The Future of Supply Chain

In this week's episode, we are joined by SAP's Tod Stenger to explore how AI and agentic AI are transforming planning roles, automation, and decision-making This week we, together with SAP's Tod Stenger, dive into "Planning Reimagined," discussing AI's shift from machine learning in forecasting to generative AI for analysis, data quality, and agentic workflows that automate routines while keeping humans in the loop for strategic decisions.

Join Richard and Sin as they chat with 4flow’s Kai Althoff about digital transformation and tomorrow’s supply chain trends. Discover how to keep ahead in an ever-evolving logistics landscape.Ready for a genuine glimpse into the future of supply chains? In this episode, Richard and Sin sit down with Kai Althoff, CEO and co-founder of 4flow, to discuss everything that makes the heart of supply chain enthusiasts beat faster: digital transformation in the supply chain. Which trends will shape the supply chain of tomorrow, and how can you stay ahead? Dive into fascinating insights on the digital transformation of logistics: How do Germans and Britons actually perceive “logistics”, and what does that mean in practice? Which trends are set to define the supply chain’s future and how can you keep a leading edge? Experience that ‘aha’ moment as we discuss the findings of the latest BVL study, “Trends and Strategies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management”. Discover why communication and breaking down silos are more important today than ever before.Download Episode TranscriptFollow Us on Social Media: ⁠SAP Digital Supply Chain⁠⁠Kai Althoff - LinkedIn⁠⁠Richard Howells - LinkedIn⁠⁠Sin To - LinkedIn⁠⁠SAP Digital Supply Chain - LinkedIn⁠Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!=====Guest: Kai Althoff, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 4flow Kai Althoff is a co-founder of 4flow and chair of the executive board of the German supply chain and logistics association BVL. As CEO of 4flow, he is responsible for 4flow’s global business and 4flow software, sales and marketing. From 2000 to 2020, Kai was COO of 4flow and was responsible for the global operations of the company. After completing an international education, Kai managed large scale supply chain and logistics projects for a global management and supply chain consulting firm with a focus on the automotive, aviation, consumer goods, industrial and software sector.Host 1: Richard HowellsRichard 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: Sin ToSin 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.

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. Guest: Philippe Strebler Philippe Strebler, Head of Sustainability at CERATIZIT GroupPhilippe 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. 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 & Twitter 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 SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scm Ceratizit Whitepaper: Know Your Product Carbon Footprint Follow Us on Social Media Philippe Strebler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-strebler-733b9362/ Richard Howells: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells Sin To: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208 SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/sapdsc/ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

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 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. 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  The Procurement Imperative 2030 research: https://impact.economist.com/projects/the-procurement-imperative/scenarios Supply Chain Management: SAP Supply Chain Management SAP Insights: Supply Chain Follow Us on Social Media Gordon Donovan: LinkedIn  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!

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 Guest: Paige Cox, Chief Product Officer, Everstream 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 Everstream: https://www.everstream.ai 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!