The Future of Supply Chain

Episode 137: From Data to Decarbonization: How Product Carbon Footprints Are Transforming Supply Chains

How are product carbon footprints changing the supply chain? In this episode, our hosts Richard Howells and Sin To speak with Philippe Strebler, Head of Sustainability at Ceratizit, about the future of sustainable supply chains. Discover how transparency in carbon accounting, new industry standards, and the vision of a circular economy by 2025 are revolutionising the sector. Learn why Scope 3 emissions present a particular challenge and how modern business systems support carbon accounting. Tune in now for inspiration on how to drive the sustainable transformation of your supply chain. [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/11/Guest-Philippe-Strebler.jpg] GUEST: PHILIPPE STREBLER Philippe Strebler, Head of Sustainability at CERATIZIT Group Philippe leads the sustainability topic for CERATIZIT, a global leader in the carbide and cutting tool industry. With over 15 years at the company, he started in R&D, moved into Sales, and now drives the Group’s sustainability strategy—shaping long-term growth and embedding sustainable practices across the business. [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/07/Host-1-Richard-Howells-Picture-Large.jpeg] 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’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells/] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/howellsrichard] [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2024/08/Host-Sin-To.jpg] HOST: SIN TO, SAP Sin To brings over 15 years of experience in the digital media and technology industry – primarily in marketing, business development, thought leadership, and editorial. At SAP, they ensure that SAP’s supply chain solutions are properly visible with a focus on future trends and sustainable innovations as part of the Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team. USEFUL LINKS: Download Transcript [https://sap-podcast-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/the-future-of-supply-chain/The_Future_of_Supply_Chain_Episode_137_transcript.pdf] SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scm [http://www.sap.com/scm] Ceratizit Whitepaper: Know Your Product Carbon Footprint [https://www.ceratizit.com/int/en/sustainability/pcf-classification.html?utm_source=soleypodcast&utm_medium=online&utm_campaign=PCF] Follow Us on Social Media * Philippe Strebler * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-strebler-733b9362/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-strebler-733b9362/] * Richard Howells: * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells [http://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells] * Sin To:  * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208] * SAP Digital Supply Chain: * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ [http://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/] Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

Episode 136: 2030 Predictions with SAP’s Gordon Donovan

This week, we, together with Gordon Donovan, explore the Procurement Imperative 2030 report, which outlines four future scenarios impacting procurement and supply chain: geopolitical shifts slowing globalization, the looming talent cliff, rising cybersecurity threats, and the urgency of climate resilience. Gordon discusses adapting strategies in sourcing, workforce, digital infrastructure, and sustainability, emphasizing collaboration, trust, and AI’s role in navigating complexity toward rewarding outcomes [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/11/Guest-Gordon-Donovan-Picture.jpg] GUEST: GORDON DONOVAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF RESEARCH FOR PROCUREMENT AND EXTERNAL WORKFORCE, SAP Gordon Donovan is a seasoned procurement professional with over 30 years of experience in leading transformations and establishing functions that deliver enterprise-wide value. He holds a graduate diploma (1996) and a master’s degree in strategic procurement and is a Fellow of CIPS. Recognized as a thought leader within procurement, Gordon is a sought-after speaker, writer, and presenter. He has led procurement teams across various sectors including Health, Rail, Finance, and the public sector in the UK, as well as across Asia. In his role at SAP as Vice President of Research for Procurement and External Workforce, Gordon is responsible for tracking the latest trends in procurement, conducting in-depth research, and forming insights that help SAP plan their strategy accordingly. Richard Howells, SAP [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/07/Host-1-Richard-Howells-Picture-Large.jpeg] 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. USEFUL LINKS: Download Transcript [https://sap-podcast-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/the-future-of-supply-chain/The_Future_of_Supply_Chain_Episode_136_transcript.pdf]  The Procurement Imperative 2030 research: https://impact.economist.com/projects/the-procurement-imperative/scenarios [https://impact.economist.com/projects/the-procurement-imperative/scenarios] Supply Chain Management:  SAP Supply Chain Management [https://url.sap/5cusny]  SAP Insights: Supply Chain [https://url.sap/uie12e]   Follow Us on Social Media * Gordon Donovan: LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-donovan-6305b13/] * Richard Howells: LinkedIn [https://url.sap/pcxdrw], X [https://twitter.com/howellsrichard] * SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn [https://url.sap/tuddpj] Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

Episode 135: Creating a Risk Resilient Supply Chain with Everstream’s Paige Cox

This week we, together with Paige Cox, Chief Product Officer at Everstream, explore the evolving landscape of supply chain risk management. Paige shares insights on integrating AI, real-time data, and human expertise to build adaptive, measurable resilience. The conversation covers geopolitical disruptions, tariff impacts, reshoring challenges, and the future of supply chain technology platforms for improved foresight and collaboration [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/11/Guest-1-Paige-Cox-Picture.jpg] GUEST: PAIGE COX, CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER, EVERSTREAM [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/07/Host-1-Richard-Howells-Picture-Large.jpeg] 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. USEFUL LINKS: Download Transcript [https://sap-podcast-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/the-future-of-supply-chain/The_Future_of_Supply_Chain_Episode_135_transcription.pdf] Everstream: https://www.everstream.ai [https://www.everstream.ai] Supply Chain Management:  SAP Supply Chain Management [https://www.sap.com/products/scm/solutions.html]  SAP Insights: Supply Chain [https://www.sap.com/insights/supply-chain.html]   Follow Us on Social Media * Richard Howells: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells/], X [https://twitter.com/howellsrichard] * SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapscm/]   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

