The Future of ERP

Can your ERP really be compliant if you only look at one system at a time? In this episode with Infosys, we explore how cross-system risks, dynamic access decisions, and integrated governance are reshaping segregation of duties in hybrid ERP landscapes. ===== The future of ERP is no longer just about moving systems to the cloud, it’s about how businesses manage risk in an increasingly connected, automated, and hybrid world. In our latest episode, we sit down with Nishad Showkath from Infosys to unpack why segregation of duties needs a rethink when business processes stretch across on-premise systems, cloud applications, APIs, and automated workflows. Traditional SoD was built for a simpler era, but today’s ERP landscape is far more complex, and risks don’t always stay inside one system. What does that mean in practice? It means organizations can no longer rely on system-by-system compliance checks and assume the full process is secure. A user may create something in one platform, approve it in another, and complete the workflow somewhere else entirely, creating hidden cross-system risks that older approaches miss. Nishad shares why identity silos, fragmented risk libraries, and disconnected provisioning tools make this challenge even harder, and what companies need to do to build a more complete view of access and control. We also talk about what comes next: dynamic access decisions, automated risk analysis, continuous monitoring, and integrated governance that can follow the business process instead of just the individual application. Nishad explains how AI, machine learning, and identity access management tools are shaping the next phase of SoD, and why the future of ERP security will depend on treating enterprise risk as one connected ecosystem rather than a set of isolated systems. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Nishad Showkath, Senior Principal Consultant, Infosys Consulting Nishad is a Senior Security/GRC architect with overall 20+ years of experience in SAP Security, GRC access control, Process Control, SAP ITGC & Compliance Assurance. He specializes in Authorization design, configuration, and implementation of solutions in the SAP Authorization & GRC area to help customers in their digital transformation journeys and build robust, secure authorization concepts in SAP applications. Nishad’s LinkedIn 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. Oyku’s ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: Segregation of duties, Future of ERP, Cross-system risk, Hybrid ERP, SAP Security, GRC, Identity access management, Automated risk analysis, Continuous monitoring, Integrated governance.

Explore how tax management is evolving through technology and strategic innovation to become a key driver of business efficiency and insight. ===== Join Michael Bernard from Vertex as he unpacks the latest SAP Insider Benchmark Research on global tax management, revealing how tax departments navigate a rapidly changing landscape. From complex regulatory environments, such as fragmented e-invoicing standards in Europe, to critical pain points like automating tax control frameworks, this episode offers a rich exploration of what’s top of mind for CFOs and CIOs. Learn how granular tax data is becoming a strategic asset for sales and marketing, the growing role of managed services amidst workforce shortages, and why the adoption of AI-driven tax automation is still in early stages despite its promising potential. Michael shares memorable stats, including the impact of retirements on CPA talent pools and strategies companies use to overcome compliance time constraints. Perfect for business leaders seeking practical insights on optimizing ERP environments for tax operations with future-ready technology. Listen, learn, and lead the transformation today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Michael Bernard, Chief Tax Officer of Transaction Tax at Vertex Michael Bernard is the Chief Tax Officer of Transaction Tax. In his role, he provides insight and thought leadership around tax department operations, U.S. indirect tax, tax risk management, and tax policy, as well as emerging tax trends. He is also responsible for influencing emerging technologies which meet the continuing regulatory changes of the corporate tax community. He is an executive-level tax attorney with a diverse portfolio of experience in corporate tax, administration, and finance, including a substantive knowledge of U.S. and international tax laws. Prior to joining Vertex, Michael was in various tax leadership roles at Microsoft Corporation for 28 years, the most recent being General Manager & U.S. Tax Counsel. He led teams in the following functional areas: direct and indirect tax controversy, sales and use, business license, property, tax IT, SOX, and telecommunications. He also co-led a corporate taxpayer advocacy group with the Washington Department of Revenue and was a Director on the Board of the Washington Research Council. He has also testified before administrative and lawmakers at both the federal and state level. Michael earned both a J.D. and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University. He is a part-time lecturer of Law in the LLM program at the University of Washington School of Law. He also served on the board of directors, executive committee, and chaired committees for The Tax Executives Institute (TEI) for nearly 25 years. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: Tax management, ERP, Tax control framework, Automation, Regulatory compliance, Managed services, Workforce skill gap, AI adoption, E-invoicing, Tax analytics

