Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Future of ERP
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Owns IAM in Cloud ERP? Navigating Roles, Risks, and Responsibilities with EY | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:21:42 | |
Your cloud ERP holds the keys to your entire business: finance, HR, supply chain. But who actually controls the locks? This episode exposes the identity access gaps most organizations never see coming, and why AI is making them more dangerous than ever. ===== Identity and access management (IAM) is often misunderstood. But getting it wrong can cost millions. EY's Joe Surmeier breaks down IAM in cloud ERP: from the most common mistakes organizations make during migration, to navigating the shared responsibility model between vendors, SIs, and customers. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping both threats and defenses, and shares three actionable priorities for any organization starting its cloud ERP journey, and why cybersecurity must have a seat at the table from day one. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links: Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest 1: Joe Surmeier, Senior Manager, Cybersecurity at Ernst & Young LLP Joe Surmeier has spent more than a decade at the intersection of cybersecurity, business transformation, and risk management. He works with organizations to integrate security into complex transformation programs, helping leadership teams navigate evolving cyber risks while accelerating innovation, compliance, and operational resilience. 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Follow Oyku Ilgar on LinkedIn and SAP Community | |||
| Episode 92: Navigating Risk and Transformation in Cloud ERP with EY | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:21:02 | |
Cloud ERP is reshaping how organizations manage risk. In this episode with EY, we explore why security, governance, and AI must be built into ERP transformation from day one, not added later. ===== As organizations accelerate their move to cloud ERP, managing risk is becoming less about reacting to issues and more about designing secure, resilient processes from the start. In this episode, EY's Natalie Freedline and Dan Crawley discuss how cloud transformations are reshaping risk management, from understanding the shared responsibility model to embedding security, governance, and automated controls early in every implementation. The conversation explores why successful ERP transformations depend as much on people, processes, and clear ownership as they do on technology. The speakers explain how organizations can strengthen governance, prepare teams for change, and build trusted data foundations that support long-term business resilience. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links: 5 common compliance myths when moving to S/4HANA The role of governance in Continuous Controls Monitoring enablement Disclaimer: The views reflected in this video are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest 1: Dan Crawley, SAP Security and Identity Architect at EY Dan Crawley is an SAP Security and Identity Architect with more than 15 years of experience providing strategic leadership and delivering scalable, maintainable solutions in application security and identity management within the SAP ERP space. Having delivered complex implementations and enterprise transformations across many different industries, he enjoys the challenges of learning new technologies and implementing them to provide more compliant and efficient solutions. Guest 2: Natalie Freedline - Principal, Technology Consulting, Ernst & Young LLP | EY - Global Natalie has more than 18 years of Technology consulting experience serving Industrial Products and Consumer Products clients undergoing transformations. Starting her career in audit, Natalie has a wide range of experience assisting clients with SAP and Oracle process and controls enablement/optimization, application security, business transformation, governance, risk and compliance (GRC) technology enablement and enterprise risk management (including IT risk).
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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Follow Oyku Ilgar on LinkedIn and SAP Community | |||
| Episode 83: Silent Cyber War | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:28:55 | |
In a world of silent cyber wars, ERPs sit at the center of risk and resilience. Discover how CIOs can design ERP as a crown jewel: assume breach, use AI wisely, and balance sovereignty, trust, and business continuity. ===== This episode dives into the “silent global war” on ERP, where cyber threats are constant, interconnected systems are fragile, and resilience is the new gold standard. Our guests, Bayer’s Asha Vartak and SAP’s Gabriela “Gabs” Fiata, unpack how to treat ERP as a mission critical crown jewel instead of a back office system, and why assuming breach changes everything about architecture, governance, and recovery. They explore how AI can both sharpen ERP security and create new risks, from detecting anomalies and reducing alert fatigue to acting as a privileged user that must be monitored. The conversation also covers digital sovereignty, data classification by design, and placing ERP at the core of digital trust, transparency, and compliance across borders. If you want practical, board level language for ERP cyber resilience, this episode is for you. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links:
Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Gabriele Fiata, Head of Security Market Strategy, RISE with SAP Thought leader with a strong background in security as well as business processes, controls, and enterprise risk management.
For more than 20 years, he has been leading teams in implementing innovative process improvements to identify and mitigate risks to promote resilience for the whole enterprise and enable overall business growth. Gabriele’s LinkedIn Guest: Asha Vartak, Director, Cyber Security and Risk Management at Bayer Asha Vartak has a proven record of developing and executing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that align with organizational goals. Her expertise spans Cybersecurity Risk Management, Compliance, Threat Modeling, and Mitigation Planning and Implementation.
She brings extensive experience in leading and consulting on business and information security initiatives for companies across multiple global regions. With an educational background spanning four countries—India, Australia, Germany, and the United States— Asha excels at building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and teams. As a motivating and inspiring leader in cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance, she thrives on tackling complex projects and driving them to successful completion for organizations worldwide. 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Oyku’s LinkedIn and SAP Community ===== Key Topics: ERP security, ERP resilience, cloud ERP, AI in ERP, cybersecurity,RISE with SAP, SAP S/4HANA, digital sovereignty, data protection | |||
| Episode 82: From Prevention to Detection: Real-Time Security in a Digital World with Infosys | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:17:44 | |
How real-time security transforms ERP systems in a cloud-driven world, spotting threats instantly, leveraging AI for proactive defense, and closing common blind spots before breaches escalate. Curious about staying ahead of cyber risks? ===== Mohammed Moidheen, SAP security architect at Infosys, unpacks why real-time monitoring is vital amid 2,200 daily cyber attacks costing trillions annually. He highlights blind spots like unmonitored access vulnerabilities, ignored audit logs, unsecured APIs, privileged accounts, insider threats, and poor event correlation in S/4HANA Cloud setups. AI evolves detection with predictive intelligence, automated responses, natural language queries, and cross-system pattern spotting, shifting from reactive to proactive security. Real-world cases show systems halting unusual data downloads and insider data exfiltration in minutes. Advice includes aligning with governance, prioritizing crown jewels, setting baselines, training teams, and correlating data. Infosys aids via assessments and foundational builds. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization! Download Episode Transcript Useful Links:
Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Mohammed Khan Moidheen, SAP Security Architect at Infosys Consulting Mohammed Khan Moidheen is a Senior SAP Security architect with over 12 years of experience securing and operating large scale SAP landscapes across global enterprises. His expertise spans SAP S/4HANA security, ERP platform services, DevSecOps enablement, and designing audit ready security architectures aligned with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR. Mohammed is CISSP and CISA certified and I excel at translating complex security requirements into actionable strategies that are practical , strategically aligned and strengthen organisational resilience. 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Oyku’s LinkedIn and SAP Community ===== Key Topics: real-time security, ERP monitoring, cloud threats, SAP S/4HANA, access management, audit logs, AI threat detection, insider threats, privileged accounts, predictive intelligence | |||
| Episode 81: AI-Powered ERP Support: Invisible, Proactive and Accelerated | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:23:45 | |
Imagine ERP systems that spot cyber threats before they strike, using AI to predict outages and banish reactive support forever. How close are we to invisible, proactive defense that keeps businesses unbreakable? Dive into the future where data and smarts outpace chaos. ===== In this compelling episode of the Future of ERP podcast, SAP's Jens Bernotat, head of strategy, portfolio, and ecosystem management for SAP Support, shares transformative insights on evolving ERP customer support. He outlines a future where support becomes invisible through prevention, hyper-proactive with deep customer data insights, and accelerated by AI-driven recommendations. Jens emphasizes data's starring role in pattern detection via AI analytics, addresses change management for teams shifting from routine tickets to complex missions and AI curation, and reveals key KPIs like customer effort scores and health metrics. Practical advice includes starting with quick-win AI use cases, fostering team experimentation, and crafting transformation roadmaps. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization! Download Episode Transcript Useful Links:
Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Jens Bernotat, Head of Strategy, Portfolio and Ecosystem Management, SAP Customer Support at SAP Jens joined SAP in 2007 as Vice President in the Corporate Strategy Group. Here, he has guided high impact programs with a focus on maintenance and support strategy, portfolio and commercial design. From 2011, Jens was driving strategy for Maintenance Go-To-Market, where he designed commercial transformation programs to the Cloud and new support offerings. Since 2017, Jens is driving SAP's maintenance and support strategy, orchestrating maintenance phases, end dates and the portfolio of support offerings. Jens also leads Ecosystem management, defining the setup of how partners deliver support to our customers. 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Oyku’s LinkedIn and SAP Community ===== Key Topics: ERP support, proactive support, AI analytics, customer health, data patterns, change management, Black Friday uptime, support automation, ERP transformation, cyber prevention | |||
| Episode 80: Who Owns What? Clarifying IAM Roles in Cloud ERP with Infosys | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:14:00 | |
Discover how identity and access management (IAM) is reshaping cybersecurity in cloud ERP, enabling businesses to be safer, faster, and more compliant with clarity in roles and responsibilities. ===== In this insightful episode of the Future of ERP podcast, Aditya Thakurdesai from Infosys dives deep into the vital topic of identity and access management (IAM) in cloud ERP environments. He explains why understanding "who owns what" in IAM is non-negotiable to ensure security, compliance, and operational efficiency amid today’s complex hybrid IT infrastructures. Aditya shares compelling customer stories- rom a global pharmaceutical company safeguarding sensitive research data to a large retailer accelerating seasonal workforce onboarding - highlighting how the shared responsibility model brings clarity and confidence in managing cloud security. The discussion further explores how AI is revolutionizing IAM, with intelligent threat detection, adaptive access control, and proactive governance transforming traditional security roles. This episode is a must-listen for any business navigating cloud security risks and looking to leverage AI for smarter, faster, and safer ERP management. Tune in and learn how to stay ahead in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links: Learn how the shared responsibility model for SAP Cloud ERP Private defines roles, streamlines operations, and improves security and compliance: Operate your cloud ERP with confidence and control
Follow Us on Social Media! SAP Cloud ERP - LinkedIn ===== Guest: Aditya Thakurdesai, Director – Enterprise Security , Infosys Aditya is a seasoned SAP Security and GRC professional, currently serving as Director – Enterprise Security at Infosys. With nearly two decades of experience, he has delivered transformative security solutions that seamlessly integrate deep domain expertise with emerging technologies.