Episode 134: Cybersecurity Talks: Building Resilient Supply Chains with Cloud ERP and AI

In this insightful episode, join hosts Richard and Oyku as they welcome cybersecurity expert Gabriele Fiata from SAP to discuss how supply chains are evolving in the face of increasing cyber threats. As supply chains grow faster and more complex, security can no longer be an afterthought – it must be built into systems like ERP from the ground up. Gabriele highlights the shift towards a shared responsibility model in cloud security, emphasizing collaboration between businesses, vendors, and partners. With threats escalating, AI-powered detection and automated defenses are becoming critical tools to spot breaches before they happen. The conversation also reveals how companies are embracing new mindsets and training people to be the first line of defense, turning a potential weak point into a strength. Tune in to hear how smart planning and resilience can protect your business and keep supply chains moving smoothly. Don’t miss this chance to learn from real-world insights and a recent IDC study that quantifies the high value of these new security approaches. Listen now and discover how securing the supply chain can secure your future. [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/11/Guests-picture-Gabriele-Fiata.jpg] GUEST: GABRIELE FIATA, GLOBAL HEAD OF SAP CLOUD ERP – SECURITY MARKET STRATEGY Thought leader with a strong background in security as well as business processes, controls, and enterprise risk management. For more than 20 years, he has been leading teams in implementing innovative process improvements to identify and mitigate risks to promote resilience for the whole enterprise and enable overall business growth. Gabriele Fiata: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielefiata] [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/07/Host-1-Richard-Howells-Picture-Large.jpeg] 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. [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/08/Oyku.png] 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. USEFUL LINKS: Download Transcript [https://sap-podcast-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/the-future-of-supply-chain/The_Future_of_Supply_Chain_Episode_134_transcript.pdf] * The $8.9M reason to implement SAP Cloud ERP [https://www.sap.com/research/idc-findings-on-sap-cloud-erp-private] * The Business Value of Enhancing Security and Resiliency with SAP Cloud ERP Private [https://www.sap.com/registration/protected/default-overlay.html?gated_asset_path=%2F%2Fwww.sap.com%2Fdocuments%2F2025%2F06%2F8e48ad27-0c7f-0010-bca6-c68f7e60039b.rc.html&url_id=RISECybersecurity&pdf-asset=8e48ad27-0c7f-0010-bca6-c68f7e60039b&page=1] Related SAP Pages * SAP Supply Chain Management [https://www.sap.com/products/scm.html?] * RISE with SAP cloud operations [https://www.sap.com/products/erp/rise/managed-cloud-services.html#security] * Discover the SAP Cloud ERP Trust Center Page [https://www.sap.com/about/trust-center/security/cloud-erp-security.html] * Join the new annual SAP Connect [https://www.sap.com/events/connect.html] event in person or virtually. Follow Us on Social Media * Richard Howells: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells/], X [https://twitter.com/howellsrichard] * Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community [https://people.sap.com/oyku], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/oykuilgar/] * SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapscm/]   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

Episode 133: Meeting your Investors’ Financial Goals with Reveal’s Martin Rowan

This week, we, together with Martin Rowan, reveal how private equity investment raises the stakes for companies to improve business performance. Martin explains why many SAP users underutilize their systems and offers practical steps and real case successes to unlock hidden value. [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/10/Guest-1-Martin-Rowan-Picture.jpg] GUEST: MARTIN ROWAN, MANAGING PARTNER, REVEAL   Martin Rowan is the Managing Partner with Reveal, where he helps companies leverage their existing technology to optimize integrated supply chains and achieve world-class performance. With over 20 years of global experience, he has guided transformational change for leading organizations including CITGO, the US Navy, Minuteman International, Current Lighting, Campbell’s Soup, GE, Carlisle, HD Supply, and Ryerson Steel just to name a few. A recognized industry speaker, Martin is frequently invited to share his insights on how optimized supply chains unlock measurable business outcomes. His engaging style and practical expertise have made him a trusted voice at conferences and industry forums across the globe. [https://podcast.opensap.info/the-future-of-supply-chain/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2025/07/Host-1-Richard-Howells-Picture-Large.jpeg] 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. USEFUL LINKS: Download Transcript [https://sap-podcast-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/the-future-of-supply-chain/The_Future_of_Supply_Chain_Episode_133_transcript.pdf] Reveal: https://www.revealvalue.com [https://www.revealvalue.com] Article link: “Private Equity doesn’t invest for stability, it invests for Performance” – Link [applewebdata://95738FB8-3EB7-4706-A07E-365CFF073E30/o%09https:/www.revealvalue.com/blog/unlocking-hidden-profit-private-equity-world] Supply Chain Management:  SAP Supply Chain Management [https://www.sap.com/products/scm/solutions.html]  SAP Insights: Supply Chain [https://www.sap.com/insights/supply-chain.html]   Follow Us on Social Media * Martin Rowan: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-rowan-43560958/] * Richard Howells: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells/], X [https://twitter.com/howellsrichard] * SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapscm/]   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!