The Future of ERP

The Future of ERP podcast is a show hosted by thought leader and evangelist Richard Howells, and marketer and blogger in the area of ERP and Supply Chain Oyku Ilgar. They discuss hot topics, best practices, and the latest innovations to drive innovative industry-specific business models and build sustainability directly into your business. The show features interviews with experts from the world of ERP and finance and addresses the issues of the day across the business world. This is an ideal podcast for finance, operations, and IT executives to learn and share ideas and best practices with their peers.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 78: 2025 Wrap Up

    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! ⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! ⁠SAP Cloud ERP - LinkedIn⁠ ===== 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

    24 min
  2. 12/17/2025

    Episode 77: Optimizing How People Work, Achieve and Excel

    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! Download Episode Transcript Useful Links: SAP Cloud ERP Capgemini Follow Us on Social Media! SAP Cloud ERP - LinkedIn ===== 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

    27 min
  3. Episode 76: The Role of Cloud ERP and AI in a Digital Transformation with Cognizant’s Gary Hayes and SAP’s Alex Pierroutsakos

    11/19/2025

    Episode 76: The Role of Cloud ERP and AI in a Digital Transformation with Cognizant’s Gary Hayes and SAP’s Alex Pierroutsakos

    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: Technology Leadership & Business TransformationProgram LeadershipCustomer SystemsEnterprise Asset ManagementFinancial / Supply ChainSmart Grid / ADMS / AMIAt 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: Download TranscriptSAP Cloud ERPCognizant Technology Solutions Follow Us on Social Media: SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

    29 min
  4. Episode 75: Compliance Made Simple: Understanding Cloud ERP’s Role in Shared Compliance with KPMG

    11/12/2025

    Episode 75: Compliance Made Simple: Understanding Cloud ERP’s Role in Shared Compliance with KPMG

    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 KPMG With 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, 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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 Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download Transcript KPMG Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

    27 min
  5. Episode 74: Next Gen of the Subscription Economy - Who is Next?

    10/29/2025

    Episode 74: Next Gen of the Subscription Economy - Who is Next?

    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 Bramasol John 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, 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links: Download Transcript Bramasol SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

    24 min
  6. Episode 73: Greenfield or Brownfield with Deloitte’s Geraldine Aubert

    10/15/2025

    Episode 73: Greenfield or Brownfield with Deloitte’s Geraldine Aubert

    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 Deloitte Geraldine 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, 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links: Download Transcript The Future of ERP: A study on the challenges and opportunities of ERP systems by 2030 Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

    25 min
  7. Episode 72: Staying One Step Ahead: Shared Security Roles in Cloud ERP Threat Prevention with IBM

    10/01/2025

    Episode 72: Staying One Step Ahead: Shared Security Roles in Cloud ERP Threat Prevention with IBM

    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 Leader Ryan 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, 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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 Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download Transcript IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025 IBM Cybersecurity Services IBM SAP Consulting Services   Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

    28 min
  8. Episode 71: How Can Cloud ERP Serve as a Strategic Catalyst for Digital Transformation

    09/17/2025

    Episode 71: How Can Cloud ERP Serve as a Strategic Catalyst for Digital Transformation

    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, Westernacher Abhishek 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, 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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 Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download Transcript SAP NEWS Article – TBD by Oyku Ilgar Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

    27 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Future of ERP podcast is a show hosted by thought leader and evangelist Richard Howells, and marketer and blogger in the area of ERP and Supply Chain Oyku Ilgar. They discuss hot topics, best practices, and the latest innovations to drive innovative industry-specific business models and build sustainability directly into your business. The show features interviews with experts from the world of ERP and finance and addresses the issues of the day across the business world. This is an ideal podcast for finance, operations, and IT executives to learn and share ideas and best practices with their peers.

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