In his current role, Aditya heads the Manufacturing and Communications, Media & Technology segments within Infosys’ Enterprise Risk Management Services group. He also drives strategic Centre of Excellence initiatives focused on security transformation, intelligent automation, and AI innovation. His current passion lies in Agentic AI, where he has developed pioneering solution that introduce new levels of agility, compliance, and scalability to enterprise security 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Oyku’s LinkedIn and SAP Community ===== Key Topics: Identity Management, Access Management, Cloud ERP, Shared Responsibility, Compliance, Security, Artificial Intelligence, AI, Threat Detection, Case Studies | |||
| Episode 79: Sustainability in Supply Chains: The Role of Cloud ERP with Deloitte | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:19:52 | |
Can your ERP really turn sustainability from a reporting headache into a competitive advantage? Discover how better data, AI, and cloud ERP help companies move from sustainability slogans to embedded, measurable business value across their supply chains. ===== This episode of The Future of ERP explores how companies can turn sustainability into a core business capability by using robust data foundations, cloud ERP, and closer collaboration across their value chains. Deloitte partner Brian Jobe, carbon accounting lead and SAP sustainability lead, explains why almost every sustainability challenge ultimately comes down to the quality, granularity, and reliability of enterprise data. He compares global regulatory frameworks and highlights how emerging harmonization will shape what “good” looks like for sustainability reporting across industries and regions. The conversation dives into the pivotal role of cloud ERP and supply chain solutions in providing near real-time insight, especially for scope 3 emissions, traceability, and responsible sourcing beyond the four walls of the enterprise. Brian shares best practices on engaging suppliers, embedding sustainability into procurement, finance, operations, and investor relations, and using AI to turn data into actionable insights - once the data foundation is in place. The episode closes with a clear vision for the future of ERP, where sustainability KPIs sit inside everyday management dashboards rather than in a separate “green” silo, and listeners are invited to follow the podcast for more practical conversations like this. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links: Follow Us on Social Media! ===== Guest: Brian Jobe, Lead for SAP Sustainability at Deloitte Brian is Deloitte’s lead for SAP Sustainability, focused on identifying opportunities to drive business value through sustainability offerings across our global network. Brian is also the Carbon Accounting leader for the US, focused on supporting clients on their journey to implementing and operationalizing data, processes, and technology to address the regulatory and market-based pressures related to sustainability. In these dual roles, Brian has a unique perspective on how SAP can be leveraged for sustainability outcomes.
Brian has more than 25 years of experience in providing data strategy, reporting process, controls, and governance services, primarily to clients in the life sciences and health care sectors. He also works with many of Deloitte’s largest audit clients on a technical consultation basis relating to complex accounting matters. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Economics with concentrations in Accounting and Information Systems from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is licensed as a CPA in New York and New Jersey, and is a member of the AICPA. 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X ===== Key Topics: sustainability, cloud ERP, data, carbon accounting, scope 3, supply chain, AI, regulations, procurement, Deloitte | |||
| Episode 78: 2025 Wrap Up | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:23:53 | |
Relive 2025's ERP breakthroughs: from AI-fueled supply chains to sustainability wins that redefined business resilience. This wrap-up episode recaps game-changing insights from the year's top discussions—perfect for forward-thinking leaders. ===== Dive into the "Future of ERP 2025 Wrap-Up," a dynamic recap of the year's pivotal episodes unpacking ERP's shift from rigid software to agile, AI-driven powerhouses. Memorable highlights include forward-looking debates on ERP's role in sustainable growth and real-time adaptability, blending data trends with actionable playbooks for digital leaders. Tailored for ERP pros, marketers, and execs eyeing 2026 horizons, this finale inspires bold upgrades. Come join us as we discuss The Future of ERP! Useful Links: Follow Us on Social Media! ===== 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 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 Studies, 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. ===== Key Topics: ERP Evolution, AI Integration, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Predictive Analytics, Digital Twins, SAP Implementations, Net-Zero Goals, Intelligent Automation, Business Agility, ERP, Cloud ERP | |||
| Episode 77: Optimizing How People Work, Achieve and Excel | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:26:50 | |
Explore tackling fast-evolving markets, from supply chain disruptions and sustainability pressures to geopolitical tensions requiring agile sourcing. Key insights cover cloud ERP simplifying operations for buyers facing electric vehicle tech changes, AI accelerating projects by scripting meetings and generating code, boosting efficiency by focusing teams on high-value tasks, and simulating crises for resilience. Standout examples include 50-60% unused custom ERP code inflating costs, drone pilot analogies for job evolution, and tools like the Digital Acceleration Navigator aiding change management for over 100 clients, including a major European beverage firm. Emphasis lies on composable cloud architectures, data cleansing 12 months pre-transformation, embedding sustainability KPIs for dual cost and environmental gains, and fostering cultures that empower people. Business leaders gain actionable steps for continuous innovation, scalable models, and successful digital transformations—listen now to unleash team potential! Useful Links: Follow Us on Social Media! ===== Guest: Elisabetta Spontoni, Executive Vice President at Capgemini Elisabetta is an Executive Vice President at Capgemini, with 30 years’ experience in ICT governance, projects, and operations. As Group Offer Leader for "Digital Core," she drives the end-to-end offer lifecycle and manages the portfolio of packaged solutions, including major ERPs on top of Supply Chain packages, communities, and strategic learning initiatives. She brings strong management experience and a deep delivery operations background, with core competencies in ERP solutions (mainly SAP technologies), leading large international ICT transformation programs, and conducting sales and pre-sales activities at localand international levels, alongside go-to-market strategy and offering development. Her main sectors of expertise are the International Public Sector (United Nations), Oil & Gas, and Aerospace & Defense. Certified as a large international program director, she serves on the Capgemini Group Project Management Certification Board and the “Flying Squad” team—a select group oftop professionals handling recovery missions for critical projects worldwide. She is also certified as a Delivery Partner to support profitable growth of Capgemini’s global accounts. Her key strengths include recognized leadership, collaborative work with colleagues, clients, and partners in multicultural teams, sharp ICT expertise focused on SAP technologies, delivery excellence, innovation, and executive-level communication. 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X | |||
| Episode 76: The Role of Cloud ERP and AI in a Digital Transformation with Cognizant’s Gary Hayes and SAP’s Alex Pierroutsakos | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:29:17 | |
This episode dives into the evolving landscape of enterprise technology, revealing how AI and cloud ERP are changing the pace and purpose of business operations. Join Richard Howells, Cognizant’s Gary Hayes, and SAP’s Alex Pierroutsakos as they share candid industry perspectives—spanning utilities, chemicals, and manufacturing—about overcoming legacy barriers and harnessing data-driven innovation. Listeners will hear memorable examples: from automated case management resolving millions of utility errors, to Guinness World Record-winning hackathons and accelerated digital transformations. Explore how conversational AI, real-time analytics, and agile change management liberate people from repetitive tasks, empowering them for higher-value work. Tune in for a blend of actionable insights and inspirational advice, and discover why staying curious—and leveraging the latest tech—might be the smartest business decision you can make. Don’t forget to subscribe for more on the future of ERP and business innovation! Guest Speaker: Alex Pierroutsakos, Industry Executive Advisor – ChemicalsAlex Pierroutsakos currently is an executive industry advisor for the chemical industry at SAP where he guides executives through operational and digital transformations with a deep expertise in supply chain and manufacturing. Over the last 25 years, Alex has held leadership, project management, and supply chain positions in management consulting , software development, and within industry. Within the chemical industry, he was a Global CIO and held multiple senior business leadership positions including Chief Sustainability Officer, Global Director of Quality Assurance, and Internal Audit. Alex has a balance of industry, technology and business experience which enables him to provide a comprehensive and value added approach when working with chemical business leaders and CIO’s. He has earned numerous credentials and awards, along with a Bachelor of Science with honors in Industrial Engineering from the University of MO – Columbia and an Executive Master’s in International Business with BSG honors at St. Louis University. He currently resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife and three daughters. Guest Speaker: Gary Hayes, SAP Solution Enablement Domain at CognizantGary Hayes brings 35+ years of managing technology strategies, delivery and operations of SAP in the utilities industry, including his role as VP & CIO at CenterPoint Energy. His background includes extensive experience in:
At Cognizant, he is responsible for managing a team of SAP Solution Enablement Domain experts within North America. His responsibilities include solution delivery, transformation advisory, product strategy & delivery, roadmap alignment, product development and go-to-market strategies for the energy and utility market. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) ===== Useful Links: Follow Us on Social Media:
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| Episode 75: Compliance Made Simple: Understanding Cloud ERP’s Role in Shared Compliance with KPMG | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:26:44 | |
