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 113: The Supply Chain Logistics Maturity Model with Adrian Gonzalez and Doug DeLuca
Jun 11, 2025
Show notes
This week we discuss the Supply Chain Logistics Maturity Model with experts Adrian Gonzalez and Doug DeLuca. They break down the four maturity levels helping supply chain leaders understand where they stand and how to advance. Plus, insights on future trends like AI and robotics that will transform logistics management in the years ahead. 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 26 years of supply chain research experience. He is the president of Adelante SCM, which includes Talking Logistics, an online video talk show and blog, and Indago, a research community of supply chain and logistics practitioners. Adrian is also a LinkedIn Influencer with more than 249,000 followers.
Guest: Douglas DeLuca, President, SAP
Doug leads marketing for SAP’s supply chain logistics collaboration and visibility solutions, working with customers and partners to bring efficiency and resilience to supply chains in all industries – using a global logistics network to get the right product, to the right place, at the right time, at the right cost.
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 112: Smarter, Greener, Faster: AI-Driven Supply Chain Trends in Retail for 2025 with SAP’s Amanda Spencer
Jun 04, 2025
Show notes
This episode delves into the dynamic future of retail, spotlighting the pivotal role of AI in reshaping supply chains and customer interactions by 2025. 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: Amanda Spencer, Global Industry Marketing Lead for Retail at SAP
Amanda 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, 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.
Oyku 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.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
DE EP 07: GreenTech in der Lieferkette – Nachhaltig, Digital: Wettbewerbsfähig (Teil 2)
May 29, 2025
Show notes
GreenTech in der Lieferkette – Nachhaltig, Digital: Wettbewerbsfähig
in dieser 2. Folge sprechen wir darüber, wie Unternehmen ihre Lieferketten nicht nur grüner, sondern auch smarter machen können. Mit am Start: Technologien wie GreenToken und GreenLedger, die für echte Transparenz sorgen. Außerdem klären wir, was es mit dem Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz und der CSRD auf sich hat – und warum das Ganze mehr Chance als Pflicht ist.
Spoiler: Wer jetzt digital und nachhaltig denkt, hat die Nase vorn.
Guest 1: Katja Keller
Katja Keller ist als Market Unit Lead Deutschland für Nachhaltigkeitslösungen bei SAP umtriebig, und insgesamt hat sie 23 Jahre SAP Erfahrung in verschiedenen Rollen gesammelt. Sie hat ein Diplom als Wirtschaftsingenieur mit Nebenfach Maschinenbau und hat im Studium schon erste Erfahrungen zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit im Vertiefungsschwerpunkt Recycling und Entfertigung gesammelt. Seit ihr ehemaliger Chef sie 2016 mit den Nachhaltigkeitszielen der UN vertraut machte, um einen Vortrag darüber im Teammeeting zu halten, ist sie nun auch SAP- seitig mit dem Thema unterwegs.
Guest 2: Mathias Kaldenhoff
Mathias Kaldenhoff ist ein Experte für digitale Transformation mit Schwerpunkt auf Nachhaltigkeit. Er arbeitet bei SAP und ist bekannt für seine Beiträge in Bereichen wie Big Data, Echtzeit-Plattformen, Predictive Analytics und künstliche Intelligenz. Neben seiner Tätigkeit bei SAP war er an verschiedenen Forschungs- und Innovationsprojekten beteiligt, unter anderem im Zusammenhang mit der Kreislaufwirtschaft und klimafreundlichen Lösungen. Er ist auch Mitglied in Expertenbeiräten, wie etwa der Deutschen Energie-Agentur (dena), und beteiligt sich an internationalen Allianzen für Standards zur Kreislaufwirtschaft.
M. Kaldenhoff hat einen akademischen Hintergrund in Geschichte, Germanistik und Wirtschaftsinformatik. Er ist ein Verfechter von Nachhaltigkeit und technologischer Integration, wie etwa durch die Digitalisierung von Lieferketten oder die Einführung von Geschäftsmodellen wie „Asset-as-a-Service“. Außerdem engagiert er sich in Themen wie ESG-Reporting und gesetzlichen Vorgaben wie dem Lieferkettengesetz (LkSG), um Unternehmen nachhaltiger auszurichten.
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 111: How to Orchestrate your Supply Chain in a Volatile Market with SAP’s Jeb Insley
May 28, 2025
Show notes
This week we discuss how to orchestrate supply chains in volatile markets with SAP’s Jeb Insley. He shares insights on navigating disruptions from pandemics to geopolitical risks, the rise of supply chain leadership, balancing cost and resilience, and the critical role of connected digital systems and AI-driven orchestration in enabling agile, end-to-end supply chain networks. Come join us as we discuss the future of Supply Chain!
