Let’s Talk Data: Business Technology Podcast | SAP – Détails, épisodes et analyse

The episode features Jennifer Frank McGrory speaking with Steve Birgfeld, Vice President of IT and Services of Blue Diamond Growers., a leading agricultural cooperative and almond processor. They discuss the company's journey through digital transformation and the role of technology in enhancing its operations, customer experience, and market reach. Steve and Jen dive into how Blue Diamond Growers embraced digital transformation to address industry challenges, improve efficiency, and meet customer expectations. It offers valuable lessons for organizations in agriculture and beyond, showcasing the potential of technology to drive growth and sustainability while honoring legacy and tradition.

5 Key Topics of Discussion:

1. Digital Transformation is Essential for Growth and Efficiency: Embracing modern technologies like cloud-based platforms, data analytics, and predictive tools can significantly enhance operational efficiency, supply chain transparency, and product quality in the agriculture industry.
2. Balancing Tradition with Innovation: Successful digital transformation in agriculture requires blending innovative technologies with a company’s legacy values, ensuring that tradition and sustainability are preserved while evolving to meet modern demands.
3. Sustainability is a Core Driver: Technological advancements support sustainability initiatives such as water conservation, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting ethical farming practices, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility in the digital age.
4. Cultural and Organizational Shifts are Key to Success: A successful digital transformation journey requires overcoming internal challenges, such as cultural shifts, engaging stakeholders, and aligning teams around common goals.
5. Ongoing Process and Continuous Improvement: Digital transformation is not a one-time project but an ongoing journey. It’s crucial to start small, test solutions, learn from experiences, and scale what works to achieve long-term success.

Subscribe to The Let’s Talk Data Podcast 

Apple Podcasts 

Spotify 

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Connect With Steve Birgfeld 

Linkedin 

Connect With Jennifer Frank McGrory 

LinkedIn 

Don’t stop here – discover more: 

Value Exploration Workshop - a hands-on gamified SAP S/4HANA Cloud simulation experience. Catch the last workshop for 2024: https://bit.ly/41ilyOQ

5 Minutes with....Glen Moffatt on The Renaissance of ERP: https://bit.ly/3Eeefvr  

SAP has a Cloud solution for every organization, learn more: https://bit.ly/3NOkoln 

In this episode of the SAP Let's Talk Data podcast, host Corrie Birkeness is joined by experts Andreas Seifried (Product Manager at SAP) and Kai Hüner (CTO of CDQ) as they discuss the critical role of automation and data quality in master data management (MDM). They dive into the value of automation in master data management (MDM) and the critical role of high-quality, trusted data in enabling reliable and efficient automation. They explore the challenges of manual data management, such as errors, inefficiencies, and delays, and highlights how automation can improve data accuracy, save costs, and support business growth. 

Andreas and Kai also explain how their collaboration integrates CDQ's trusted data services with SAP's Master Data Governance (MDG) solution. They share examples of companies achieving faster processes, reduced compliance risks, and enhanced scalability through automation. 

 Key Topics of Discussion: 

• The Importance of Trusted, High-Quality Data - Trusted data is essential for reliable automation, compliance, and AI initiatives. The concept of "trusted data" emphasizes accuracy, traceability, and verified sources like tax authorities or trade registers. 
• Challenges of Manual Master Data Management (MDM) - Manual MDM is labor-intensive, error-prone, and causes inefficiencies, delays, and bottlenecks. Mistakes in master data lead to operational issues like delayed logistics, compliance failures, and rework costs. 

• Benefits of Automation in MDM - Automation reduces manual effort, errors, and compliance risks while improving speed and scalability. Examples highlight significant cost and time savings, such as reducing supplier onboarding from 50 minutes to 1 minute. 

• Collaboration Between SAP and CDQ - SAP MDG integrates with CDQ's trusted data services to enable seamless data lookup, enrichment, and validation. Simplified setup processes, like value mapping and trusted data sourcing, streamline automation implementation. 

• Features Supporting Automation in SAP MDG - Tools like derivation rules, rule mining, and AI-powered features enhance data accuracy and governance. These features help organizations automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and enable growth. 