In this episode of the Future of ERP podcast, Brian Jensen, Managing Director at KPMG, breaks down the complex world of compliance in Cloud ERP environments and how businesses can navigate shared responsibility models effectively. Brian explains why compliance should be seen not as a mere checkbox but as a powerful enabler for risk management and business agility. The discussion covers critical topics like data security, user access control, and the dynamic role of hyperscalers in cloud compliance. Listeners will gain practical advice on balancing rapid innovation with strict regulatory demands and how emerging technologies like AI and automation will reshape compliance roles in ERP systems. Memorable analogies, such as comparing compliance to a car’s safety features, make complex ideas accessible. Whether you’re a business leader or an IT professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on leveraging Cloud ERP and compliance as a competitive edge. Tune in for actionable insights and a forward-thinking vision of ERP’s future. Guest Speaker: Brian Jensen, Managing Director at KPMGWith over 25 years in management consulting, business development, and practice leadership, Brian Jensenhas helped organizations across industries transform how they operate, manage risk, and capture new market opportunities. Recognized for his ability to cut through complexity and focus on what truly drives value, Brian brings deep expertise in business transformation, ERP risk, cybersecurity, process optimization, and enterprise application implementations. Today, Brian is helping lead the next wave of enterprise transformation — the rise of the Agentic Enterprise— where AI evolves from predictive to autonomous. He focuses on embedding agentic AI into enterprise risk, identity, and controls to enable organizations to modernize ERP ecosystems such as SAP S/4HANA without compromising trust, security, or compliance. Through KPMG’s Trusted Applications platforms, Brian is helping clients activate AI-driven governance, autonomous assurance, and adaptive controls — redefining what “trusted” means in the era of intelligent systems. Brian’s LinkedIn Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:Related SAP Pages Follow Us on Social Media:
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| Episode 74: Next Gen of the Subscription Economy - Who is Next? | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:23:48 | |
In this episode of The Future of ERP, Richard Howells welcomes back John Froelich, senior VP at Bramasol, to discuss the dynamic growth of the subscription economy and its impact across unexpected industries. From medical devices and concrete monitoring to agricultural machinery, businesses are moving from one-time sales to flexible, usage-based, and outcome-based subscription models. John shares fascinating examples and explains how customer expectations are evolving toward real-time value and flexible payment options. They dive into the critical role of connected ERP systems in managing subscriptions, bundles, billing, and predictive maintenance. John highlights the importance of AI and advanced analytics in unlocking value and shaping the next generation of business models. Whether you’re curious about the intersection of technology, business innovation, or ERP’s future, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways. Guest Speaker: John Froelich, Senior Vice President at BramasolJohn Froelich is a Senior Vice President at Bramasol, a leading SAP Partner helping companies make the most out of their Office of CFO Solutions and solutions for the Digital Solutions Economy. John has over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and design and implementation of SAP Solutions and has deep technology experience having worked with IBM, Avaya, SAP and AT&T’s Bell Laboratories. He has delivered over 150 webinars and webcasts and spoken at numerous conferences including SAP Sapphire, SAP Insider, ASUG, Fiber Connect, and many others. He was also a business coach and is certified in a variety of coaching methodologies including Brian Tracy, EMyth and others. John lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links:Follow Us on Social Media:
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| Episode 91: Always Watching: 24/7 Security Monitoring and the Shared Responsibility Model | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:22:08 | |
Moving ERP to the cloud doesn’t mean security becomes someone else’s problem. Discover how leading organizations balance shared responsibilities, AI-powered monitoring, and cyber resilience to protect the business around the clock. ===== As ERP systems become the digital core of modern enterprises, security can no longer be treated as an afterthought. In this episode, EY’s Michelle DeLiberty joins Richard Howells and Öykü Ilgar to explore 24/7 security monitoring, the realities of the shared responsibility model, and the growing impact of AI on cybersecurity. Learn where organizations often get security ownership wrong, how to improve cyber resilience, and what the future of ERP security looks like. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links: Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Michelle DeLiberty, EY 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Follow Oyku Ilgar on LinkedIn and SAP Community ===== Key Topics: Cloud ERP, Cybersecurity, Security Monitoring, Shared Responsibility Model, SAP Security, AI Security, Cyber Resilience, Cloud Security, ERP Transformation, Risk Management, Identity Access Management, Threat Detection, Security Operations, Incident Respo. | |||
| Episode 73: Greenfield or Brownfield with Deloitte’s Geraldine Aubert | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:25:03 | |
In this episode of “The Future of ERP,” host Richard Howells talks with Deloitte partner Geraldine Aubert about choosing the right path for cloud ERP transformation—whether to start fresh with a greenfield implementation or upgrade existing systems with brownfield. Geraldine shares insights from decades of SAP experience, highlighting how automation, AI, and strategic rollout planning enable companies to improve compliance, scale globally, and drive sustainable innovation. Learn about real-world challenges, practical trade-offs, and key success factors like strong people engagement and governance. Geraldine’s perspective offers a blueprint for businesses aiming to future-proof their operations amid rapid digital change. Tune in to discover ideas to fuel your ERP journey and why smart transformation is about balancing speed with lasting value. Guest Speaker: Geraldine Aubert, Partner at DeloitteGeraldine Aubert is a Partner in Deloitte’s Enterprise Performance practice, specializing in SAP consulting with over 25 years of experience. She leads global SAP S/4HANA transformation programs, focusing on delivering business value through strong collaboration between business operations and IT. Geraldine brings deep expertise in manufacturing, industrial products, automotive, chemicals, and medical devices industries. She heads Deloitte’s SAP manufacturing practitioners in Germany, covering areas such as production planning, quality management, plant maintenance, asset management, product lifecycle management, and integrated business planning (IBP). Geraldine is known for her strategic guidance in navigating complex digital transformations, including greenfield and brownfield ERP implementations on cloud platforms. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links:
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| Episode 72: Staying One Step Ahead: Shared Security Roles in Cloud ERP Threat Prevention with IBM | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:28:01 | |
In this insightful episode of The Future of ERP, Ryan Throop from IBM joins hosts Richard Howells and Oyku Ilgar to explore the critical role of cybersecurity in the cloud ERP landscape. As businesses move from traditional on-premise solutions to cloud-centric environments, cybersecurity challenges grow more complex. Ryan shares how AI-driven threat detection and shared security models empower organizations to protect sensitive data while boosting operational efficiency. Listener takeaways include the importance of security awareness training, the evolving role of AI in security operations, and the growing emphasis on integrating ERP systems into broader identity governance frameworks. With compelling insights on managing insider threats, third-party risks, and emerging technologies, this episode is a must-hear for any business leader or IT professional focused on digital transformation success. Stay secure, stay innovative, and join the conversation! Guest Speaker: Ryan Throop, Executive Consultant, Global SAP Cybersecurity Offering LeaderRyan Throop is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with 15 years of experience in SAP Security, GRC, and Cybersecurity. He currently he is the Global SAP Security Offering Leader with IBM Consulting – Cybersecurity Services, specializing in securing SAP environments. At IBM, Ryan plays a pivotal role in shaping the SAP Cybersecurity services strategy and offering. His expertise in SAP security has been instrumental in developing and enhancing IBM’s comprehensive suite of SAP security services, which are trusted by clients across the globe. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ryan is committed to fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and education. With his extensive experience, technical acumen, and passion for cybersecurity, Ryan Throop continues to make significant contributions to the field, helping organizations safeguard their critical systems against ever-evolving threats. Ryan’s LinkedIn Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 71: How Can Cloud ERP Serve as a Strategic Catalyst for Digital Transformation | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:27:23 | |
In this episode of The Future of ERP, Abhishek Vesudevan from Westernacher shares the story of a company overcoming growth pains caused by disjointed systems and manual workflows. Listeners will learn how a strategic Cloud ERP implementation integrated sales, procurement, finance, warehousing, and transportation—enabling real-time data visibility and driving impressive benefits like freight cost savings and efficiency gains. Abhishek emphasizes that successful transformation hinges not only on technology but on process standardization and engaging users throughout the journey. He also highlights emerging trends, from AI-powered automation to sustainability innovations embedded in ERP. This episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories for any business pursuing digital transformation. Tune in to hear how ERP is evolving from a backend system to the brain of business. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization! Guest Speaker: Abhishek Vasudevan, Director, S/4HANA Practice – North America, WesternacherAbhishek Vasudevan leads the S/4HANA Practice for Westernacher in the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on helping organizations adopt SAP S/4HANA in both Public and Private Cloud environments. He brings over 14 years of SAP experience, specializing in greenfield implementations and end-to-end process design across core ERP and supply chain execution. In his current role, Abhishek is responsible for practice growth, go-to-market strategy, and customer success. He works closely with SAP and client leadership teams to shape solution roadmaps, guide presales, and ensure delivery excellence. Earlier in his career at Westernacher, Abhishek served as a solution architect and successfully led over 10 greenfield SAP implementations in the digital supply chain space, including Transportation Management, Event Management, and Global Track and Trace. He also held a leadership role at Amazon, where he managed strategic programs across North American fulfillment operations. Abhishek holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:SAP NEWS Article – TBD by Oyku Ilgar Related SAP Pages Follow Us on Social Media:
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| How is AI transforming your shopping experience and what does it mean for the future of retail? | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:20:30 | |
