The Future of Supply Chain podcast is a show hosted by Richard Howells, Sin To, and Oyku Ilgar. 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, AI and automation, 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.
Episode 95: Cyber Fortress: Securing the Digital Lifelines of Global Supply Chains with SAP’s Niall Brennan
Feb 05, 2025
Show notes
This week, Niall Brennan – former FBI agent turned SAP cybersecurity strategist – details the critical role of securing supply chains amid rising cyber threats. With 22 years of FBI experience in counterterrorism, cybercrime, and intelligence, Brennan now bridges public-private partnerships to safeguard SAP’s digital ecosystem. He discusses threat intelligence sharing, incident response, regulatory compliance, and anticipatory resilience strategies, highlighting the need for “personality-resistant” global collaboration to neutralize vulnerabilities in an era of rapid technological disruption.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Niall Brennan, VP, Global Head of External Engagement, Government and External Security Organizations, SAP
Niall P. Brennan joined SAP on June 1, 2020, as the Global Head of External Engagement for the security organization. In this capacity, he leads relationships with global government security services, legislative and regulatory bodies, public-private partnerships, industry trade councils, non-governmental organizations and academia to address issues related to industry security and resilience, threat mitigation and regulatory compliance and enforcement. He has over 30 years of experience in a variety of legal, advisory, security, and investigative roles in both the public and private sectors.
An attorney by education and training, Niall began his professional life as a commercial litigator in private practice. In 1996, he joined the FBI, where he spent 22-years in multiple operational and managerial capacities across all investigative and investigative support programs, including transnational organized crime, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber and intelligence. Through his service, he gained extensive experience in complex investigation, information collection and management, crisis management and international diplomacy. In his last position with the FBI, Niall led the office in the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France for over 5 years. He retired from the FBI in 2018 and joined PwC as a Director in the Cybersecurity & Privacy practice where he led client engagements focused on cyber incident response and mitigation, resiliency-building and organizational transformation.
Niall is married and resides in New York City with his wife and four children.
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.
Host: Nicole Smythe, SAP
Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 94: The Outlook for Logistics for 2025 and Beyond with Adelante SCM’s Adrian Gonzalez
Jan 30, 2025
Show notes
This week, we’re joined by Adelante SCM’s Adrian Gonzalez to talk all things logistics – no pun intended. With logistics moving into the forefront of companies’ digital transformation, we dove into the importance of valuing and utilizing the broader supplier network, seizing the momentum of the technology transformation and acceleration, and sharpening your visibility beyond your four walls.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Adrian Gonzalez, President, Adelante SCM
Adrian Gonzalez is a trusted advisor and leading industry analyst with more than 25 years of research experience in transportation management, logistics outsourcing, and other supply chain and logistics topics. He is the founder and president of Adelante SCM, a peer-to-peer learning, networking, and research community for supply chain and logistics professionals. Adelante’s services include Talking Logistics, an online video talk show and blog featuring thought leaders and newsmakers in the supply chain and logistics industry, and Indago, a market research service that brings together a community of supply chain and logistics practitioners who share practical knowledge and advice with each other while giving back to charitable causes.
Prior to his current roles, Adrian held various leadership positions at ARC Advisory Group, Motorola, Polaroid, and Clare. Adrian speaks frequently at industry events and conferences and is regularly quoted in industry publications. He is also a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and a LinkedIn Influencer with more than 249,000+ followers.
Adrian has a B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Cornell University. He also earned a Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management from Northeastern University, where he has served as an adjunct instructor in their Executive MBA program.
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.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 93: Smart Manufacturing in 2025 and Beyond with Deloitte’s Tim Gaus
Jan 22, 2025
Show notes
This week, Deloitte’s Tim Gaus joins the series to explors the future of manufacturing, discussing key challenges manufacturers are set to face in 2025, including workforce management, agility in production, and technology modernization. Together, we highlight the importance of balancing human expertise with automation, the impact of generative AI on manufacturing processes, and the need for a harmonized digital core to optimize supply chain management and manufacturing efficiency.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Tim Gaus, Deloitte
Tim is a principal and the Smart Manufacturing Business Leader with Deloitte Consulting LLP. He brings more than 25 years of supply chain experience with a focus on value chain optimization using emerging technology. He has led multiple supply chain transformations, spanning supply chain strategy, manufacturing optimization, supply chain planning, inventory optimization, operating model design, and operational excellence for domestic and multinational corporations. He has been hands on creating the “Factory of the Future” for his clients using IOT, converging the IT/OT space, and harnessing edge to cloud to drive real time insights. Tim previously led Deloitte’s US Supply Chain Retail and Consumer product practice.
