins, humanoid warehouse handling, CNC machining, and partner integrations. Matthias emphasises the importance of accurate, timely data, using SAP Business Data Cloud to enable autonomous tasks like AI-assisted tendering and robot-led inspections. The SAP booth at HMI features a ginger-shot packaging demonstrator, digital twins, humanoid warehouse handling, CNC machining, and partner integrations. The episode envisions seamless disturbance response, improved productivity for an ageing workforce, and stronger human–AI collaboration.  ===== Guest: Matthias DeindlMatthias Deindl is a digital transformation leader focused on discrete industries and supply chains, with more than 17 years of leadership in dynamic, cross-functional environments. At SAP, he currently leads end-to-end product management for Discrete Industries. Previously, he headed supply chain management initiatives across the global SAP Experience Centers network and oversaw the SAP S.Factory Walldorf, helping customers in process and discrete industries accelerate their digital transformation. Before joining SAP, Matthias served as a Group Leader and Product Owner in a corporate IoT startup at Bosch and worked as an Innovation Manager in Corporate Logistics. Earlier in his career, he was a Project Lead and Head of Department in R&D at RWTH Aachen. He has collaborated with customers across automotive, aviation, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, and logistics. Matthias holds a Diplom in industrial engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scm Visit us at Hannover Messe (HMI): Hall 15, Booth F08Follow Us on Social Media : Matthias Deindl:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdeindl/   Richard Howells:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells Sin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208 SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Vision for AI Supply Chains00:01:51 Meet Matthias and Industrial AI Today00:02:14 Two AI Tracks Robots and Assistants00:03:30 Data Foundations and Business Data Cloud00:05:04 Deployment Challenges and Quick Win Use Cases00:06:46 Embodied AI Inspection Robots00:09:51 Resilience Roadmap Transparency to Agents00:12:25 Human Machine Collaboration at the SAP Booth00:15:41 Ecosystems and Partner Integration00:19:17 Closing and How to Find SAP at Hannover Messe

Digital battery passports are set to transform supply chains by driving transparency, interoperability, and circular business models beyond compliance. In this episode, we explore how companies can prepare for 2027 and use compliance as a strategic advantage.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠===== In this episode, we unpack the EU digital battery passport mandate and what it means for global supply chains. We discuss key requirements, data ownership, interoperability, security, AI, and the business value of digital product passports. The conversation also covers how companies can prepare for 2027 and use compliance as a strategic advantage.===== Guest: Oleksandra Ostapenko, SAP15+ years of international experience in overseeing complex, large-scale programs and products, driving strategic initiatives, and delivering impactful results across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.• Expertise in product and portfolio management, strategic customer engagements, corporate operations, and mergers and acquisitions.• As Head of Product Management, Industry Standards at SAP, I define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap to embed industry standards such as AAS and regulatory requirements such as ESPR and Digital Product Passport across our portfolio and lead initiatives to drive adoption of both our products and the standards.Host 1: Sin ToSin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.Host 2: Zoriana ZahorodniaZoriana is a Product Marketer specializing in Supply Chain Management. As an engaging content creator, blogger, and podcaster, she explores how supply chain innovations and sustainability shape the future of global business.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Battery Passport Join us at Hannover Messe  SAP Digital Supply ChainFollow Us on Social Media : Oleksandra Ostapenko Sin To Zoriana Zahorodnia SAP Digital Supply Chain Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Beyond Compliance Promise00:00:47 Podcast Intro and Guests00:02:19 What Is Battery Passport00:03:47 2027 Requirements and Scope00:05:50 Who Owns the Data00:08:14 SAP Solution Overview00:11:33 Data Challenges and Standards00:15:18 Global Regulations and Security00:19:13 Value Creation Use Cases00:21:57 Roadmap to 202700:23:51 Blueprint for Other Products00:26:24 Demo Invitation Hannover Messe00:27:10 AI in Battery Passports00:28:14 2030 Outlook and Wrap Up