This episode delves into the dynamic future of retail, spotlighting the pivotal role of AI in reshaping supply chains and customer interaction. Experts discuss how retailers are harnessing AI to deliver hyper-personalized shopping experiences, leveraging clean data to anticipate consumer needs and optimize inventory. The conversation explores the increasing importance of sustainability, with brands adopting eco-friendly practices and transparent supply chains to meet conscious consumer demands. The rise of social commerce platforms like TikTok is also examined, revealing how retailers are integrating social media into their sales strategies and supply chain management for unprecedented agility. This episode offers valuable insights into how technology, strategic data utilization, and a commitment to sustainability are converging to redefine the retail landscape and create new opportunities for brands and consumers alike. Guest Speaker: Amanda Spencer, Global Industry Marketing Lead for Retail at SAPAmanda Spencer is a global leader who is passionate about driving retail growth and innovation and understanding customer needs. With a diverse background spanning marketing, partnerships, and business development, she has gained experience in both the technology and consumer industries. Currently, Amanda is the Global Industry Marketing Lead for Retail at SAP, where she drives messaging and content creation based on industry trends and customer insights. Amanda focuses on helping retail providers leverage technology to enhance customer experiences, optimize operations, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:Blog Post Lesson from APAC: Social Commerce is Not One-Size-Fits-All Report SAP Industry Market Report for Retail: Grow Without Boundaries Related SAP Pages Follow Us on Social Media:
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| Episode 69: Leveraging GEN AI and Cloud ERP for Next-Gen Financial Excellence with E.ON Digital Technology and PwC | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:27:59 | |
In this episode of The Future of ERP, host Richard Howells welcomes Sakis Tabakis from E.ON Digital Technology and Max English of PwC to explore how cutting-edge cloud ERP and Generative AI are reshaping financial excellence. Sakis shares how E.ON’s Digital Lighthouse project is not just about technology upgrades – it’s a strategic foundation for agility in a fast-moving energy sector. The trio dive into how SAP Datasphere, SAP PAPM, and AI-driven insights create a unified, reliable data platform that breaks down silos, ensures compliance, and empowers smarter decisions in real time. Sakis highlights a bold vision: “The future of ERP is invisible. It thinks before you do, it speaks your language, and it acts when it really matters.” Max emphasizes the human side of digital transformation, reminding listeners that embracing AI means gaining efficiency and trusting technology as an enabler – not a threat. Whether you’re curious about AI’s impact on finance or the future of cloud ERP, this episode offers inspiring lessons and practical insights. Tune in and discover what’s next for enterprise systems in a rapidly changing world! Guest Speaker: Sakis Athanasios Tabakis, Team Lead Systems & Digitization, Project Lead Digital Lighthouse at E.ON Digital TechnologySakis Athanasios Tabakis leads the Systems & Digitisation team within the Finance Controlling department of E.ON Digital Technology. In this role, he is responsible for the digital transformation of core steering processes — most notably through the Digital Lighthouse Project, a scalable platform for data-driven management of IT costs, investments, and value contribution. Over the past years, he has held leadership positions in multinational CFO organizations across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, driven by a clear mission: to make digital transformation in Finance a strategic, repeatable process. Because to this day, the success of many initiatives still hinges on chance, individual expertise, or personal courage. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in Finance, he recently developed a structured framework to measure and accelerate the digital maturity of CFO functions — with a rigorous focus on Processes, People, and Systems. As a University Alliance Partner and Corporate Ambassador for E.ON Digital Technology, he is convinced that digital fluency in Finance must not be left to chance — not for emerging talents, nor for seasoned leaders. That is why he shares his insights where true transformation begins: in the mindset of people. Guest Speaker: Max Englisch, manager of Finance Transformation at PwC GermanyMax is a Senior Associate in SAP Data & Analytics, concentrating on Data Management and SAP DWC. He has specialized in the field of Data & Analytics, with a particular focus on Data Management and all topics related to SAP. Cloud-based data warehousing solutions and the ecosystem around it are an integral part of his daily work and passion. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links:
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| Episode 68: Cybersecurity Talks: From Complexity to Confidence with Private Cloud ERP | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:14:19 | |
This episode explores the evolution of ERP cybersecurity, emphasizing the shift from on-premise to cloud ERP and the shared responsibility model. Key topics include the rising risk of cyberattacks on supply chains, the benefits of expert collaboration in cloud security, and the importance of integrating security from the design phase. The discussion highlights cultural changes, trust-building, and the role of employee training in strengthening defenses. Emerging technologies like AI are examined for their potential to enhance threat detection, automate responses, and proactively defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, shaping the future of secure and resilient ERP systems. Guest Speaker: Gabriele FiataThought leader with a strong background in security as well as business processes, controls, and enterprise risk management. For more than 20 years, he has been leading teams in implementing innovative process improvements to identify and mitigate risks to promote resilience for the whole enterprise and enable overall business growth. Gabriele Fiata: LinkedIn Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
Related SAP Pages
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| Episode 67: How Generative AI is Revolutionizing Finance and Decision- Making with Bramasol’s John Froelich | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:26:34 | |
This episode examines how generative AI is fundamentally changing ERP systems and financial decision-making. It explores AI’s role in enhancing cash flow management, forecasting, and scenario modeling by integrating diverse data sources and automating complex analyses. The discussion highlights AI-driven hyper-personalized financial strategies, fraud detection, and cross-system communication, showing how AI helps manage uncertainty and volatility. It also addresses the importance of data quality, governance, potential biases, and risks in deploying AI in finance, emphasizing the ongoing value of ERPs as trusted platforms in a complex digital ecosystem. Guest Speaker: John Froelich , Senior Vice President at BramasolJohn Froelich is a Senior Vice President at Bramasol, a leading SAP Partner helping companies make the most out of their Office of CFO Solutions and solutions for the Digital Solutions Economy. John has over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and design and implementation of SAP Solutions and has deep technology experience having worked with IBM, Avaya, SAP and AT&T’s Bell Laboratories. He has delivered over 150 webinars and webcasts and spoken at numerous conferences including SAP Sapphire, SAP Insider, ASUG, Fiber Connect, and many others. He was also a business coach and is certified in a variety of coaching methodologies including Brian Tracy, EMyth and others. John lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: Oyku Ilgar, SAPOyku 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 66: Banking Trends: Embracing AI for the Future of Financial Services | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:28:09 | |
This episode examines how digital transformation, cloud migration, and AI are shaping the future of banking and ERP. It opens with an overview of the most significant trends for 2025, highlighting the shift to digital-first strategies and the growing reliance on cloud solutions. Falk Rieker discusses the challenges banks face in understanding customer needs, building loyalty, and managing data complexity. The conversation covers practical examples of AI integration in banking, explores strategies for effective data management, and considers how banks can differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. The episode concludes with advice for leaders on navigating business transformation and enhancing user experience in financial services. Guest Speaker: Falk Rieker GVP, Global Head of IBU Financial Services, SAPFalk Rieker is the Global Vice President and the Global Head of Financial Services at SAP, the world’s leading enterprise software company. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, leading a team of experts who define and deliver innovative and customer-centric solutions and strategies for banks, capital markets, and insurance firms of all sizes and segments. His responsibilities include business development, customer and partner engagements, solution & GTM strategy. He is the primary spokesperson for financial services, supporting press and analyst relations. He maintains executive relationships in key accounts, owns the industry cloud strategy and drives strategic partnerships and initiatives. 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:Follow Us on Social Media:
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| Episode 65: From Legacy to Leading Edge: How Cloud Solutions Empower Business Success | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:13:55 | |
This episode explores how technology and business truly come together to drive meaningful change, focusing on the shift from on-premise to cloud ERP. You’ll hear how companies are breaking free from outdated systems, overcoming technical debt, and embracing more agile, modular approaches to stay ahead in a fast-changing world. The conversation unpacks common myths about security and customization, explains why cloud ERP offers greater trust and flexibility, and highlights the priorities today’s CIOs are setting to future-proof their organizations. With insights on continuous innovation, compliance, and keeping your business unique, this discussion will leave you rethinking what’s possible for the future of work. Guest Speaker: Maura Hameroff, SVP of Cloud ERP Product Marketing at SAPMaura is Senior Vice President of ERP Product Marketing at SAP. She is a seasoned technology market professional, with 20 years in the industry. She has led projects in product marketing, business development, mergers and acquisitions, partner marketing, go-to-market, and sales strategy. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links:Follow Us on Social Media:
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| Episode 64: The Top Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for ERP: AI, Data and Applications | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:11:34 | |