Cloud ERP and AI are transforming professional services by tackling lean teams, complex billing, and forecasting pressures. Could these tools be your business's next competitive edge? ===== Professional services firms face intense pressures like razor-thin benches, skyrocketing forecasting demands, and shifts from time-and-materials to outcome-based pricing with AI agents and software assets. IBM's Mark Hammack debunks cloud ERP myths around customization loss or security risks, explaining how SaaS slashes hardware costs, enables real-time insights through integrated project systems, and frees cash for growth. AI delivers in use cases like automating billing and RFP responses, accelerating month-end closes, and enhancing customer support, often driven bottom-up by creative teams. Ethical AI orchestration powers tools like "Ask HR" for faster resolutions, paving the way for agile, modular cloud ERP with natural language tools like Joule and Copilot for predictive analysis. Want to learn more? Come join us and explore how these innovations can propel your operations forward. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠ www.ibm.com Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Mark J. Hammack, Delivery Partner at IBM Consulting Mark J. Hammack is a Financial & Supply Chain Transformation Partner at IBM, specializing in driving business transformation and optimizing supply chain performance. They bring extensive experience in enhancing financial operations and delivering strategic business solutions. Within IBM's consulting environment, Mark progressed from Senior Managing Consultant to Associate Partner, demonstrating leadership competencies and a focus on delivering value to clients. Their tenure at IBM reflects a commitment to providing advisory services and implementing effective business strategies. Prior to IBM, Mark led order management initiatives and drove eCommerce strategies as the Order Management and eCommerce Track Lead at International Paper. Their work history also includes a role as Senior Manager at Grant Thornton, where they applied knowledge of accounting principles and financial management practices. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: cloud ERP, professional services, AI use cases, billing automation, resource planning, revenue recognition, ERP myths, ethical AI, Watson orchestration, predictive analysis

In a world of silent cyber wars, ERPs sit at the center of risk and resilience. Discover how CIOs can design ERP as a crown jewel: assume breach, use AI wisely, and balance sovereignty, trust, and business continuity. ===== This episode dives into the “silent global war” on ERP, where cyber threats are constant, interconnected systems are fragile, and resilience is the new gold standard. Our guests, Bayer’s Asha Vartak and SAP’s Gabriela “Gabs” Fiata, unpack how to treat ERP as a mission critical crown jewel instead of a back office system, and why assuming breach changes everything about architecture, governance, and recovery. They explore how AI can both sharpen ERP security and create new risks, from detecting anomalies and reducing alert fatigue to acting as a privileged user that must be monitored. The conversation also covers digital sovereignty, data classification by design, and placing ERP at the core of digital trust, transparency, and compliance across borders. If you want practical, board level language for ERP cyber resilience, this episode is for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠ ⁠Bayer⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ===== Guest: Gabriele Fiata, Head of Security Market Strategy, RISE with SAP 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’s LinkedIn Guest: Asha Vartak, Director, Cyber Security and Risk Management at Bayer Asha Vartak has a proven record of developing and executing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that align with organizational goals. Her expertise spans Cybersecurity Risk Management, Compliance, Threat Modeling, and Mitigation Planning and Implementation. She brings extensive experience in leading and consulting on business and information security initiatives for companies across multiple global regions. With an educational background spanning four countries—India, Australia, Germany, and the United States— Asha excels at building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and teams. As a motivating and inspiring leader in cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance, she thrives on tackling complex projects and driving them to successful completion for organizations worldwide. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. Oyku’s ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: ERP security, ERP resilience, cloud ERP, AI in ERP, cybersecurity,RISE with SAP, SAP S/4HANA, digital sovereignty, data protection

How real-time security transforms ERP systems in a cloud-driven world, spotting threats instantly, leveraging AI for proactive defense, and closing common blind spots before breaches escalate. Curious about staying ahead of cyber risks? ===== Mohammed Moidheen, SAP security architect at Infosys, unpacks why real-time monitoring is vital amid 2,200 daily cyber attacks costing trillions annually. He highlights blind spots like unmonitored access vulnerabilities, ignored audit logs, unsecured APIs, privileged accounts, insider threats, and poor event correlation in S/4HANA Cloud setups. AI evolves detection with predictive intelligence, automated responses, natural language queries, and cross-system pattern spotting, shifting from reactive to proactive security. Real-world cases show systems halting unusual data downloads and insider data exfiltration in minutes. Advice includes aligning with governance, prioritizing crown jewels, setting baselines, training teams, and correlating data. Infosys aids via assessments and foundational builds. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ Infosys.com Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Mohammed Khan Moidheen, SAP Security Architect at Infosys Consulting Mohammed Khan Moidheen is a Senior SAP Security architect with over 12 years of experience securing and operating large scale SAP landscapes across global enterprises. His expertise spans SAP S/4HANA security, ERP platform services, DevSecOps enablement, and designing audit ready security architectures aligned with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR. Mohammed is CISSP and CISA certified and I excel at translating complex security requirements into actionable strategies that are practical , strategically aligned and strengthen organisational resilience. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. Oyku’s ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠SAP Community⁠ ===== Key Topics: real-time security, ERP monitoring, cloud threats, SAP S/4HANA, access management, audit logs, AI threat detection, insider threats, privileged accounts, predictive intelligence