In this episode, we are joined by Markus Kirchschlager, who explains how mindset, organization, skills, and AI-enabled platforms build trust, fight change fatigue, and connect shopfloor and boardroom.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠===== In this episode, we talk about communication as the operating system of supply chain transformation. Together with our guest Markus Kirchschlager, we explore his three pillar framework, how to build trust across ecosystems, prevent change fatigue, integrate AI and digital platforms, and empower leaders as communicators from the shopfloor to the boardroom. ===== Guest: Markus Kirchschlager, Managing Partner PANTARHEI AdvisorsMarkus Kirchschlager is an entrepreneur and managing partner of PANTARHEI Advisors, deeply invested in communications and technology. As an experienced communicator and strategy consultant – and as a trained computer scientist – his focus is on international transformation projects at the intersection of communication, technology, leadership, and organisational change. At PANTARHEI, his clients include DAX-listed companies such as Bayer, the BMW Group and Lufthansa, Rolls-Royce (FTSE-100) as well as globally operating mid-sized businesses and international tech scale-ups. Markus' background includes the frontlines of Public Affairs on EU level. He has worked at PANTARHEI's Brussels office, was part of the European Commission's information service in Vienna and a spokesperson for the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. He is a trained computer scientist, studied communications management and holds an MBA in General Management and Finance from the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Markus' voluntary work includes being one of the contributors to the World Economic Forum's “Future 50” programme on intergenerational foresight as well as being a team member the European Commission's Team Europe.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠www.sap.com/scm⁠World Economic Forum (WEF): https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/accelerating-transformation-in-manufacturing-from-the-factory-floor-to-the-boardroom/  Follow Us on Social Media : Markus KirchschlagerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kirchschlager/ Richard Howells:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells Sin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208 SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00: Intro00:01:28: Guest introduction00:02:23: Three‑pillar communication framework00:03:31: Communication as ecosystem “campfire”00:04:54: Transparency, risk and trust00:06:16: Preventing change and transformation fatigue00:07:40: Global message, local realities00:09:02: AI, platforms and new intermediaries00:09:47: Communication skills for modern leaders00:13:57: Digital platforms, analytics and targeting00:15:39 What's the future of the supply chain?00:17:51: Outro

This week, we explore how AI, trusted data, and planning agents are redefining supply chain planning, helping planners shift from reactive firefighting to proactive, autonomous, decision-centric planning.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠===== In this episode, SAP's Lori Harner explains why now is the moment to reimagine supply chain planning with AI, as volatility, sustainability, and talent pressures rise. Together, we discuss the “planner of the future,” real-life customer use cases with agents, how SAP helps organizations move beyond spreadsheets, and how governance, data quality, and six core planning pillars enable the journey from efficiency to resilient, autonomous planning. ===== Guest: Lori Harner, Vice President and Global Head of Product Marketing for Supply Chain Planning, SAPLori Harner is the Vice President and Global Head of Product Marketing for supply chain planning at SAP. With a long track record of building and leading high-performing teams, Lori brings a customer-first mindset to her role, driving innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of today's supply chains. Prior to joining SAP, Lori built the product marketing function and team for WEX, a leading financial services firm. Her extensive experience also includes leadership positions at Microsoft, Blue Yonder, E2open, and others. When not driving supply chain innovation, Lori enjoys an active lifestyle in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She has a passion for the outdoors and loves hiking, walking, and biking.  Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:SAP POV:  Reinventing Planning for a New Era of Supply ChainAI-Infused Supply Chain Planning: IDC Info Brief & InfographicWebinar: Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: Register,or view a previous webinar video & transcript Supply Chain Management: ⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠ ⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠  Follow Us on Social Media : Lori Harner: LinkedInRichard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠, SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00: Intro00:00:56: Guest's Introductions00:01:36: Why transform planning now? 00:03:36: How AI addresses industry‑specific challenges across different industries 00:05:12: Day in the life of the planner of the future00:08:40: Real‑world early adopters00:11:09: How SAP helps bridge the adoption gap and help with a true business planning culture00:14:28: Data, trust, and governance00:17:02: Common pitfalls in planning transformations 00:19:20: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:21:44: Outro