SAP’s Lauren Husum, Vice President of Product Marketing for SaaS ERP, dives into the evolving landscape of ERP systems. Lauren explains why ERP remains the heart of organizations, serving as a critical foundation for innovation rather than becoming obsolete. She highlights three key trends shaping the future of ERP: the integration of AI, the importance of smart data, and the continued evolution of ERP applications. Lauren explains how AI is revolutionizing business processes by enhancing decision-making, boosting operational efficiency, and increasing employee productivity. SAP’s approach to AI emphasizes relevance, reliability, and responsibility, ensuring AI solutions are embedded in enterprise applications, trained on extensive business data, and developed with strong ethical standards. She stresses that AI’s success depends on high-quality, harmonized data across systems, which ERP platforms uniquely provide. Ultimately, the episode underscores that ERP is not dead but evolving into a powerful enabler of digital transformation. Organizations that leverage ERP combined with AI and smart data will unlock greater agility, efficiency, and growth in the years ahead. Guest Speaker: Lauren Husum, Vice President of Product Marketing for SaaS ERPLauren is the Vice President of Product Marketing for SaaS ERP. In this role, Lauren and her team lead the value proposition, messaging, and positioning for the SaaS ERP offering targeting the midsize/lower large enterprise segment. Previous to this role, Lauren was the Chief of Staff for the Marketing & Solutions board area serving as a trusted advisor to the Chief Marketing & Solutions officer driving strategic business planning, operations, and growth. With a focus on driving the business forward, this team worked to scale business priorities across the organization while driving world-class operations to ensure success across the board area. Lauren joined SAP in May 2021 after 10 years at Microsoft where she served many product marketing roles across the unified communications, productivity, and cloud space. Lauren graduated from the University of Washington with her Bachelors of Business Administration with a focus in marketing. An optimist at heart, Lauren is passionate about women in business and spending time coaching young adults to build their resumes and expertise to be successful in their careers. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:Follow Us on Social Media:
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| Episode 90: Staying One Step Ahead: Security Roles in Cloud ERP Threat Prevention with PWC | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:31:19 | |
What if your ERP is secure… but still costing you millions? As AI and automation reshape enterprise systems, hidden gaps in security models can quietly undermine control, integrity, and trust. ===== As ERP systems become the backbone of highly connected, AI-driven ecosystems, traditional security models are no longer enough. In this episode, PwC’s Stuart Light explores why organizations must rethink security as a proactive, holistic discipline, focused on data integrity, ecosystem-wide access, and closing hidden gaps that can silently erode business value. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links:
Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Stewart Light, PwC 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Follow Oyku Ilgar on LinkedIn and SAP Community ===== Key Topics: ERP security, cloud ERP, SAP, S4HANA, cybersecurity, identity access management, least privilege, AI, digital workers, ERP transformation, enterprise risk, access control, data integrity, ecosystem security, compliance | |||
| Episode 63: Top Trends Reshaping Oil, Gas, and Energy Industry | 28 May 2025 | 00:19:19 | |
SAP’s Brent Potts discusses five key trends shaping the sector in 2025. Companies are balancing traditional hydrocarbon production with investments in renewables like wind, solar, and hydrogen, recognizing that oil will remain vital for decades. Decarbonization efforts, including carbon capture and biofuels, are accelerating under pressure from stakeholders. The industry is also adopting standardized cloud ERP systems to improve efficiency, focusing AI on automating complex processes. Finally, collaboration and partnerships are crucial as companies navigate this complex transition, driving innovation and resilience in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Guest Speaker: Brent Potts, Sr. Director, Global Marketing, Oil, Gas, and EnergyBrent Potts is the Senior Director of Global Marketing for the Oil, Gas, and Energy sector at SAP, where he has led global marketing efforts since 2011. With over 17 years of experience in global marketing, sales, business development, and business management across industrial and high-technology sectors, Brent brings a diverse technical and strategic background. He has held leadership roles in both private companies and Fortune 500 firms, including President, Vice President of Marketing, and Director of Global Marketing. Brent is recognized for establishing operational excellence initiatives, building strong brands valued at billions, and driving impactful public relations and product strategies. His expertise spans software, systems, services, and professional services within global markets, making him a seasoned leader in the energy industry Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 62: Insurance Trends: How AI-Powered ERP is Transforming the Insurance Industry | 14 May 2025 | 00:32:55 | |
In this episode of The Future of ERP, Gaye Bingul, SAP Insurance Industry Lead, and Javier Gil, Head of Global Insurance & Reinsurance at SAP, discuss how the future of insurance relies on AI-powered ERP systems that unify all types of data-structured, unstructured, SAP, and non-SAP-to unlock deeper insights into customers and climate risks. They highlight key challenges insurers face, including complex global data privacy regulations, the growing aging population (“silver segment”), and a widening skills gap due to retiring experts and difficulty attracting new tech talent. Gaye and Javier emphasize how insurers can leverage connected devices, wearables, and AI-driven analytics to offer personalized health and wellness services that help the aging population stay healthy and independent while driving innovation and growth. Listeners gain insight into why digital transformation and advanced ERP solutions are critical for navigating regulatory demands and demographic shifts in the insurance industry. Guest Speaker: Gaye Bingul, SAP Insurance Industry LeadGaye is an IT professional bringing 16 years of combined experience in software sales, services sales, marketing and strategy. Throughout her career, she has exclusively worked with financial services companies around the globe, helping them navigate business transformations. She currently serves as an industry advisor for the fintech sector at SAP. Guest Speaker: Javier Gil, Chief Solution Expert – IBU Financial ServicesHe has been working at SAP for over 24 years, developing and positioning the SAP solutions portfolio for the Insurance and Reinsurance sector worldwide. During this time, he has held various roles, including consultant, project manager, presales manager, SAP Insurance product instructor, Chief Value Officer for the Insurance Industry, and has acted as coordinator of various SAP for Financial Services initiatives, such as collaboration with SAP implementation partners and business development for products in different global markets, primarily Latin America and Europe. Prior to joining SAP, Javier worked for Swiss Re for six years as Head of the Technical Accounting Unit for Latin America. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 61: Telecom Industry Trends: ERP, 5G, AI, and the Road to 6G | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:27:42 | |
In this episode of the Future of ERP, Sandeep Chowdhury, Senior Director in SAP’s Telecommunications Industry Business Unit, discusses how the telecom industry is evolving with advanced ERP systems to support Industry 4.0, 5G adoption, and smarter networks. He explains how emerging technologies like 6G and AI are transforming network operations and customer experiences. Sandeep also explores telecom’s influence on other sectors, regulatory challenges, and the increasing importance of AI in automation and fraud prevention. Sustainability is a key theme, as he addresses energy use, e-waste, and circular economy efforts. Overall, Sandeep reveals how telecom is balancing innovation and environmental responsibility to shape the future of connectivity. Guest Speaker: Sandeep Chowdhury, Senior Director in the SAP Telecommunications Business UnitSandeep is a Senior Director in the SAP Telecommunications Business Unit . He has previously worked in Schlumberger, Ericsson, and IBM before joining SAP. He is an industry expert in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Product Management & Strategy. He has been active in several Telecommunications industry forums and has been writing in industry journals and publications. Sandeep is based out of Frankfurt, Germany. Sandeep’s LinkedIn Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 60: Will Cloud ERP, AI And Sustainability Converge For Success In 2025? | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:28:26 | |
What does the future hold for businesses striving for success? This episode explores the convergence of Cloud ERP, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainability, and how these elements are reshaping the business landscape. Peter Pluim discusses how businesses can harness data for sustainability insights, AI-driven automation, and process optimization. Discover how a connected enterprise can make informed choices within its supply chain, balancing price, delivery speed, and environmental impact. Learn how AI is transforming the user experience and driving the need for integrated suites that break down traditional application silos. Gain insights on navigating complex trade-offs, making better decisions through enhanced visibility, and empowering stakeholders with informed choices. Guest Speaker: Peter Pluim, President of SAP Enterprise Cloud ServicesPeter Pluim is the President of SAP’s Enterprise Cloud Services & SAP Sovereign Cloud Services businesses, which include private managed cloud deployment options for RISE with SAP and full SAP ERP value-adding SAP Cloud Application Services as well as Sovereign Cloud Services. He is responsible for the end-to-end delivery, revenue and margin of these business and leads a global team that ensures SAP delivers to its contractual commitments. Peter is part of the Global Product Engineering Group and reports directly to its President and Executive Board Member. In his first 24 months at SAP, Peter and his team have delivered an 99,99+% system availability and tripled the number of customers. Peter joined SAP in June 2019 and prior to his role at SAP, Peter was the Executive Vice-President and CEO of Atos’ Infrastructure & Data Management Division, leading a €7.1B (2017), 50.000+ people organization to become a globally recognized industry leader in Digital Transformation, Hybrid Cloud, Digital Workplace and Managed Services. Peter was also part of the Executive Committee of Atos, a global leader in digital transformation with over 110,000 employees in 73 countries and annual revenue of over € 11 billion. Before joining Atos, Peter spent sixteen years at IBM in a multitude of roles and countries, spanning Sales Leadership, Operations, Delivery and Finance. Throughout Peter’s tenure, he has proven to be a high paced, results oriented strategic leader of Digital Transformation with a track record of driving growth with relentless focus on Customer Satisfaction. Next to this, he partners strongly at C-level to personally support and sponsor strategic engagements. His additional background in Finance & Planning as well as Resource Management of a professional organization is a great asset. Peter’s LinkedIn Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 59: The Future of Manufacturing Trends: AI, Cloud ERP, and Sustainability | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:22:56 | |
In this episode, joined by SAP’s Judy Cubiss, we delve into the key manufacturing trends of 2025 and explore the transformative role that AI and digitization play in shaping the industry. Discover how digitization and AI are revolutionizing the industry by streamlining solution integration, facilitating efficient data transfer, and providing essential information to workers across the ecosystem. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization, uncertainty, and resource scarcity, and learn how industrial manufacturers are adapting to these forces. Guest Speaker: Judy Cubiss, Director and Global Industry Marketing Lead for Industrial Manufacturing, SAPJudy Cubiss has been working in the Discrete Industries space for over 20 years. She is responsible for industry marketing globally for industrial manufacturing and aerospace and defense at SAP and is responsible for telling SAP’s unique value proposition for those industries. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:Learn more about focusing on your Cloud ERP & how to bring out your best.
