The Future of Supply Chain

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  • 4.3 (6)
  • TECHNOLOGY

The Future of Supply Chain podcast is a show hosted by Richard Howells, Sin To, and Nicole Smythe. The trio discusses hot topics, best practices, and the latest innovations to deliver a risk-resilient and sustainable supply chain. The show features interviews with experts from the world of supply chain, sustainability, and Industry 4.0, who will address the issues of today and tomorrow. This is an ideal podcast for supply chain, R&D, manufacturing, logistics, and operations executives to learn and share ideas and best practices with their peers.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 146: Supply Chain Orchestration with Deloitte's Jagjeet Singh

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

    26 min

  2. FEB 4

    Episode 145: Automotive Supply Chains: The Secrets of Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Chains with SAP's Hagen Heubach

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

    30 min

  3. JAN 28

    Episode 144: Why the future of manufacturing is in the cloud with Shaun Mitra from IBM

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

    20 min

  4. JAN 21

    Episode 143: The role of AI and Supply Chain Orchestration in 2026 and beyond with SAP's Dominik Metzger

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

    28 min

  5. JAN 14

    Episode 142: Sustainability by Design: Exploring AI, Supply Chain & Finance with Darcy MacClaren and Prathiba David

    In this week’s episode Richard, Darcy MacClaren and Prathiba David explore sustainability by design, showing how AI, data and finance converge to cut Scope 3 emissions, boost resilience and turn green supply chains into core business strategy   Download the ⁠⁠episode transcript⁠     =====     This week we, together with supply chain leaders Darcy MacClaren and Prathiba David, unpack sustainability by design and why now is the moment to act. They explain how AI, digital twins and unified data models tackle Scope 3, break down silos and link carbon, cost and capital. Real‑world examples from consumer brands, retailers, manufacturers and technology providers show how sustainable supply chains become more resilient, efficient and financially attractive.   =====     Guest 1: Darcy MacClaren, Board Director and Senior Advisor   ⁠ Darcy MacClaren is a board director and senior advisor with more than 30 years of global experience advancing supply chain technology and sustainability. A former supply chain revenue executive at SAP, she works at the intersection of AI, sustainable logistics, and enterprise transformation. Darcy serves on the board of 1LogTech, an iPaaS platform modernizing transportation integration, and advises PE/VC-backed SaaS companies on scaling and go-to-market strategy.   Guest 2: Prathiba David, Technology Executive   Prathiba David is a technology executive, multiple times Chief Operating Officer and thought leader at the intersection of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and supply chain transformation. She has led go-to-market and operational strategy across high-growth startups and global enterprises. Her career spans roles at Morgan Stanley, EY, and Dropbox, where she built deep expertise in supplier risk management, cybersecurity, and digital operations. Currently, she works with Fortune 500s on advancing sustainability through data-driven insights and emerging technologies.   Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP   ⁠⁠Richard Howells⁠⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.     =====     Show Links:     Connect with Darcy on LinkedIn Connect with Prathiba on LinkedIn   Supply Chain Management:  SAP Supply Chain Management  SAP Insights: Supply Chain     Follow Us on Social Media   Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X   SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn     Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!      =====     Chapters:      00:00:00: Intro 00:00:56: Guests' Introductions 00:02:37: What is “sustainability by design”? 00:05:53: Why now for sustainable supply chains? 00:09:29: Scope 3 and regulatory pressure 00:10:21: How AI transforms supply chains 00:15:23: Tackling Scope 3 data challenges 00:18:30: Measuring success beyond CO₂ 00:23:37: Breaking silos and cultural barriers 00:26:23: What is the Future of Supply Chain? 00:38:03: Outro