In this episode, we are joined by Maria Clara Sayeg from the World Economic Forum to discuss the transformative impact of AI and data on modern supply chains and how its role creates a responsive and transparent supply chain. Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠===== In this episode, we are joined by Maria Clara Sayeg from the World Economic Forum to discuss the transformative impact of AI and data on modern supply chains and how its role creates a responsive and transparent supply chain. We will discuss the importance of real-time data and the need for cross-industry collaboration. The episode also addresses future trends in manufacturing, focusing on autonomous systems, circular resource flows, and augmented workforce capabilities. ===== Guest: Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro is an industrial AI strategist and product builder who's spent the last decade at the intersection of management consulting and technology, first at DuPont Sustainable Solutions, where she led engagements across industrial clients and built a global SaaS portfolio, and now at the World Economic Forum, where she leads AI and Data Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains. With a background spanning four languages, an Executive MBA from EPFL, and deployments across 190+ industrial sites globally, Maria brings a rare mix of strategic perspective and hands-on product instinct to every conversation. She's passionate about making industrial AI real, not just a slide deck, but a working system that drives measurable outcomes in sustainability, resilience, and operational performance.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmWorld Economic Forum (WEF):https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/factories-that-think/https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-advanced-manufacturing-and-supply-chains/luminahttps://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Value_Chains_Outlook_2026.pdfhttps://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Lighthouse_Network_2026.pdfFollow Us on Social Media : Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaclarasayeg/ Richard Howells:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells Sin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208 SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Future Supply Chains00:00:43 Meet the Guest Maria Clara Sayeg00:02:18 AI and Data in Modern Supply Chains00:04:08 Real-World AI Implementations00:10:03 Transparency and Sustainability00:12:41 Data Integration Challenges00:16:04 Cross-Industry Collaboration00:20:20 Future Trends in Manufacturing00:24:12 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

This week, we explore how real time data, AI driven orchestration, and proactive communication are transforming last mile delivery into a powerful driver of customer experience and loyalty.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠===== In this episode, Richard Howells talks with OneRail founder and CEO Bill Catania about turning last mile delivery from a cost center into a strategic CX advantage. They cover inventory visibility, carrier optionality, AI driven orchestration, proactive customer communication, and why real time data will shape the future of supply chain. ===== Guest: Bill Catania, CEO, OneRailBill Catania is the Founder and CEO of OneRail, a last-mile delivery orchestration platform that combines AI-powered software with logistics-as-a-service to deliver the speed, reliability, and visibility businesses need to meet their delivery promises. A seasoned startup entrepreneur, Catania specializes in building and scaling real-time technology networks for enterprise retailers and wholesalers. A recognized thought leader in AI-driven fulfillment and last mile logistics, Catania is a frequent speaker at major retail, supply chain, and technology forums, sharing insights on the future of delivery orchestration and customer-centric supply chains.​​Prior to founding OneRail, Catania launched M-Dot Network, a digital coupon pioneer and the first retail POS-to-cloud transaction engine to enable real-time digital coupon redemption at grocery checkouts across North America. Under his leadership, M-Dot won the Amazon Web Services Start-Up Challenge, surpassing more than 1,500 companies from 23 countries. His entrepreneurial leadership and sustained impact on enterprise technology earned him recognition as one of Goldman Sachs' Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2024 at the Builders and Innovators Summit. Across his career, Catania has built category-defining platforms at the intersection of data, intelligent networks, and real-time decisioning—solving complex, operational challenges at enterprise scale.Host 1: Richard Howells⁠Richard Howells⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:OneRail: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onerail-lastmile Supply Chain Management: SAP Supply Chain Management SAP Insights: Supply Chain  Follow Us on Social Media : Bill Catania: LinkedInRichard Howells: LinkedIn, SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00: Intro00:01:04: Guest's Introductions00:01:45: How customer experience has evolved with e‑commerce and the Amazon effect00:03:10: Biggest challenges: inventory visibility, micro‑warehouses, and carrier optionality00:04:43: Balancing speed, cost, sustainability and why Excel and “deliver at all costs” no longer work00:12:08: How the delivery experience directly impacts brand loyalty00:19:32: How can advanced delivery orchestration platforms help companies? 00:23:01: Cross‑functional operating model and how SAP–OneRail integration enables real‑time last‑mile execution00:26:45: What is the Future of Supply Chain?00:29:26: Outro