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| Episode 58: Proactive Cybersecurity Strategies for the Cloud Era with Lalit Patil | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:21:02 | |
In this episode, SAP’s Lalit Patil explores the impact of AI on cybersecurity within cloud ERP. It emphasizes the need for agile business transformation, sustainability, and robust security. The discussion includes cybersecurity strategies like zero trust, and AI’s role in threat detection/response. The speaker highlights balancing AI benefits with data integrity risks, advocating for proactive, AI-enabled security measures to protect sensitive business data in the cloud. Guest Speaker: Lalit Patil, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for SAP Enterprise Cloud ServicesLalit Patil, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for SAP Enterprise Cloud Services is heading the Office of the CTO organization which is responsible for defining the Technology strategy, Architecture, Security and Service Portfolio for SAP Enterprise Clous Services. SAP Enterprise Cloud Services helps our customers accelerate their path towards becoming an intelligent Enterprise. Lalit has more than 20 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. Previously, Lalit served as Vice President and Head of Converged Cloud (Internal SAP IaaS). He has held various technology roles in the past, from being an SAP Basis Consultant to heading Enterprise Architecture team for SAP IT. Lalit holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Pune, India. Lalit’s LinkedIn Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 57: 2025 Cybersecurity Predictions with Gabriele Fiata | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:21:48 | |
In this episode, SAP’s Gabriele Fiata delves into the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, where technology is becoming a crucial component of defense strategies. While people, processes, and technology remain essential, innovations like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing the field. AI enhances cybersecurity by detecting unusual activities, identifying threats, and accelerating security processes, leading to faster incident response times. The discussion highlights how these advancements automate security tasks, enable quicker threat detection, and improve incident response. We also talk about the importance of effectively integrating these technologies and training security teams and how it helps businesses to mitigate critical risks. Come join us as we discuss the future of ERP! Guest Speaker: Gabriele Fiata, Head of Security Market Strategy, RISE with SAPThought leader with a strong background in security as well as business processes, controls, and enterprise risk management. For more than 20 years, he has been leading teams in implementing innovative process improvements to identify and mitigate risks to promote resilience for the whole enterprise and enable overall business growth. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielefiata Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 56: Quantum Apocalypse and Cybersecurity with SAP's Christian Cohrs | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:25:45 | |
As quantum computing advances, experts warn of an impending “quantum apocalypse” that could jeopardize current encryption methods. With roots tracing back to the 1990s, this threat highlights the urgent need for organizations to adopt quantum-safe cryptography. While significant technological hurdles remain, the potential for quantum attacks on sensitive data looms large. Experts emphasize the urgency of transitioning to quantum-safe cryptography to protect sensitive data from future threats, particularly as attackers may collect encrypted information now for later decryption. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is advocating for organizations to phase out non-quantum-safe cryptography by 2035, underscoring the need for immediate action in the face of evolving quantum capabilities. Guest Speaker: Christian Cohrs, Product Security Chief Expert and Product Manager at SAPChristian Cohrs is a Product Security Chief Expert and Product Manager at SAP. He has a background in computer science and worked in various positions at SAP during the last 25 years, starting as a C++ and ABAP developer and later moving into Product Management for SAP’s security and governance products. He is currently responsible for several cloud services in SAP’s security portfolio, including secure authentication for SAP GUI, cryptographic capabilities, and self-sovereign identities. Christian’s LinkedIn. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 55: Carbon Currency: The Evolving Role of CFOs in Sustainability with McKinsey’s Peter Spiller | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:23:06 | |
In this week’s episode of the Future of ERP podcast, we explore the evolving role of CFOs in driving corporate sustainability with McKinsey’s Peter Spiller. Spiller highlights the increasing pressure on CFOs to manage carbon emissions effectively, driven by stricter regulations like CSRD, CBAM, and ETS2. He emphasizes the need for accurate carbon data to inform business decisions across sourcing, R&D, and sales, and advocates for treating carbon as a “currency” within organizations. The conversation covers the advantages of integrating carbon accounting into ERP systems, using a low-carbon aluminum product example. Spiller also touches on capturing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, the importance of supplier data, and the evolving relationship between CFOs and Chief Sustainability Officers in driving holistic sustainability changes within companies. The episode provides insights for finance professionals and sustainability leaders on navigating the intersection of ERP and environmental responsibility. Guest Speaker: Peter Spiller, Global Sustainability in Operations Practice at McKinsey & Company, Inc.Peter is a Partner in the Frankfurt office of McKinsey & Company, Inc. He leads McKinsey’s global Sustainability in Operations Practice and works across industries on sustainability strategy, supply chain decarbonization, and carbon accounting and tracking in value chains. He specifically serves clients in the High-Tech, Telecom, Consumer goods, and Automotive and Assembly industries. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links:
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| Episode 54: The Benefits of SaaS ERP with SAP’s Jonathan Rhodes | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:19:57 | |
In this episode of The Future of ERP podcast, Richard Howells interviews Jonathan Rhodes from SAP, focusing on the evolution of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems towards cloud-based solutions. Rhodes emphasizes the shift to Software as a Service (SaaS) ERP, which automates many traditional processes, enhancing efficiency and user experience. He discusses how these systems help small and medium enterprises achieve sustainable growth by providing ready-to-run processes and reducing IT burdens. The conversation also covers the importance of agility in adapting to market changes and the role of intelligent assistance in improving daily operations. Rhodes highlights that cloud ERP solutions are designed to scale with businesses, offering flexibility to meet unique needs while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Guest Speaker: Jonathan Rhodes, Global SVP, Head of Product Marketing SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public EditionJon Rhodes is the Senior Vice President and Head of Product Marketing for SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition and GROW with SAP. Leading a dedicated team, Jon oversees the solution and go-to-market strategy for SAP’s flagship SaaS cloud ERP solution. Jon’s team collaborates closely with customers to shape future product directions and drive value creation through innovations with SAP’s development teams and partners. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links:
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| Episode 89: Will AI Replace the Auditor? | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:19:08 | |
Will AI replace auditors? This episode explores how AI is transforming auditing, why human judgment remains critical, and what the future of ERP and audit looks like in an AI-driven world. ===== This episode explores the impact of AI on auditing, from automation of routine tasks to its role in shaping controls and decision-making. It examines trust, regulation, and current adoption challenges, while emphasizing the continued importance of human judgment. The discussion also looks ahead to how AI will influence audit efficiency, workforce evolution, and the future of ERP within an integrated, intelligent ecosystem. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links:
Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Shaylin Moodley, Ernst & Young LLP Shaylin is a SAP security, risk and controls leader who acts as a guardian of audit success for SAP‑heavy organisations. He partners with CFOs, CIOs, CROs and assurance leaders to cut the cost of compliance, assure complex SAP S/4HANA programmes, and design roles, SoD and controls that stand up to regulator and auditor challenge, particularly through audit rotation, heightened scrutiny and early AI adoption. Being an IT External Auditor for a range of the FTSE 250 with one hat, allows him to advise other organisations on what an external auditor marks against when designing controls whilst he wears his second hat.
With over 10+ years across all four Big Four firms, he has supported a number of clients in financial services, utilities, energy, manufacturing and consumer, navigating go lives securely, avoiding year‑end surprises and landing “no repeat findings” on critical IT and programme level controls. 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X 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. Follow Oyku Ilgar on LinkedIn and SAP Community ===== Key Topics: AI in auditing, ERP, external audit, cybersecurity, AI adoption, controls and compliance, audit automation, SAP, digital transformation, enterprise systems, risk management, governance, auditors role, AI governance, business technology, intelligent automation, The Future of ERP, SAP Podcasts | |||
| Episode 53: The Green Ledger: Treating Carbon Footprints as Financial Assets | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:24:05 | |
In this episode of The Future of ERP, SAP’s Chief Sustainability Officer Sophia Mendelsohn discusses how sustainability is becoming a fundamental part of business operations. She highlights that today’s ERP systems are designed to treat environmental factors like carbon emissions with the same importance as financial metrics, enabling organizations to make informed decisions that benefit both the planet and their bottom line. Mendelsohn emphasizes the role of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability, particularly through innovations like the SAP Green Ledger, which allows businesses to track carbon emissions alongside financial transactions. The conversation also touches on the collaborative nature of sustainability efforts, involving various departments such as finance, procurement, and R&D, to ensure that sustainability is embedded into every aspect of business strategy. Guest Speaker: Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer for SAP SustainabilityAs Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer for SAP Sustainability, Sophia and her teams oversee SAP’s corporate sustainability and bring sustainability to market for our customers. Sophia’s long-standing area of focus is in guiding organizations on how to balance immediate financial goals with sustainability and ESG governance for long-term business viability. She has deep expertise in sustainability and specializes in executive stakeholder engagement. She designed and taught the first ESG at Harvard Extension School, is a recognised public voice on ESG, and was chosen as one of the top 10 sustainability leaders of the year by the industry’s leading publication, Sustainability Magazine. Sophia has a Master of Science in sustainable management from Columbia University. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links:
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| Episode 52: How AI is Reshaping Chemical Manufacturing | 17 Dec 2024 | 00:33:43 | |
In this episode, Dr. Marko Lange and Sergey Nozenko discuss the transformative impact of AI on the chemical industry. They address key challenges such as intense competition, fluctuating raw material prices, and stringent regulations. The conversation highlights how companies are enhancing research and development (R&D) investments and leveraging modern technologies like AI and IoT to improve efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, they cover the importance of skilled labor, with firms focusing on talent development and strategic partnerships to navigate these complexities effectively. Guest Speaker: Dr. Marko Lange, Global Head Chemicals at SAP SEDr. Marko Lange is Global Head Chemicals at SAP SE and has been working at SAP for more than 20 years in various functions, but always with reference to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. His current focus is on Industry4.0 and sustainability as well as the use of intelligent technologies in the chemical industry. He holds a degree in industrial engineering – technical chemistry and a doctorate in economics. Guest Speaker: Sergey Nozhenko, SAP Product Marketing Expert for Chemicals at SAP SEWith 16 years in the chemical industry, Sergey’s background spans ERP consulting, business consulting, and business solutions architecture at top IT & business service companies. At SAP SE, he has focus on chemical and process industries for the past decade. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 51: The Gamer's Mindset with Philip Loewen | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:28:59 | |