Imagine ERP systems that spot cyber threats before they strike, using AI to predict outages and banish reactive support forever. How close are we to invisible, proactive defense that keeps businesses unbreakable? Dive into the future where data and smarts outpace chaos. ===== In this compelling episode of the Future of ERP podcast, SAP's Jens Bernotat, head of strategy, portfolio, and ecosystem management for SAP Support, shares transformative insights on evolving ERP customer support. He outlines a future where support becomes invisible through prevention, hyper-proactive with deep customer data insights, and accelerated by AI-driven recommendations. Jens emphasizes data's starring role in pattern detection via AI analytics, addresses change management for teams shifting from routine tickets to complex missions and AI curation, and reveals key KPIs like customer effort scores and health metrics. Practical advice includes starting with quick-win AI use cases, fostering team experimentation, and crafting transformation roadmaps. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Jens Bernotat, Head of Strategy, Portfolio and Ecosystem Management, SAP Customer Support at SAP Jens joined SAP in 2007 as Vice President in the Corporate Strategy Group. Here, he has guided high impact programs with a focus on maintenance and support strategy, portfolio and commercial design. From 2011, Jens was driving strategy for Maintenance Go-To-Market, where he designed commercial transformation programs to the Cloud and new support offerings. Since 2017, Jens is driving SAP's maintenance and support strategy, orchestrating maintenance phases, end dates and the portfolio of support offerings. Jens also leads Ecosystem management, defining the setup of how partners deliver support to our customers. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. Oyku’s ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠SAP Community⁠ ===== Key Topics: ERP support, proactive support, AI analytics, customer health, data patterns, change management, Black Friday uptime, support automation, ERP transformation, cyber prevention

Discover how identity and access management (IAM) is reshaping cybersecurity in cloud ERP, enabling businesses to be safer, faster, and more compliant with clarity in roles and responsibilities. ===== In this insightful episode of the Future of ERP podcast, Aditya Thakurdesai from Infosys dives deep into the vital topic of identity and access management (IAM) in cloud ERP environments. He explains why understanding "who owns what" in IAM is non-negotiable to ensure security, compliance, and operational efficiency amid today’s complex hybrid IT infrastructures. Aditya shares compelling customer stories- rom a global pharmaceutical company safeguarding sensitive research data to a large retailer accelerating seasonal workforce onboarding - highlighting how the shared responsibility model brings clarity and confidence in managing cloud security. The discussion further explores how AI is revolutionizing IAM, with intelligent threat detection, adaptive access control, and proactive governance transforming traditional security roles. This episode is a must-listen for any business navigating cloud security risks and looking to leverage AI for smarter, faster, and safer ERP management. Tune in and learn how to stay ahead in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. ⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: Learn how the shared responsibility model for SAP Cloud ERP Private defines roles, streamlines operations, and improves security and compliance: Operate your cloud ERP with confidence and control SAP Cloud ERP Infosys Follow Us on Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP - LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Aditya Thakurdesai, Director – Enterprise Security , Infosys Aditya is a seasoned SAP Security and GRC professional, currently serving as Director – Enterprise Security at Infosys. With nearly two decades of experience, he has delivered transformative security solutions that seamlessly integrate deep domain expertise with emerging technologies. In his current role, Aditya heads the Manufacturing and Communications, Media & Technology segments within Infosys’ Enterprise Risk Management Services group. He also drives strategic Centre of Excellence initiatives focused on security transformation, intelligent automation, and AI innovation. His current passion lies in Agentic AI, where he has developed pioneering solution that introduce new levels of agility, compliance, and scalability to enterprise security operations. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠ 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. Oyku’s LinkedIn and SAP Community ===== Key Topics: Identity Management, Access Management, Cloud ERP, Shared Responsibility, Compliance, Security, Artificial Intelligence, AI, Threat Detection, Case Studies