For International Women's Day, we speak with SAP's Mindy Davis and Lori Harner on empathetic leadership, “Give to Gain,” AI-driven supply chain change, talent strategies, and embracing change.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠===== In our International Women's Day episode, SAP's Mindy Davis and Lori Harner discuss empathetic leadership, the “Give to Gain” principle, and how AI is transforming supply chains. They highlight the importance of context, inclusivity, and being open to change, share strategies for attracting talent, and note the shift from efficiency and resilience toward autonomy in supply chain management.Come join us for this exciting journey!===== Guest: Mindy Davis, Global Vice President, Product Marketing, SAP Supply Chain ManagementMindy Davis is global vice president of product marketing for SAP Supply Chain Management, where she leads the marketing strategy for SAP's supply chain solution portfolio. Since joining SAP in 2004, Mindy has held key roles in marketing, alliances, merchandising, and business development. She is recognized for her expertise in building high-performing teams and providing innovative strategic leadership in the software industry. Mindy was featured on the front cover of CIO Look Magazine in 2022 as one of the 10 most influential leaders in supply Chain. She hosted a very well received LinkedIn Live series for Women in Supply Chain and speaks regularly at events around the world.Guest: Lori Harner, Vice President and Global Head of Product Marketing for Supply Chain Planning at SAPLori Harner is the Vice President and Global Head of Product Marketing for supply chain planning at SAP. With a long track record of building and leading high-performing teams, Lori brings a customer-first mindset to her role, driving innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of today's supply chains. Prior to joining SAP, Lori built the product marketing function and team for WEX, a leading financial services firm. Her extensive experience also includes leadership positions at Microsoft, Blue Yonder, E2open, and others. When not driving supply chain innovation, Lori enjoys an active lifestyle in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She has a passion for the outdoors and loves hiking, walking, and biking. Host 1: Sin ToSin brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.Host 2: Zoriana ZahorodniaZoriana is a Product Marketer specializing in Supply Chain Management. As an engaging content creator, blogger, and podcaster, she explores how supply chain innovations and sustainability shape the future of global business.===== Show Links:SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scmFollow Us on Social Media : Mindy DavisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-davis-88a2b54/ Lori HarnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-harner/ Sin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208 Zoriana ZahorodniaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoriana-zahordnia-a3096a205/SAP Digital Supply Chain:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Supply Chain Transformation00:00:41 Podcast Welcome00:01:18 Meet Mindy and Lori00:02:39 Women Leading with Empathy00:04:52 Give to Gain Leadership00:06:21 From Efficiency to Resilience00:09:14 AI and Agentic Opportunities00:11:29 AI in Practice at SAP00:16:20 Women in Supply Chain Today00:19:11 Inclusive Leadership in Uncertainty00:21:20 Attracting the Next Generation00:25:18 Advice for Young Women00:27:55 Future of Supply Chain00:30:42 Closing and Thanks

This week, we talk about how tariffs, sanctions and geopolitical uncertainty disrupt global supply chains, and how companies can improve visibility, ensure compliance and build resilient, de-risked global trade operationsDownload the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript===== In this episode, we unpack how tariffs, sanctions, regulations and geopolitical tensions are reshaping global trade and supply chains. We explore the role of data and technology in managing risk, improving compliance, and designing more resilient global networks for the future ===== Guest: Kevin McCollom, Vice President of Go to Market, ArchLynkKevin McCollom is an experienced enterprise software leader with a long track record in ERP, finance, and global trade. He previously served as Global VP for SAP Cloud ERP and Finance Lines of Business and held strategic leadership