Prior to joining Deloitte, Tim grew up in the manufacturing space including programming industrial controls for high speed manufacturing, leading large scale engineering programs, and running 24/7 operations for a production facility with over 50 production lines. He earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester and his MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
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.
Host: Nicole Smythe, SAP
Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 92: New Year, New Supply Chain Trends and Predictions with LMA Consulting Group’s Lisa Anderson
Jan 15, 2025
Show notes
As many trends and predictions for this new year, from regionalized supply chains to AI-powered technologies to sustainability initiatives taking the forefront, executives are looking for ways to radicalize their business processes. This week, Lisa Anderson joins us to dive into these new strategies and initiatives that will continue to drive change in businesses as we enter 2025.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Lisa Anderson, LMA Consulting Group
Ranked Number 16 in SAP’s Supply Chain Influencers and recognized as one of the top 1% of consultants worldwide, Lisa Anderson has deep experience partnering with manufacturers and distributors to maximize value.
Lisa Anderson is the founder and president of LMA Consulting Group Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in manufacturing strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation that maximizes the customer experience and enables profitable, scalable, dramatic business growth. Known for creating bold customer promises and profits, she is experienced in working with closely-held, private-equity backed and large, complex organizations in industries ranging from aerospace and defense, building and industrial products to food and beverage.
Often quoted in media outlets like the Wall Street Journal, ABC News and Industry Week, she is regularly invited to speak at conferences and events on topics like the Amazon Effect and Resiliency in Supply Chain at venues such as the Drucker Supply Chain Forum and the Manufacturers Summit. Lisa has been named a Top 46 Supply Chain Influencer by SAP, a Top 50 ERP Influencer by Washington Frank, a Top 40 B2B Tech Influencer by Arketi, a Top Woman Influencer by Solutions Review and a Top 100 Supply Chain Blogger by SupplyChainOpz. She recently published, I’ve Been Thinking, an inspiring collection of 101 strategies for creating bold customer promises and profits.
Prior to founding LMA Consulting Group Inc., Lisa was the Vice President of Operations of PaperPak. Her tenure included transitions and promotions through the company transformation from a $100 million family-owned business, through a merger and acquisition of three businesses into one $350 million global company, followed by a management leveraged buyout in combination with an investment banking group.
When not working with clients or mentees, Lisa enjoys weekend jaunts to Arizona to visit family and trips to new exotic places like Fiji or old favorites like Italy and Oxford.
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.
Host: Nicole Smythe, SAP
Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 91: 2025 Predictions with Sarah Barnes-Humphrey
Jan 08, 2025
Show notes
You know the saying… new year, new predictions? That’s right – to kick off 2025, Sarah Barnes-Humphrey joins us to discuss the patterns, trends, and predictions we see driving digital supply chain transformation this upcoming year, like increased focus on cybersecurity, automation and humans’ new bond, and making supply chain fun again.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Sarah Barnes-Humphrey
Sarah Barnes-Humphrey is an entrepreneur and influencer, with over 20 years of experience in supply chain. She founded the Let’s Talk Supply Chain brand and Blended non-profit with an eye towards making the field of supply chain and logistics more inclusive and diverse.
While infusing education and industry knowledge across the multitude of podcasts, live shows, and blogs she’s amassed since founding Let’s Talk Supply Chain in 2016. Her Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast now sits among the top 1% of most downloaded podcasts globally.
Known for her engaging, energetic style, she works with hundreds of companies and leaders in the supply chain to share their stories, dive into supply chain trends and tackle the biggest challenges facing businesses today.
Sarah was recently named as one of the 10 Most Admired Women in Business to Follow, as a Top Woman in Supply Chain from Supply & Demand Chain Executive, and a Peerless Women Leader. Sarah is also on the Board of Directors for FITT – The Forum for International Trade Training and provided support for the ISO application and the CAC committee. She also helped design the DEI Honor given at TPM by the Journal of Commerce. In addition to her own brand, Sarah also has a LinkedIn Learning course on supply chain sustainability and often hosts industry events, roundtables, and more.
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.
Host: Nicole Smythe, SAP
Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
DE EP 5: Cloud, IT und der Standortwechsel in der Produktion (German Version)
Dec 19, 2024
Show notes
Produktionsstätten verlagern? Klingt wie ein Umzug mit zu vielen Kartons – nur komplexer, global und riskanter.
In dieser Folge spreche ich mit meinen beiden Kollegen Ralf Lehmann und Matthias Deindl darüber wie den Überblick über Lieferketten, Daten und Prozesse bei einer Standortverlagerung behält, warum Cloud-ERP euer digitales Umzugsunternehmen sein kann und wie ihr Produktions-Pannen vermeidet. Damit der Neustart kein Totalschaden wird! Und natürlich geht es auch um die SAP S.Factory.