Guest: Jeb Insley, Chief Revenue Officer, Supply Chain Management, SAP
As Chief Revenue Officer for Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the Americas, Jeb Insley leads a multi-faceted organization responsible for the end-to-end customer journey in the SCM solution area. He defines and executes the Americas Regional customer success plan, focusing on revenue growth, net new business, and expansion opportunities. With more than 20 years of experience in the supply chain industry, Jeb has a proven track record of helping companies establish themselves as innovative, game-changing businesses.
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 110: The Future of Supply Chain for Oil and Gas Companies with SAP’s Stephane Lauzon
May 21, 2025
Show notes
This week we discuss the future for oil, gas, and energy companies with Stephane Lauzon from SAP. We dig deeper in topics of logistics in remote locations, asset maintenance, predictive planning, and how companies are embracing biofuels, hydrogen, and carbon capture to drive sustainability. Discover how technology and innovation are transforming supply chains to meet the energy demands of tomorrow. Come join us as we discuss the future of Supply Chain!
Guest: Stephane Lauzon, Global Head of Oil, Gas & Energy, SAP
Stephane brings many years of experience with a focus on SAP’s portfolio for industry, new technologies, and energy diversification to empower customers’ digital journeys to ensure reliable and affordable energy. Prior to joining SAP, Stephane held various project engineering management roles at Honeywell. Stephane holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer.
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!
DE EP 06: GreenTech in der Lieferkette – Nachhaltig, Digital: Wettbewerbsfähig
May 15, 2025
Show notes
GreenTech in der Lieferkette – Nachhaltig, Digital: Wettbewerbsfähig
In dieser Folge sprechen wir darüber, wie Unternehmen ihre Lieferketten nicht nur grüner, sondern auch smarter machen können. Mit am Start: Technologien wie GreenToken und GreenLedger, die für echte Transparenz sorgen. Außerdem klären wir, was es mit dem Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz und der CSRD auf sich hat – und warum das Ganze mehr Chance als Pflicht ist.
Spoiler: Wer jetzt digital und nachhaltig denkt, hat die Nase vorn.
Guest 1: Katja Keller
Katja Keller ist als Market Unit Lead Deutschland für Nachhaltigkeitslösungen bei SAP umtriebig, und insgesamt hat sie 23 Jahre SAP Erfahrung in verschiedenen Rollen gesammelt. Sie hat ein Diplom als Wirtschaftsingenieur mit Nebenfach Maschinenbau und hat im Studium schon erste Erfahrungen zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit im Vertiefungsschwerpunkt Recycling und Entfertigung gesammelt. Seit ihr ehemaliger Chef sie 2016 mit den Nachhaltigkeitszielen der UN vertraut machte, um einen Vortrag darüber im Teammeeting zu halten, ist sie nun auch SAP- seitig mit dem Thema unterwegs.
Guest 2: Mathias Kaldenhoff
Mathias Kaldenhoff ist ein Experte für digitale Transformation mit Schwerpunkt auf Nachhaltigkeit. Er arbeitet bei SAP und ist bekannt für seine Beiträge in Bereichen wie Big Data, Echtzeit-Plattformen, Predictive Analytics und künstliche Intelligenz. Neben seiner Tätigkeit bei SAP war er an verschiedenen Forschungs- und Innovationsprojekten beteiligt, unter anderem im Zusammenhang mit der Kreislaufwirtschaft und klimafreundlichen Lösungen. Er ist auch Mitglied in Expertenbeiräten, wie etwa der Deutschen Energie-Agentur (dena), und beteiligt sich an internationalen Allianzen für Standards zur Kreislaufwirtschaft.
M. Kaldenhoff hat einen akademischen Hintergrund in Geschichte, Germanistik und Wirtschaftsinformatik. Er ist ein Verfechter von Nachhaltigkeit und technologischer Integration, wie etwa durch die Digitalisierung von Lieferketten oder die Einführung von Geschäftsmodellen wie „Asset-as-a-Service“. Außerdem engagiert er sich in Themen wie ESG-Reporting und gesetzlichen Vorgaben wie dem Lieferkettengesetz (LkSG), um Unternehmen nachhaltiger auszurichten.
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 109: Will a reshoring surge unlock new manufacturing hubs with BDO USA’s Ashley Hetrick
May 14, 2025
Show notes
This week we discuss how reshoring is reshaping the U.S. manufacturing landscape amid rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Our guest, Ashley Hetrick from BDO USA, shares insights from a recent CFO survey highlighting cost, resiliency, and technology as key drivers. We explore emerging manufacturing hubs in Texas, Nevada, and Washington, and industries leading the reshoring trend. Come join us as we discuss the future of supply chain!