roles across SAP's Finance and Risk organization. He now serves as Vice President of Go to Market (GTM) at ArchLynk, helping guide global supply chain and trade solution strategy.Guest: Nilesh Shimpi, Associate Director, ArchLynkNilesh Shimpi is an accomplished solution architect with extensive experience in global trade and supply chain management. He has successfully led numerous projects involving SAP Global Trade Services. Currently, he serves as the Associate Director at ArchLynk, where he plays a key role in guiding the development of global supply chain and trade practices.Guest: Thomas Frenehard, Senior Manager, SAPThomas is Senior Manager within the Governance, Risk, and Compliance Product Marketing team at SAP where he focuses on International Trade Compliance and Enterprise Risk and Compliance topics. He is also a regular contributor on social media (SAP GRC Tuesdays & LinkedIn) and presenter at various SAP and non-SAP conferences on GRC matters.Host 1: Richard HowellsRichard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.===== Show Links:Supply Chain Management: SAP Supply Chain Management SAP Insights: Supply Chain https://archlynk.com/Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00: Intro00:01:00: Guest introduction00:02:19: How tariffs, sanctions, and regulations are reshaping supply chains00:08:40  What risks are companies facing from an operational perspective? 00:12:27: How are companies turning these challenges into opportunities?00:15:53: Role of technology and data in managing global trade00:18:26: What should leaders prioritize to stay ahead of the global trade risks 00:20:39 What's the future of the supply chain?00:22:24: Outro

One of Europe's most strategic infrastructure projects: Richard and Sin talk with Kai Gerullis from the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce about how the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is reshaping logistics corridors, transport efficiency, and cross-border supply chains.Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript===== In this episode, Richard Howells and Sin To speak with Kai Gerullis from the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce about the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, one of Europe's most strategically significant infrastructure projects. The fixed link between Germany and Denmark is reshaping transport times, trade routes, and regional competitiveness.The focus: European logistics corridors, political and economic implications, technology, multimodality, and sustainability and why the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is setting new benchmarks for cross-border infrastructure.Essential listening for those who don't just manage supply chains, but shape them. ===== Guest: Kai Gerullis, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Transport and Port Affairs at the Hamburg Chamber of CommerceKai Gerullis is Deputy Managing Director and Head of Transport and Port Affairs at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. He also leads the Infrastructure Committee of the Fehmarnbelt Business Council (FBBC), a cross-border network of business organizations from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden dedicated to strengthening the Fehmarnbelt region and supporting the economic opportunities linked to the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel. With an academic background in political science and professional training as a journalist, Kai has many years of experience in the fields of ports, mobility, and logistics. His work focuses on infrastructure and port development, regional cooperation, and the future of transport.Host 1: Richard HowellsRichard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 2: Sin ToSin To brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP's supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team.===== Show Links: Fehmarnbelt Business Council: https://fbbc.eu/SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scm Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠Sin To: LinkedInSAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!  ===== Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to the episode 00:01:24 Guest Introduction: Kai Gerullis00:02:26 Project Details and Goals00:03:41 Economic and Regional Impact00:05:07 Supply Chain Benefits00:05:55 Multimodal Logistics Opportunities00:06:48 Sustainability and Environmental Impact00:09:04 Political and Strategic Significance00:10:20 Challenges and Risk Management00:12:58 Technological Innovations00:15:35 Future Outlook and Outro