Guest 1:
Ralf Lehmann
Ralf Lehmann ist als Vice President und Global Head of Product Marketing für das Product Lifecycle Management und die Fertigungsprozesse zuständig.
Mit seiner umfassenden Erfahrung im Shopfloor-Management hat Ralf Lehmann zahlreiche SAP-Projekte und Vertriebsinitiativen geleitet und dabei sein umfassendes Fachwissen in der Überwachung von Fertigungsprozessen unter Beweis gestellt.
Ralf ist seit 2002 bei SAP und verfügt über 22 Jahre Fachwissen in der SAP Business Suite, insbesondere in der Fertigung. Seine Karriere begann in der SAP-Beratung, wo er verschiedene Produktions- und Qualitätsmanagement-Initiativen in unterschiedlichen Branchen leitete. Seit 2004 war er in verschiedenen Vertriebs- und Marketingpositionen in der Geschäfts- und Marktentwicklung in Deutschland, DACH, EMEA und weltweit tätig. Zu seinen internationalen Erfahrungen gehört auch ein bedeutender Einsatz im Wachstumsmarkt Lateinamerika, als er bei SAP México tätig war. Als Gründungsmitglied der S.Factory in der SAP-Zentrale, die im 10. Jahr ihres Bestehens SAP zugänglich macht, setzt Ralf seine Arbeit vom Hauptsitz des Unternehmens in Walldorf aus fort.
Guest 2:
Dr. Matthias Deindl
Matthias Deindl beschäftigt sich leidenschaftlich mit der digitalen Transformation in der Supply Chain. Er verfügt über mehr als 15 Jahre Arbeits- und Führungserfahrung in dynamischen Umgebungen mit interdisziplinären Teams. Bei SAP ist er derzeit verantwortlich für Use Cases für die Digitale Supply Chain im globalen Network der SAP Experience Center. Zuvor leitete er die Aktivitäten des Industrie 4.0 Centers in EMEA und Indien, das den Weg zur Digitalisierung von Kunden in der diskreten Fertigung und der Prozessindustrie beschleunigte. Vor SAP arbeitete Herr Deindl bei Bosch als Gruppenleiter und Product Owner in einem Corporate IoT Startup sowie als Innovationsmanager in der Zentrallogistik. Davor war er Projektleiter und Abteilungsleiter an einem An-Institut der RWTH Aachen.
In zahlreichen Projekten und Kundeninteraktionen hat Matthias Domänenwissen in verschiedenen Branchen wie Automotive, Luftfahrt, Pharma, Maschinenbau und Logistik erworben.
Herr Deindl hat ein Diplom in Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen vom Karlsruher Institut für Technologie und einen Doktortitel in Maschinenbau der RWTH Aachen.
Host: Sin To, SAP
Sin To bringt über 15 Jahre Erfahrung in der digitalen Medienbranche und im Technologiesektor mit, insbesondere in den Bereichen Marketing, Business Development, Thought Leadership und als Redakteurin. Im SAP Global Marketing Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team fördert sie die Vordenkerrolle und das Bewusstsein für SAPs Supply-Chain-Lösungen, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf neue Markttrends und Nachhaltigkeit.
Wenn euch der Podcast gefallen hat, dann gebt uns gern ein „Like“, teilt und abonniert uns, um über zukünftige Episoden auf dem Laufenden zu bleiben!
Episode 90: Recapping the Best Moments of 2024 with Richard Howells, Sin To, and Nicole Smythe
Dec 18, 2024
Show notes
What a year it has been! On this special episode, Richard, Sin, and Nicole look back on a memorable 2024, recapping the top trends, such as risk resiliency, sustainability, visibility and transparency, AI, and next generation, shared with our incredible guests, and look forward to the future, predicting what is to come in 2025.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
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.
Host: Sin To, SAP
Sin To has more than fifteen years of experience in the digital media industry and technology sector in the field of marketing, advertising, business development, thought leadership, and as a contributing editor. She joined SAP’s digital supply chain team to drive thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s supply chain solutions, emerging market trends, and sustainability..
Host: Nicole Smythe, SAP
Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
DE Episode 4 - Datenvisualisierung in der Lieferkette (German Version)
Dec 12, 2024
Show notes
In dieser Episode diskutieren wir mit Jens Wille (Ubilabs) und Stefan Wiech (bloog), wie Unternehmen durch smarte Visualisierungstechniken nicht nur ihre Lieferketten optimieren, sondern auch Risiken gezielt minimieren können.
Warum sind Datenvisualisierungen ein Gamechanger für Lieferketten? In dieser Episode diskutieren wir mit Jens Wille (Ubilabs) und Stefan Wiech (bloog), wie Unternehmen durch smarte Visualisierungstechniken nicht nur ihre Lieferketten optimieren, sondern auch Risiken gezielt minimieren können. Erfahrt, warum die richtige Darstellung von Daten mehr ist als ein nettes Extra – sie ist der Schlüssel zu effizienteren Prozessen und strategischen Entscheidungen. Lass dich inspirieren und erfahre, wie smarte Daten den Unterschied machen!
