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: SAP Cloud ERP 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