The Future of Supply Chain

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
 
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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.
 
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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
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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.
 
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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! 
 
 
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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

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
 
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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.
 
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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. 
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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.
 
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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! 
 
 
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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?

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
 
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
 
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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! 
 
 
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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

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

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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.

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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 Exporters
Impact 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.

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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!

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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