Guest 1: Jens Wille
Als geschäftsführender Gesellschafter von Ubilabs, einem Beratungsunternehmen für Data- und Location Technology, leite ich seit über 17 Jahren die Entwicklung und Umsetzung innovativer Lösungen für Kunden aus verschiedenen Branchen. Ich habe ein Diplom in Architektur und Städtebau von der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, wo ich auch drei Jahre lang als wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter gearbeitet habe. Zu meinen Kernkompetenzen gehören Konzeption und Business Development in den Bereichen von Data- und Strategie, Location Intelligence, Web- und Mapsprojekten. Meine Leidenschaft gilt der Schaffung von Mehrwert für Unternehmen und Gesellschaft durch die Nutzung von Daten und räumlichen Analysen. Außerdem bin ich aktives Mitglied der Entrepreneurs’ Organization, einem globalen Netzwerk von Unternehmern und Führungskräften, die ihre Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse austauschen.
Guest 2: Stefan Wiech
Stefan Wiech ist Managing Partner und o-Gründer der Unternehmensberatung bloog aus Hamburg. Er ist promovierter Mathematiker und arbeitet seit 2007 in Digitalisierungs- und Automatisierungsprojekten mit einem Schwerpunkt in der Hafen- und Logistikbranche.
Host: Sin To, SAP
Sin To bringt über 15 Jahre Erfahrung in der digitalen Medienbranche und im Technologiesektor mit, insbesondere in den Bereichen Marketing, Business Development, Thought Leadership und als Redakteurin. Im Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team bei SAP treibt sie die Positionierung von SAPs Supply-Chain-Lösungen voran, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf Zukunftstrends und nachhaltige Innovationen.
Wenn euch der Podcast gefallen hat, dann gebt uns gern ein „Like“, teilt und abonniert uns, um über zukünftige Episoden auf dem Laufenden zu bleiben!
Episode 89: The Rise of E Commerce: The Impact on Logistics and Last Mile Delivery with iDrive Logistics' Glenn Gooding
Dec 11, 2024
Show notes
In today’s complex world of logistics, it’s critical to evolve with the changing landscape and expectations of e-commerce and customer experience. With that, iDrive Logistics’ Glenn Gooding joins us to dive into the growth of the small parcel market, the importance of supply chain transparency, and the integration of brick-and-mortar stores with online shopping. Additionally, together we address the challenges of demand surcharges, the need for brands to align delivery experiences with their image, and strategies for maintaining operational efficiency in uncertainty.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Glenn Gooding, iDrive Logistics
Glenn Gooding, a veteran of the small parcel supply chain, brings 39 years of industry expertise to iDrive Logistics. Having spent over two decades at UPS, he honed his skills in operations, industrial engineering, and global pricing, working with some of the world’s largest and most complex shippers. This deep understanding enables Glenn to help brands thrive in today’s competitive landscape. He also hosts the “Parcel Perspectives with Glenn Gooding” podcast, providing actionable insights and strategies for making informed shipping decisions and delivering exceptional customer experiences.”
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.
Host: Nicole Smythe, SAP
Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 88: From Disaster Relief to Business Strategy: Humanitarian Supply Chain Insights
Dec 04, 2024
Show notes
In this episode, we talk to Prof. Dr. Maria Besiou, an expert in humanitarian supply chains, about the differences between commercial and humanitarian supply chains. We discuss why planning in the humanitarian supply chain is so difficult, what companies can learn from the flexibility and innovative strength of humanitarian organizations. And what the balance between efficiency and humanity looks like.
A must for anyone interested in modern logistics, resilience and sustainable supply chains!
Prof. Dr. Maria Besiou is the Professor for Humanitarian Logistics at Kuehne Logistics University (KLU). She serves as the Academic Director of the Research Center on Humanitarian Logistics and Regional Development (CHORD). CHORD has been established by HELP Logistics (https://www.help-logistics.org/) and KLU. CHORD aims at bringing together the best of two worlds by “combining top-class academic research and education with operational training and consulting excellence. “
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.
Host: Sin To, SAP
Sin To has more than fifteen years of experience in the digital media industry and technology sector in the field of marketing, advertising, business development, thought leadership, and as a contributing editor. She joined SAP’s digital supply chain team to drive thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s supply chain solutions, emerging market trends, and sustainability..
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Learn more about humanitarian supply chains & how to bring out your best.
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brand and Blended non-profit with an eye towards making the field of supply chain and logistics more inclusive and diverse.