In this episode, we explore why hyperconnected, orchestrated supply chains are critical, covering visibility, disruption management, talent, AI, collaboration, and how SAP and Deloitte help leaders modernize. Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== This week we, together with Deloitte's Jagjeet Singh discuss the shift toward hyperconnected, orchestrated supply chains. They discuss today's top challenges - limited visibility, constant disruptions, and talent gaps - and how to break silos, align planning with execution, and use AI, control towers, and collaboration platforms to improve decisions. ===== Guest 1: Jagjeet Singh, US SAP Supply Chain Market Offering Leader, DeloitteJagjeet is a principal (equity partner) in the Deloitte US firm providing Consulting Services to clients in several industries including MedTech, Pharma, Consumer and Manufacturing. In his experience of more than 25 years, he has led global and complex enterprise transformation programs creating value for organizations through simplification, standardization, AI-enabled innovation and automation with SAP. He leads the US SAP Supply Chain market offering for the firm driving external relationships, internal talent enablement, and asset development for the supply chain domain. His end-to-end transformation expertise includes advising companies on implementing best business strategies to maximize revenue, minimize cost and improve margins. ⁠ Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP ⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability. ===== Show Links: Deloitte: https://www.deloitte.comSupply Chain Management: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow Us on Social Media  Richard Howells: LinkedIn, SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!   =====  Chapters:   00:00:00: Intro00:01:25: Guest introduction00:02:19: Key 2026 challenges: visibility, disruptions, talent00:04:19:   What makes it difficult to react quickly and efficiently to disruptions? 00:09:06: Real impact of  internal silos and disconnected systems00:10:33: What leaders need: orchestration, risk mindset, and decision frameworks00:12:56: Using data and AI to automate and orchestrate end-to-end
00:16:36: Collaborating beyond the four walls and multi-tier visibility00:18:52:  Best practices & Quick wins: more agile and orchestrated supply chain00:22:00: How SAP and Deloitte partner on orchestration 00:24:32 What's the future of the supply chain?00:25:38: Outro

This week, we welcomed SAP's Hagen Heubach to discuss the EV battery supply chain, covering risks, production strategies, data, AI, and recycling. We also explored why software is increasingly becoming a crucial differentiator for automakers Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== In this episode, we were joined by SAP's Hagen Heubach to dive into the full lifecycle of EV batteries, from raw material sourcing and plant strategy to quality, second-life use, and recycling. We discussed data, digital twins, industry collaboration, and AI, and examined how in-car software and autonomous driving are reshaping competitive advantage in automotive supply chains. ===== Guest 1: Hagen Heubach, Chief Marketing Officer for Supply Chain Management, SAP   Hagen Heubach joined SAP in 2007 and has held numerous leadership positions. Prior to his current role, he was leading Discrete Industries at SAP, holding the end-to-end business and solution responsibility for Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing, Hight Tech and Aerospace and Defense. He was living for multiple years in Japan and was driving SAP business expansion for Asia Pacific.Together with his team, he spearheads product marketing, strategic customer engagements, demand generation, thought leadership, and the commercialization of SAP's supply chain portfolio.⁠ Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP ⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.Host 1: Oyku Ilgar, SAP    Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP's digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.   She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape.   ===== Show Links: Supply Chain Management: ⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠   Follow Us on Social Media  Hagen Heubach: LinkedInRichard Howells: LinkedInOyku Ilgar: LinkedIn      SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!   =====  Chapters:   00:00:00: Intro00:01:02: Guest introduction00:01:18: Challenges of EV battery supply chains00:04:58:  How are manufacturers balancing all of these challenges?00:10:15: Vertical integration vs outsourcing in battery value chains00:14:02: Zero-life reliability concept explained00:16:32: Second-life applications for used EV batteries00:17:21: Data, digital twins and supply chain orchestration00:21:22: Sustainability, battery passports and dismantling factories00:24:27: Future technologies, 1,000 km range and AI in battery lifecycle00:27:16: What's the future of the supply chain?00:28:18: Outro