Subscribe to The Let’s Talk Data Podcast 

Apple Podcasts 

Spotify 

YouTube 

Connect With Corrie Birkeness 

Linkedin 

Connect With Andreas Seifried 

LinkedIn 

Connect With Kia Hüner 

LinkedIn 

Additional Resources: 

CDQ Business Value Study: https://hubs.la/Q02YwW-_0  

Enrichment of Business Partner Master Data using CDQ blog: https://community.sap.com/t5/technology-blogs-by-sap/mass-enrichment-of-business-partners-with-tax-and-id-numbers-found-using/ba-p/13915206  

SAP Master Data Governance product page: www.sap.com/mdg 

CDQ on the SAP Store: https://store.sap.com/dcp/en/product/display-2001000790_live_v1 

Listen as SAP data experts, Gebhard Roos, Maria Villar, and Tina Rosario discuss the concepts that fall under the umbrella of “Data as a Product.” They will converse on the nuances and value of various approaches to data sharing, including democratization, monetization, and data marketplaces, with both inside and outside views.

Host: Corrie Birkeness

Speakers:

Gebhard Roos – Product Manager for SAP Datasphere Data Marketplace

Maria Villar – Head of North America Data Strategy and Transformation

Tina Rosario – Chief Data Officer, SAP Europe

Important Links:

SAP solutions for Data & Analytics: https://bit.ly/3IDy9kS

Blog on SAP Datasphere Marketplace: https://bit.ly/4d39Fzq

SAP Business Network: https://bit.ly/3JmF56p

SAP Sustainability Data Exchange: https://bit.ly/3Q3GeU0

Key Topics of Discussion:

• Distinguishing Data Product vs. Data as a Product: Exploring the operational model and overarching principles that define these concepts.
• Characteristics of Data Products: Delving into the transparency, alignment with consumer needs, and governance constraints that distinguish data products.
• Role of Data Marketplaces: Understanding the significance of data marketplaces in facilitating internal and external data exchange, monetization, and collaboration.
• Models of Data Sharing: Exploring various models of data sharing, including public domain data, commercial data sharing, and indirect monetization, both internally and externally.
• Organizational Challenges: Addressing the organizational buy-in, education, and mindset shift required to prioritize consumer needs and navigate the complexities of data product implementation.
• Technical Challenges: Discussing the technical considerations and architectural models necessary for effective data product creation and management.
• Transparency and Trustworthiness: Highlighting the importance of transparency, trustworthiness, and consumer-centric design in building successful data products and marketplaces.

SAP experts discuss SAP S/4HANA extensions best practices and SAP Build Code.

Topics discussed:

Introduction to S/4HANA Extensions Best Practices

• What is Clean Core
• Extensibility Options and Best Practices for S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition customers
• Advantages and disadvantages of on-stack vs using BTP tools
• Extensibility changes for S/4HANA over the past few years. 
• Best practices for UI-focused applications and mobile services with SAP S/4HANA

 SAP Build Code for SAP S/4HANA developers

• What is AI bringing to the table for S/4HANA implementers and developers
• Build Code scenarios for developers who are using Business Application Studio right now
• Build Code roadmap plans to help developers work more easily with S/4HANA
• How S/4HANA developers can improve governance
• Pragmatic recommendations for the type of extensions developers should create

Speakers:

Vanessa Micelli-Schmidt, Chief Product Manager, SAP Build

Felix Wente, Chief Development Architect, SAP S/4HANA

Mark Wright, Director, Marketing and Solutions, SAP Build Code

Host: Terry Penner, Marketing and Solutions, SAP BTP

Call to Action:

Explore SAP Build Code at SAP.com/Build-Code

Learn more about SAP BTP for S/4HANA and RISE at sap.com/btp-for-s4hana

Hear from SAP Gold partner, AG Consultancy and Apps, on their continued delivery of successful customer engagements and technical and commercial expertise in the enterprise application development and automation space. Discover the community RPA bots created by AG and how Enterprise Automation from SAP can elevate your existing app and automation investments.

Speakers:

Nick Champion - Co-Founder & Director, AG Consultancy and Apps

Rahul Kumar - Technical Solution Lead, AG Consultancy and Apps

John Luu - Product Marketing Manager, SAP Build Process Automation

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Enterprise Automation

Check out AG's SAP Build implementation and support services

Browse the partner-built community bots

Topics Include:

Overview of AG Consultancy & Apps

Customer Trends and Challenges

The Role of SAP Build

Taking Automation to the Next Level

Third-Party Connectivity

Development of Automation Bots

While companies know that managing their data is essential, it can also be tough – and technology is not necessarily the hardest part, it is the people and the process. Join, Maria Villar, Head of North America Data Strategy and Transformation at SAP, and Vinny Maurici, Vice President of Data Engineering at Object Edge as they discuss current challenges companies experience when developing a data strategy and an approach to developing one that is outcome-driven.