Discover how a gamer’s mindset can revolutionize business systems by fostering curiosity, enhancing human-centered design, and transforming data analytics from mere historical insights to actionable, predictive strategies for success. This week’s podcast episode features a discussion on integrating a gamer’s mindset into business systems. Key themes include placing human needs at the center of interactions, enhancing digital maturity, and fostering curiosity and agility in software development. The conversation emphasizes designing user-centric systems that prioritize engagement over rigid processes. It also covers the importance of collaboration across supply chains and the evolution of analytics from descriptive to prescriptive insights, enabling organizations to make informed decisions and enhance operational efficiency. This approach encourages continuous learning and adaptation, ultimately driving innovation in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape. Guest Speaker: Philip Loewen – SVP, Global Head of Cross-Product Strategy & Product Management, SAPAs a kid, Lego’s were my world and my imagination/creativity was insatiable. I was always looking for a creative angle to make whatever I was doing, become fun. With over 20 years of experience in IT & SAP, legacy systems were challenging, disruptive technologies demanded change again and again, and digital transformation was at the center of it all. I grew up in an analog world and in college, starting digital was key. Having lived that transformation in every aspect of my life, one thing is very clear: User/Customer Experience is the one thing which has to get simpler, as everything else gets more complex. I am working on that since entering college in 1996. When was the last time an inspiration challenged you to new heights? Don’t tell me … show me, challenge me! Phil Loewen: LinkedIn Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links:
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| Episode 50: The Future of ERP for Manufacturing: Challenges, Solutions, and the Cloud Advantages with cbs' Markus Nitsch | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:20:06 | |
In this episode, Markus Nitsch from cbs Corporate Business Solutions discusses the necessity of cloud ERP in manufacturing. He highlights common challenges faced by manufacturers, such as cost efficiency and outdated systems, while emphasizing the advantages of cloud solutions, including faster implementation and scalability. Nitsch stresses the importance of early stakeholder involvement in ERP projects to facilitate change management. He also addresses the complexities of implementing cloud ERP in 24/7 production environments, sharing strategies for minimizing downtime and ensuring seamless transitions during go-live phases. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of cloud technology in enhancing operational efficiency for manufacturers. Guest Speaker: Markus Nitsch, Senior Manager and Product Owner Public Cloud Implementations at cbs Corporate Business SolutionsMarkus Nitsch has been working for cbs since 2012. About 5 years ago, he started building up the S/4HANA Public Cloud business area which he now leads and for which he is responsible for sales, know-how management and personnel development. Markus has led several successful Public Cloud implementations for the manufacturing industry and is acutely aware of the specific needs and risks of such projects. Before moving to the cloud, he was leading rollout projects all over the world, primarily in South-, Central- and North America and briefly also was the Product Owner for those projects at cbs. He is motivated by solving challenging problems in complex, new environments and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in SAP, always looking for new and innovative solutions. Markus studied business administration at the University of Cologne and the Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and is based out of Cologne, Germany. cbs Corporate Business Solutions is part of the Materna Group and employs over 1,400 people at 30+ locations worldwide. They enable global market leaders to extend their lead through best-in-class, innovative corporate solutions and their GROW with Fast Value approach is the ideal solution for companies that want to future-proof their business processes in the cloud. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 49: The CFO's Strategy Playbook: Leveraging Finance to Unlock Business Value and Drive Digital Transformation | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:17:55 | |
This episode focuses on the evolving role of finance leaders, featuring insights from Larry Simcox of SAP. Based on an Oxford Economics survey of 600 financial executives, it reveals that CFOs are now strategic partners to CEOs, taking on new responsibilities beyond traditional finance roles.Larry discusses the challenges finance teams face, such as compliance with complex regulations like ESG standards and the need for modern technology to support growth. Many finance executives report their existing systems are inadequate, hindering innovation and responsiveness.The conversation highlights the importance of adopting cloud-based solutions and AI technologies to streamline processes and enhance decision-making. Larry provides actionable advice for CFOs, emphasizing the need for clear goals, strategic technology use, and fostering a culture of innovation. This episode is essential for understanding the evolving landscape of finance and how leaders can effectively navigate it for future success. Guest Speaker: Larry Simcox, Sr. Director, Product Marketing, GROW with SAP at SAPLarry Simcox joined SAP in February 2024 and is the Sr. Director, Product Marketing, GROW with SAP. He is a key member of the team working on the go to market strategy and execution for the GROW with SAP offering. Larry came to SAP with over twenty years of diverse sales, marketing strategy, product marketing and business leadership. Prior to SAP Larry was the Senior Director, Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP Product Marketing and has over 20 years of marketing strategy and business leadership. He has also worked in marketing and pre-sales support roles with innovative supply chain planning and execution software companies: G-Log (acquired by Oracle), Optum, and Manugistics. He also spent over 5 years in the financial services industry with Moody’s Investor Service. Larry has a Masters in Business Administration from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina and a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science from Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, North Carolina. Larry resides in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrysimcox Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 48: Understanding Sovereign Cloud with Torsten Welte | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:28:55 | |
In this podcast episode of the Future of ERP, we had an engaging conversation with SAP’s Torsten Welte about the pressing topic of Sovereign Cloud. We explored why this concept is becoming increasingly vital in today’s ERP landscape, especially as countries tighten regulations around data protection. Torsten shared his insights on how businesses must adapt to these changes, particularly in industries that handle sensitive information. We also discussed the challenges companies face when navigating diverse regulations across borders and how leveraging technologies like AI can complicate matters further. Guest Speaker: Torsten Welte, Business AI – Office of the CRO, SAPTorsten Welte joined SAP Americas in 2004 and assumed the role of Global Head of Aerospace & Defense (A&D) Industries in 2015. With over 25 years of experience in consulting, sales, IT and program management, Torsten brings a depth and breadth of experience to the key leadership roles that he has held in the North American Aerospace & Defense segment. Under Torsten’s leadership, the A&D Team’s mission is to deliver industry cloud solutions that help SAP customers sustainably innovate and grow their businesses, operate safely and develop their people. Prior to joining SAP, Torsten spent 12 years with Deloitte Consulting, managing several large SAP implementations as well as strategy engagements across different manufacturing industries. Torsten graduated from the University of Applied Science in Pforzheim, Germany, focusing his academic studies on the areas International Business, Organizational Design and Information Technology. He resides in Seattle, WA USA. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 47: Key Strategies for Unlocking the Full Potential of ERP Implementation with SCHEER’s Oliver Hafner | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:27:18 | |
In this episode of The Future of ERP, we dive into the complexities of ERP implementation with Oliver Hafner, COO of SCHEER. With over 20 years of experience in the SAP environment, Oliver shares invaluable insights on navigating the transition to S4HANA and selecting the right deployment model – be it cloud, on-premise, or hybrid. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between these models and how they impact your ERP strategy. Listeners will learn about optimizing business processes, effectively integrating SAP and non-SAP applications using the SAP Business Technology Platform, and establishing a robust security framework to protect sensitive data in the cloud. We also iscussed best practices for a smooth implementation process, highlighting the significance of leveraging existing methodologies and tools like SAP Activate and Cloud Application Lifecycle Manager (CALM). This episode is packed with expert strategies that can help businesses maximize their ERP systems and achieve operational excellence. Guest Speaker: Oliver Hafner, Chief Operating Officer Germany, Scheer GroupWith over 20 years of experience in the SAP environment, Oliver has extensive knowledge of the old and the new ERP world. He started his career as a developer then moved to the consulting business related to BI topics. Prior to his current role he worked as a SAP Technical Solution Architect – SAP S/4HANA Transformation, System landscape Design and (Cloud-) Architecture. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 46: Embracing Change, Technology, and Sustainability from Implementation to Innovation with NTT Data’s Waliuollah Ali | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:26:21 | |
In this podcast episode, NTT DATA’s Waliuollah Ali explores the multifaceted challenges and expectations surrounding the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in organizations. The discussion highlights the distinct needs of key stakeholders, including top management, departmental employees, and IT teams. Listeners will learn about the importance of real-time data for decision-making, the necessity of user-friendly interfaces for employees, and the critical role of cybersecurity in modern ERP systems. The episode emphasizes effective change management, data quality, and the strategic involvement of leadership to ensure successful ERP adoption and enhanced productivity across the organization. Guest Speaker: Walioullah Ali , Head of Center of Excellence Consumer Products, Director Innovation and Portfolio at NTT DATAAs Head of the Center of Excellence Consumer Products, Walioullah Ali manages SAP projects across all phases, serves as a member of steering committees, and trusted advisor for customers, especially in the consumer goods industry. He works closely with customers at all levels, from board members to department heads, to deeply understand their requirements and how modern ERP systems can address them. In his role in the Innovation and Portfolio division, Ali is responsible for future-oriented research projects in cooperation with industry partners, research institutes, and universities, such as the Leading-Edge Cluster its OWL. He develops innovative solutions leveraging AI and digitalization to optimize processes for clients. Current projects include measuring and reducing CO2 emissions across supply chains with partners GEA, Miele, University of Paderborn and Bielefeld, as well as using AI to optimize production processes and develop intelligent worker assistance systems with CLAAS, Schmitz Cargobull, and Fraunhofer research institutes. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:Follow Us on Social Media:
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| Episode 45: How AI is Changing Finance with SAP's Paul Saunders | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:28:37 | |
In this week’s episode, the discussion centers around the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in finance departments, as highlighted in a recent SAP Insights research paper. SAP’s Paul Saunders, the head of product strategy for cloud ERP and chief evangelist, discusses how AI is changing traditional finance roles and responsibilities, the areas being disrupted most, and the human skills needed to critically evaluate AI-driven recommendations and develop insights to bring those recommendations to life. Guest Speaker: Paul Saunders, Head of Product Strategy and Chief Evangelist Cloud ERP at SAPWith over 25 years of experience as a CTO, CIO and industry analyst Paul has extensive knowledge of ERP. Prior to joining SAP, he was Vice President, Research for Gartner, providing advice to the world’s largest and most influential technology providers. He was also lead author for Gartner’s ERP strategic roadmap and the lead analyst covering SAP.