In this week's episode, we explore why the future of manufacturing is in the cloud, how hybrid architectures, AI, and edge are transforming plants, and what leaders must do on security, data, and people to succeed. Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠ ===== This week, alongside IBM's Shaun Mitra, we explore why modern manufacturing should be in the cloud. We discuss how hybrid cloud and edge architectures facilitate real-time, data-driven plants, and the roles of AI, digital twins, and Industry 4.0. Additionally, Shaun shares insights on cybersecurity, data governance, workforce upskilling, and practical steps for manufacturers to start their cloud journey. ===== Guest 1: Shaun Mitra, Partner, Manufacturing & Enterprise Asset Management, IBMShaun Mitra is a Partner at IBM, responsible for Manufacturing and Supply Chain Transformation. With over 25 years of experience, Shaun has led large-scale global ERP and digital manufacturing transformations for complex industrial organizations. He specializes in SAP S/4HANA RISE, Digital Manufacturing, PLM systems and Industry 4.0, enabling clients to modernize operations, optimize assets, and scale globally.Shaun has successfully delivered multi-region transformation programs for global enterprises including Shell, Air Products and Chemicals, INEOS, Saint-Gobain, and Valmont Industries, driving measurable improvements in operational efficiency, supply chain performance, and asset reliability⁠ Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP ⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability. ===== Show Links:IBM: https://www.ibm.com/us-en Shaun Mitra: LinkedIn Supply Chain Management: ⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠ ⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠   Follow Us on Social Media  Richard Howells: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠X⁠⁠  SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!   =====  Chapters:   00:00:00: Intro00:00:57: Guest introduction00:01:35: Why manufacturers resisted the cloud and what changed00:04:02: Cloud platforms across design, production, and maintenance00:07:27: Embedding AI, digital twins, Industry 4.000:09:57: Cybersecurity and data governance in the cloud00:11:36: People, upskilling, and change management00:14:49: Five practical steps to start a cloud journey00:16:58: Factory of the future: mostly autonomous and data-driven00:18:12: How the SAP–IBM partnership supports cloud manufacturing00:19:14: What's the future of the supply chain?00:19:58: Outro

In this week's episode Richard and SAP's Dominik Metzger explore how Agentic AI, simulations and data fabrics redefine supply chain orchestration, turning disruption into advantage and reshaping roles, networks and operating models for 2026 and beyond Download the ⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠ ===== This week we, together with SAP's Dominik Metzger, dive into the role of AI and orchestration in the supply chain of 2026 and beyond. Dominik explains how Agentic AI, persona based assistants and simulations help sense risk, model scenarios and execute responses across functions. The conversation covers data strategy, business data fabrics, end tier visibility, quantum computing and Agentic AI. ===== Guest 1: Dominik Metzger, President & Chief Product Officer, Supply Chain Management, SAP Dominik Metzger is President, Chief Product Officer for SAP's Supply Chain Management organization, overseeing a global Line of Business (LoB). This organization is focused on SAP's comprehensive portfolio of products across the entire Design-to-Operate process coupled with the SAP Business Network solutions that drive efficient, agile, resilient and sustainable supply chains for customers. His product responsibilities encompass the design, product management, engineering, marketing and go-to-market functions.  Dominik has over 18 years of experience in the Supply Chain field, with a strong background in consulting, product management and go-to-market responsibilities. Prior to taking on his current role, Dominik led the SAP Digital Supply Chain product organisation. He joined SAP in 2020 to lead the company's Industry 4.0 initiative and quickly took on additional responsibilities as the Head of Product Management for Manufacturing and Industrial IoT.  Before joining SAP, Dominik lived in New York City where he was a Managing Director for the implementation partner Westernacher Consulting. Prior to his time in the US, Dominik worked as a Solution Architect for Digital Supply Chain solutions in Singapore (for 4 years) and Germany. Throughout his career in Consulting, he successfully led and delivered numerous digital transformation projects across various industries including Automotive, Chemicals, Consumer Products, Logistics Service Providers, IM&C and Retail. These projects spanned multiple regions, including Europe and Asia. ⁠ Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP ⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP's ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability. ===== Show Links: Supply Chain Management: ⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠ ⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠   Follow Us on Social Media  Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠X⁠  SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!   =====  Chapters:   00:00:00: Intro00:01:21: Guests' Introductions00:01:43: Entering 2026: Top Priorities for Supply Chain Leaders00:05:06: End‑Tier Visibility, Risk Sensing, and Impact Analysis00:11:01: Agentic Workflows: Multiple AI Assistants Collaborating00:17:10: Data Foundations: Ownership, Quality, and Business Context00:22:43: 2026 and Beyond: Agentic AI, Quantum Computing, and Physical AI00:26:53: What is the Future of Supply Chain?