Host: Corrie Birkeness

Speakers:

Maria Villar – Head of North America Data Strategy and Transformation

Vinny Maurici - Vice President of Data Engineering at Object Edge

Additional Resources:

SAP Enterprise Data Strategy Master Class: https://bit.ly/4abjwB1

SAP Enterprise Data Strategy Workbook: https://bit.ly/4ausB8v

SAP solutions for Data & Analytics: https://bit.ly/3IDy9kS

Discussion Highlights:

Overview of Data Strategy Challenges

Business Outcome Focus in Data Strategy

Foundations of Master Data Management (MDM) and Data Governance

Agile Data Governance and Leadership

Executive Support and Organizational Capabilities

The importance of aligning data strategy with business outcomes

Modernizing MDM and data governance practices

Securing executive support for effective data transformation

Hear from Andy Hayler, Practice Lead – Data as an Asset at Bloor Research, and Markus Kuppe, VP & Chief Product Owner for SAP Master Data Governance, and Corrie Birkeness, Senior Director Master Data Product & Solution Marketing at SAP, as they discuss various master data management (MDM) market trends.  They will discuss what is happening relative to automation, AI as well as approaches to more flexible, modular MDM deployments and a business data fabric. They will discuss what the trends are and why they are important in upping your game in MDM to drive increased business value.

Speakers:

Andy Hayler, Practice Leader - Data as an Asset at Bloor Research Markus Kuppe, VP & Chief Product Owner for SAP Master Data Governance Corrie Birkeness, Senior Director Master Data Product & Solution Marketing at SAP

Additional Resources:

Learn more about SAP Master Data Governance and Bloor Research by visiting: SAP MDG Product Page: https://bit.ly/3E2r8Xb

SAP MDG Community: https://community.sap.com/topics/master-data-governance Bloor Research:  https://bit.ly/3RyhZNP

Bloor InBrief on SAP Master Data Governance: https://bit.ly/3Rx3iun

Bloor Article on SAP Master Data Governance:  https://bit.ly/3GS9kAT

Benefits of Federated Master Data Governance (SAP blog):  https://bit.ly/47opgWB

Key Points:

Master Data Management Market Update:

• Bloor Research published an MDM market update, emphasizing the merging of MDM and data management platforms with trends in data governance, quality, and integration.
• The shift from on-premise to cloud or hybrid environments requires MDM platforms to be deployable in the cloud.

Automation and AI in MDM:

• Automation in MDM brings efficiency and quality, leveraging technology and AI.
• SAP MDG applies AI, machine learning, and rules-based approaches to enhance data quality, identify implicit data rules, and automate data population.

Federation of Master Data Governance:

• Federated MDM model allows distributed management of data, aligning with organizational structures, and ensuring local understanding.
• SAP MDG supports federation through multiple instances, enabling both local and global benefits in master data management.

Role of MDM in Data Fabric and Data Mesh:

• MDM plays a crucial role in complementing concepts like data fabric and data mesh.
• Data fabric focuses on connecting enterprise data without physically moving it, with MDM providing a foundation for high-quality trusted master data.
• Data mesh, a domain-specific approach, aligns well with MDM, especially when dealing with key data domains.

Conclusion:

• Intelligence, modularization, modernization, and data fabric are key trends in MDM.
• Encourages listeners to access additional resources and share their insights on MDM trends in their organizations.

Organizations are on a quest to a modern technology stack. This includes integration, which is the glue that brings it all together. Yet, selling the value of integration can get technical too quickly and hard to articulate. Understanding the business and technical benefits of integration and how they translate into business value is key to building the case for investment in this technology and in a broader digital platform. In this episode, Shari Lava, Research Director at IDC, discusses with Emily Mui, Sr. Director, Solution Marketing at SAP, the IT and business value of integration, and how you can tie it to business objectives and measure the business impact of integration.

Speakers: 

Shari Lava - Research Director, IDC

Emily Mui - Sr. Director, Product Marketing Lead For SAP Integration Suite

CTA's:

Modernize Your Integration Landscape Virtual Summit https://bit.ly/3S8UUmM

The Integration Scoop Podcast

Introduction:

• Special edition presented by SAP and Let's Talk Data podcast.
• Focus on game-changing technology and strategies for innovation through business application and process integration.

Guest Speaker: Sheri Lava from IDC:

• Sheri leads marketing strategy for SAP's iPASS solution (SAP Integration Suite).
• Sheri is the Research Director of Automation at IDC, covering AI, automation, API management, and integration markets.