Paul Saunders: LinkedIn, SAP Community Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 44: Embracing the Cloud Mindset: Unlocking the Benefits of Public ERP for Innovation and Efficiency with INNOVABEE's Saskia Fontanive | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:30:40 | |
The conversation centers on the evolution of public cloud ERP systems and their advantages for businesses. Key topics include the transition from highly customized on-premise solutions to standardized cloud offerings, which facilitate faster deployment and continuous updates. The discussion also covers the necessity of a cloud mindset, where organizations embrace standard processes to maximize benefits. Success stories illustrate how companies like Neurod and KTM have effectively adapted to public cloud ERP, demonstrating improved operational efficiency and a strategic focus on their unique strengths. Guest Speaker: Saskia Fontanive, Head Of Consulting at InnovabeeSaskia Fontanive has been working for Innovabee since 2015. She bears an important responsibility for the successful completion of our SAP S/4HANA implementation projects. In addition, she takes care of supporting our existing customers and is significantly involved in personnel development and resource planning. Before her current position as a consulting manager, she worked as a consultant and project manager, where her focus was on SAP S/4HANA public cloud projects. What is particularly noteworthy is that she accompanied the development and implementation of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud from the very beginning and played a key role in building up Innovabee together with managing directors’ board. In the first few years of her professional career at Innovabee, she worked at the Waiblingen location before moving to Hamburg in 2021. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 88: Industry AI for ERP: From Generic Models to Domain-Specific Intelligence with PwC's Frank Ruland | 20 May 2026 | 00:20:37 | |
Why generic AI fails in ERP and how industry-specific intelligence unlocks real value. PwC’s Frank Ruland shares use cases, integration challenges, and what’s next for AI-powered, future-ready ERP systems. ===== In this episode, Richard Howell speaks with PwC’s Frank Ruland about the shift from generic AI to industry-specific intelligence in ERP. They unpack why context is critical, explore real-world use cases in manufacturing and retail, and discuss integration, adoption, and data challenges. The episode closes with a forward look at agentic AI, robotics, and how ERP remains the foundation for future innovation. Download Episode Transcript Useful Links:
Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Frank Ruland, Director Industries and Innovation, PwC Deutschland Frank Ruland leads Industries and Innovation topics globally within PwC’s SAP alliance organization. In this capacity he is responsible for strategic innovation topics across PwC’s alliance with SAP, from Business AI, Cloud ERP and Business Data Cloud to industry differentiation. He works closely with experts across the PwC network in industries, technology, data and AI and ERP/Digital transformstion. And with other technology alliance partners in the SAP ecosystem.
Prior to joining PwC, Frank has been working with SAP directly and in various roles in consulting, product management, business development, and partner management with a special focus on industries, supply chain, and purchasing as well as M&A and alliance topics for more than 20 years. And if you want to go back further in history, Frank also worked in the automotive industry at the interface between IT and business departments.
In parallel to his corporate career, Frank subscribes to life-long learning and he received his Executive MBA degree from Mannheim Business School and ESSEC in Paris.
You can follow Frank on social media at https://de.linkedin.com/in/frankruland 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X ===== Key Topics: ERP, enterprise resource planning, industry AI, domain specific AI, SAP, PwC, digital transformation, predictive maintenance, retail analytics, manufacturing AI, business processes, AI in ERP, enterprise AI, automation, data integration, agentic AI | |||
| Episode 43: Transforming Small and Midsize Businesses: Cloud ERP, AI Integration, and the Shift from On- Premise Systems | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:25:44 | |
Cloud ERP systems are transforming small and midsize businesses by enabling integration, automation, and AI-driven analytics. Henrik Hausen, CEO of All4Cloud, emphasizes the importance of a cloud mindset that prioritizes standardization over customization for successful implementation. Cloud solutions offer regular updates, enhanced security, and the ability to focus on core business activities rather than IT management. AI integration automates data processing and decision-making, improving scalability and flexibility as companies grow. Hausen advocates for a shift from on-premise systems to cloud-based platforms, which can streamline processes and reduce reliance on manual input, ultimately driving operational efficiency and innovation. Guest Speaker: Henrik Hausen, CEO at all4cloudHenrik Hausen is CEO at SAP gold partner all4cloud. He is an expert in SAP Cloud ERP and has been shaping a sustainable and value-based corporate culture with 100% cloud DNA since founding his company. Customers and employees are at the forefront of everything he does. Henrik Hausen: Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 42: Why Implementing Cloud ERP As-A-Service is Nothing Like Implementing an On-Premise Solution with WCA's Simon Flick | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:27:19 | |
Digital transformation is reshaping the business landscape. Cloud ERP solutions provide a pathway to enhanced efficiency, scalability, and innovation. By transitioning from legacy systems to cloud-based platforms, companies can streamline processes, improve data accessibility, and adapt quickly to market changes. This shift not only reduces IT overhead but also enables continuous improvement and agility in an ever-evolving business environment. Guest Speaker: Simon Flick, Managing Director of the Walldorf Consulting GroupSimon is Managing Director of the Walldorf Consulting Group and heads the Cloud and Software-as-a-Service Practice. He advises SMEs and large enterprise customers on the strategy and operationalization of their SaaS cloud strategy around SAP S/4HANA Cloud and other solutions from the SAP portfolio. Walldorf Consulting is a global SAP consulting company based in Walldorf with offices in the USA, Singapore and Malaysia. Since 2020, the company has focused exclusively on the transformation of its customers into an SAP Cloud and Software-as-a-Service environment and today consists of more than 170 cloud experts worldwide. In his 15-year consulting history, Simon has been a trusted advisor for the digitalization of his clients’ business functions and has extensive expertise in transforming business processes into a digital, cloud-based future. His expertise includes strategic transformation programs for major clients as well as numerous successful strategy projects and implementations for medium-sized companies in the automotive, services, hi-tech, medical technology and retail sectors. The heart and DNA of Walldorf Consulting is its own process methodology based on SAP Activate – the Walldorf Consulting Fit-2-Standard approach – which has been awarded the Grand Winner seal of the SAP Quality Award by SAP. Through the combination of didactic approaches and consistent alignment with the process standards of SaaS solutions, significantly higher standardization rates can be achieved and thus significant advantages in terms of project duration, risk management and total cost of ownership can be achieved, which get the most out of the cloud solutions in setup and operation. In the last 3 years, more than 30 customers have been successfully transformed into an SAP Cloud using this methodology. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-buchacher-lassnig-22919415b/ Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 41: The Challenges and Opportunities of Moving to a Public Cloud ERP Solution with ORBIS' Sebastian Buchacher-Lassnig | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:17:50 | |
Discover how cloud-based ERP solutions are transforming small and medium enterprises. This episode delves into the challenges of growth, the importance of adopting a cloud mindset, and the benefits of standardized processes. Gain valuable insights on scalability, innovation, and cost-effectiveness to guide your company’s digital transformation journey. Guest Speaker: Sebastian Buchacher-Lassnig, Project Lead SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, ORBIS SESebastian is Project Lead for SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud at ORBIS, based in Austria. In this role, he is responsible for project implementations as well as presales. With more than 6 years of SAP S/4HANA Cloud experience, he is passionate about supporting customers on their digital transformation journey to the cloud. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-buchacher-lassnig-22919415b/ Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:
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| Episode 40: From Home Renovation to Digital Transformation: Embracing S/4HANA Cloud Innovation Through ERP Migration | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:20:32 | |
This episode delves into the crucial decision between brownfield and greenfield approaches in ERP migration, using a relatable house renovation analogy. The speaker explores the complexities of updating existing systems (brownfield) versus starting fresh (greenfield), highlighting the pros and cons of each approach. While brownfield offers familiarity and less disruption, greenfield provides opportunities for comprehensive modernization and innovation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering long-term business needs, emerging technologies, and the rapidly changing market landscape when making this decision. The episode concludes by underscoring the critical role of modern ERP systems in driving business success, positioning them as indispensable tools for both daily operations and strategic management in today’s dynamic business environment. Guest Speaker: Michael Perfler, Managing Director of Phoron ConsultingMichael Perfler has been active in the SAP industry for over 20 years and has extensive project experience with a clear focus on SAP Cloud solutions. As the managing director of Phoron Consulting, he always prioritizes customer benefits and utilizes his profound knowledge and technical expertise to develop innovative and tailored SAP solutions. With his ability to understand customer needs and implement complex projects, he has earned a reputation as a trustworthy and solution-oriented partner. Phoron Consulting is a dynamic, medium-sized SAP consulting firm with locations in Austria, Germany, and Brazil, positioned internationally. With a dedicated team of over 180 employees, Phoron distinguishes itself through its focus on innovative solutions and technological leadership in the realm of SAP Cloud solutions and ERP implementations. As specialists in digital transformation, Phoron assists companies in optimizing their business processes through tailored SAP solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of clients. Phoron Consulting combines cross-industry expertise with technical know-how to help companies enhance their efficiency, improve competitiveness, and succeed in the global market. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links:Follow Us on Social Media: Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! | |||