Guest: Ashley Hetrick, Principal, Sourcing and Supply Chain Segment Leader, BDO USA
Ashley Hetrick is a procurement and supply chain leader with more than 15 years of experience working with companies across industries, with a focus on automotive, semiconductor, high-tech manufacturing, and life sciences companies. Her expertise and experience include pre- and post-deal supply chain assessments, supply chain strategy and transformation, developing and executing high-stakes complex negotiation strategies, identifying and securing access to proprietary supplier ideas and technologies, and managing complex supplier and other third-party relationships.
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 108: Transforming Tariff Challenges into Opportunities Through Better Planning with SAP’s Jay Foster and Lori Harner
May 07, 2025
Show notes
Join us this week, as we discuss how geopolitical instability and tariffs are reshaping global supply chains. Lori Harner and Jay Foster from SAP share how agile, integrated business planning and collaborative supplier networks enable companies to navigate complex regulations and cost pressures. Discover how AI and scenario planning empower smarter decisions, turning tariff challenges into strategic opportunities for resilience and growth in today’s volatile environment
Guest: Jay Foster, CPIM; Director, Solution Management-Product Marketing, SAP
A supply chain and manufacturing veteran of over 30 years, Jay brings a wealth of practical experience and logical insight to solving today’s business challenges. With executive experience in sales and operations Jay brings a pragmatic, cut to the chase approach to applying technology to achieve business benefits.
Guest: Lori Harner, Vice President and Global Head of Supply Chain Planning, Product Marketing at SAP
With a long track record of building and leading high-performing teams, Lori brings a customer-first mindset to her role, driving innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of today’s supply chains. Prior to joining SAP, Lori built the product marketing function and team for WEX, a leading financial services firm. Her extensive experience also includes leadership positions at Microsoft, Blue Yonder, E2open, and others. When not driving supply chain innovation, Lori enjoys an active lifestyle in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She has a passion for the outdoors and loves hiking, walking, and biking.
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 107: Rightshoring and Regionalizing your Supply Chain Operations with Ascential Technologies' Todd Bauman
Apr 30, 2025
Show notes
In this week’s episode we dive into right-shoring, reshoring and regionalizing manufacturing with Ascential’s Todd Bauman. We discuss how holistic decision-making Is essential for right shoring and regionalization, and why automation and resilience are key to addressing labor and geopolitical challenges. We also delve into why regional supply chains help hedge against disruption and the importance of supplier collaboration and communication strategies.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Todd Bauman is a self-proclaimed supply chain geek who has been a strategic leader within the supply chain space for over 25 years. Experience in industries like medical device, electronics, food, and industrial manufacturing has given rise to skills which help him to anticipate potential obstacles and risks, and to creatively problem solve and identify paths to success. Todd is known for his strategic and authentic leadership which are critical skills developed by his experiences and education. Todd has a passion to learn and is a catalyst for change because of his love for teaching, coaching, and mentoring people which is important to help others identify and maximize their strengths and potential.
Todd’s educational background consists of a Doctorate in Business Administration in Global Operations and Supply Chain Management from Capella University, an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, and a BA in Management from Bethel College. Todd is also on the Board of Directors with the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) organization, and a former Board member with the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS) carrying the designation of Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
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 106: All Things Transportation with Westernacher's Matt Paulaitis
Apr 23, 2025
Show notes
In this week’s episode we discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities in the area of transportation management with Westernacher’s Matt Paulaitis. Matt discusses challenges such as organizational silos, tariff impacts, and the need for unified data, and the role of predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI integration to optimize operations and enhance real-time decision-making. Matt also explained why companies are investing Companies are investing in digital supply chain systems and collaborative portals to increase agility, resilience, and operational efficiency.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Matt Paulaitis, Transportation Management Sales Lead – North America, Westernacher
Matt Paulaitis is a Senior Consultant and Sales Lead for Transportation Management with 8 years of consulting experience. With a strong background in ERP Implementations, he has led initiatives that improved business outcomes by implementing supply chain solutions that provided actionable insights that drove strategic decisions. Currently, Matt works at Westernacher, where he oversees Transportation Management Sales to innovate business’ digital supply chains.
Matt is Passionate about leveraging data to solve complex problems within an organization’s transportation logistics division. Matt aims to empower organizations with clear and impactful analytics that allow companies to expand past silos of information to make key organizational decisions. Outside of work, Matt enjoys running, working out and researching new technologies in the supply chain industry.
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.
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