Integration Market Overview:

• Integration market reached $8.5 billion in 2022, expected to reach $18 billion by 2027.
• Shift from on-premise to cloud-delivered solutions.
• Importance of integration in becoming a digital business with connected, data-driven systems.

Why Integration Delivers Strategic Business Value:

• Connectivity is the bedrock for building a strong foundation for digital businesses.
• Importance of having data driving decisions for better customer solutions, service offerings, and decision-making.
• Integration crucial for process automation and resilience.

Challenges and Growth:

• Integration market growth driven by the need for data connectivity in digital businesses.
• Transition from on-premise to cloud solutions.
• Overcoming challenges in translating technical benefits into business value.

Business Challenges in Implementing Integration:

• Change management for developers adapting to new ways of working.
• Historical concerns about product suitability.
• Importance of defining success uniformly across the organization.

Business Outcomes and Objectives:

• Translation of technical benefits to business value.
• Examples include lower operating costs leading to greater efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, and increased revenue.
• Focus on efficiency, reducing integration sprawl, and achieving a 360-degree view of the customer.

Low-Code and Measurement of Success:

• Evolution of low-code tools and their impact on traditional metrics.
• Emphasis on business outcomes and value instead of lines of code written.
• Generative AI enhancing low-code tools and improving efficiency.

Integration for Automation:

• Integration as a key player in holistic automation strategies.
• Addressing challenges of integrating processes with business partners.
• Ensuring the integration stack is strong and ready for future automation initiatives.

Trends in Integration:

• Significance of AI in integration solutions, enhancing capabilities like error detection and prediction.
• Importance of a bi-directional relationship between AI and integration.
• Caution against investing in AI without addressing integration challenges first.

Learn about Carhartt and their journey to modernize their integration solutions. Hear how they leveraged the SAP Migration Factory program to assess their migration from SAP Process Orchestration/Integration to SAP Integration Suite, their migration off the SAP Business Technology Platform, Neo environment and plans for the future.

 Speakers:

• Saravanan Subramanian – EAI Architect, Carhartt
• Sri Pedamallu – SAP Global Center of Excellence Executive, Carhartt
• Arti Gopalan – Director of Product Management, SAP Integration Suite
• Ryan Champlin – Sr. Director Solution Management, SAP Integration Suite    

• Modernize Your Integration Landscape Virtual Summit https://bit.ly/3S8UUmM
• The Integration Scoop Podcast

About Carhartt:

• Carhartt, founded in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt, has a 135-year legacy of building rugged products to serve and protect hardworking individuals.
• With 6,000 employees across the United States and Mexico, Carhartt operates in three business units: Wholesale, Direct-to-Consumer, and Corporate Gear.
• Product lines include apparel for men, women, and kids, distributed through major partners like Sporting Goods, Tractor Supply, and Home Depot.

• Carhartt's journey started with the integration of S4, followed by the transition to SAP Commerce Cloud and the introduction of the SAP Integration Suite.
• Currently focusing on implementing best practices and establishing a Center of Excellence.

• Carhartt faced challenges in modernizing its integration layer after adopting S4 and SAP Commerce Cloud.
• Choosing the SAP Integration Suite was based on its seamless fit into the SAP landscape, minimizing training concerns, and streamlining system synergy.
• The API strategy is a key component, enabling integration between cloud and on-premises systems, SAP and non-SAP systems.

• Carhartt's experience with SAP has been positive, especially during the migration of multiple interfaces.
• The transition to the Integration Suite resulted in quicker development times and smooth collaboration with the SAP team.
• The migration to Integration Suite was guided by SAP's Migration Factory, ensuring a structured and efficient process.

• Carhartt is gearing up to migrate PO interfaces into the cloud integration, with a focus on API management.
• Plans include migrating around 200+ interfaces in batches and implementing advanced API management for their evolving needs.

• The next year for Carhartt involves establishing API management, building on the foundation laid during the PIPO migration.
• SAP offers dedicated resources for migration scenarios, and if you're not using Integration Suite, access it through the Business Technology Platform free tier.

• Enjoyed the podcast? Check out the Let’s Talk Data website for more links and information.
• Don't miss the next episode of the Integration Scoop - Subscribe or Follow today!

Terry Penner and Jürgen Butsmann discuss the AI priorities, practical applications, and key use cases for SAP S/4HANA and SAP BTP

Speakers:                                                                                                                     

Jürgen Butsmann – Director Solutions Management SAP S/4HANA, SAP SE.       

Terry Penner - Marketing and Solutions, SAP Business Technology Platform

Call to Action:

Learn more about SAP BTP for S/4HANA and RISE at SAP BTP for S/4HANA