    28 min

  6. JAN 8

    Episode 141: Freight Security with Bloodhound CEO Curtis Spencer

    We kick off 2026 with Bloodhound CEO Curtis Spencer on how covert, always‑on tracking combats cargo theft, boosts asset utilization, and uses AI, sensors, and mesh connectivity to secure global freight end‑to‑end Download the ⁠episode transcript⁠ ===== This week we, together with Bloodhound CEO Curtis Spencer, unpack the freight security crisis and how covert, always‑on tracking is changing the game. From multi‑network connectivity and AI “patterns of life” analytics to cold‑chain monitoring, asset utilization, and new CO₂ and fentanyl‑sniffing capabilities, we explore how data‑driven visibility can fight theft, tampering, and trafficking across global supply chains. ===== Guest: Curtis D. Spencer, CEO, IMS Worldwide, Inc. & Bloodhound Tracking Device Inc. Curtis Spencer is the CEO of IMS Worldwide, Inc. (IMSW) and Bloodhound Tracking Device, Inc., (BTD) headquartered in Houston, Texas.  Mr. Spencer is a nationally regarded expert on matters related to: Logistics and Intermodal Shipping Trends, Ports, Inland Ports and Rail-Served Logistics Centers and how they Impact Industrial Real Estate.Development and Utilization of Foreign-Trade Zones for Importers and ExportersImpact of E-Commerce on Logistics and Supply Chains and Industrial Real Estate  After spending 22 years searching for a tracking and security solution, in 2021 Mr. Spencer launched BTD with a pair of NASA engineers and Mr. Steve Schellenberg, another IMSW alumni.  BTD is now the leading track, trace and security device for containers, trailers and chassis.   Host 1: Richard Howells, SAP ⁠Richard Howells⁠ has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability. ===== Show Links: Supply Chain Management ⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠ ⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠ Follow Us on Social Media Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠X⁠ SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! ===== Chapters: 00:00:00: Intro 00:02:31: Impact of rising cargo theft on global supply chains 00:03:52: How digitization and data quality reshape freight security 00:05:31: Why real‑time visibility across the whole supply chain matters 00:10:10: Role of AI, sensors, and “patterns of life” in detecting anomalies 00:11:51: Using data for fleet optimization, utilization, and dead‑mile reduction 00:16:56: What's the next wave of freight security 00:18:34: The Future of Supply Chain 00:19:42: Outro

    20 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    Episode 140: A 2025 Wrap-up

    In this week’s episode, hosts Richard Howells and Oyku Ilgar wrap up 2025’s biggest supply chain shifts, from AI and digital twins to cybersecurity, geopolitics, human-centric workforces, and sustainability – sharing expert insights and a look ahead to a more resilient 2026 Download the episode transcript ===== This week, Richard Howells and Oyku Ilgar – together with leading voices from SAP, IDC, Deloitte, Everstream, BDO, and more – revisit 2025’s hottest supply chain topics: AI-enabled and human-centric operations, business networks, cybersecurity, geopolitics, ESG regulation, and sustainability. Hear how digital foundations, intelligent planning and circularity are reshaping supply chains and why resilience will define success in 2026 and beyond. ===== 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, along with a master’s degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape. ===== Show Links: Supply Chain Management SAP Supply Chain Management SAP Insights: Supply Chain Follow Us on Social Media Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X Oyku Ilgar: LinkedIn SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! ===== Chapters: 00:00:00: Intro 00:00:37: AI-enabled, data-driven supply chains and digital foundations 00:03:10: Business networks and supply chain orchestration 00:04:16: Cybersecurity deep in ERP and operations 00:06:01: Geopolitics, tariffs and global trade disruption 00:08:32: AI, automation and the human-centric workforce 00:10:57: ESG regulation and sustainability 00:13:27: Holiday wishes and looking ahead to 2026

    14 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Episode 139: How AI is changing the way we plan with Tod Stenger

    In this week's episode, we are joined by SAP's Tod Stenger to explore how AI and agentic AI are transforming planning roles, automation, and decision-making This week we, together with SAP's Tod Stenger, dive into "Planning Reimagined," discussing AI's shift from machine learning in forecasting to generative AI for analysis, data quality, and agentic workflows that automate routines while keeping humans in the loop for strategic decisions.

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Future of Supply Chain podcast is a show hosted by Richard Howells, Sin To, and Nicole Smythe. The trio discusses hot topics, best practices, and the latest innovations to deliver a risk-resilient and sustainable supply chain. The show features interviews with experts from the world of supply chain, sustainability, and Industry 4.0, who will address the issues of today and tomorrow. This is an ideal podcast for supply chain, R&D, manufacturing, logistics, and operations executives to learn and share ideas and best practices with their peers.

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