Can your ERP really turn sustainability from a reporting headache into a competitive advantage? Discover how better data, AI, and cloud ERP help companies move from sustainability slogans to embedded, measurable business value across their supply chains. ===== This episode of The Future of ERP explores how companies can turn sustainability into a core business capability by using robust data foundations, cloud ERP, and closer collaboration across their value chains. Deloitte partner Brian Jobe, carbon accounting lead and SAP sustainability lead, explains why almost every sustainability challenge ultimately comes down to the quality, granularity, and reliability of enterprise data. He compares global regulatory frameworks and highlights how emerging harmonization will shape what “good” looks like for sustainability reporting across industries and regions. The conversation dives into the pivotal role of cloud ERP and supply chain solutions in providing near real-time insight, especially for scope 3 emissions, traceability, and responsible sourcing beyond the four walls of the enterprise. Brian shares best practices on engaging suppliers, embedding sustainability into procurement, finance, operations, and investor relations, and using AI to turn data into actionable insights - once the data foundation is in place. The episode closes with a clear vision for the future of ERP, where sustainability KPIs sit inside everyday management dashboards rather than in a separate “green” silo, and listeners are invited to follow the podcast for more practical conversations like this. ⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ ⁠Deloitte⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! ⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP - LinkedIn⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Brian Jobe, Lead for SAP Sustainability at Deloitte Brian is Deloitte’s lead for SAP Sustainability, focused on identifying opportunities to drive business value through sustainability offerings across our global network. Brian is also the Carbon Accounting leader for the US, focused on supporting clients on their journey to implementing and operationalizing data, processes, and technology to address the regulatory and market-based pressures related to sustainability. In these dual roles, Brian has a unique perspective on how SAP can be leveraged for sustainability outcomes. Brian has more than 25 years of experience in providing data strategy, reporting process, controls, and governance services, primarily to clients in the life sciences and health care sectors. He also works with many of Deloitte’s largest audit clients on a technical consultation basis relating to complex accounting matters. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Economics with concentrations in Accounting and Information Systems from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is licensed as a CPA in New York and New Jersey, and is a member of the AICPA. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠X⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: sustainability, cloud ERP, data, carbon accounting, scope 3, supply chain, AI, regulations, procurement, Deloitte

Relive 2025's ERP breakthroughs: from AI-fueled supply chains to sustainability wins that redefined business resilience. This wrap-up episode recaps game-changing insights from the year's top discussions—perfect for forward-thinking leaders. ===== Dive into the "Future of ERP 2025 Wrap-Up," a dynamic recap of the year's pivotal episodes unpacking ERP's shift from rigid software to agile, AI-driven powerhouses. Memorable highlights include forward-looking debates on ERP's role in sustainable growth and real-time adaptability, blending data trends with actionable playbooks for digital leaders. Tailored for ERP pros, marketers, and execs eyeing 2026 horizons, this finale inspires bold upgrades. Come join us as we discuss The Future of ERP! ⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! ⁠SAP Cloud ERP - LinkedIn⁠ ===== 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 Studies, 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. ===== Key Topics: ERP Evolution, AI Integration, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Predictive Analytics, Digital Twins, SAP Implementations, Net-Zero Goals, Intelligent Automation, Business Agility, ERP, Cloud ERP

Explore tackling fast-evolving markets, from supply chain disruptions and sustainability pressures to geopolitical tensions requiring agile sourcing. Key insights cover cloud ERP simplifying operations for buyers facing electric vehicle tech changes, AI accelerating projects by scripting meetings and generating code, boosting efficiency by focusing teams on high-value tasks, and simulating crises for resilience. Standout examples include 50-60% unused custom ERP code inflating costs, drone pilot analogies for job evolution, and tools like the Digital Acceleration Navigator aiding change management for over 100 clients, including a major European beverage firm. Emphasis lies on composable cloud architectures, data cleansing 12 months pre-transformation, embedding sustainability KPIs for dual cost and environmental gains, and fostering cultures that empower people. Business leaders gain actionable steps for continuous innovation, scalable models, and successful digital transformations—listen now to unleash team potential! Download Episode Transcript Useful Links: SAP Cloud ERP Capgemini Follow Us on Social Media! SAP Cloud ERP - LinkedIn ===== Guest: Elisabetta Spontoni, Executive Vice President at Capgemini Elisabetta is an Executive Vice President at Capgemini, with 30 years’ experience in ICT governance, projects, and operations. As Group Offer Leader for "Digital Core," she drives the end-to-end offer lifecycle and manages the portfolio of packaged solutions, including major ERPs on top of Supply Chain packages, communities, and strategic learning initiatives. She brings strong management experience and a deep delivery operations background, with core competencies in ERP solutions (mainly SAP technologies), leading large international ICT transformation programs, and conducting sales and pre-sales activities at localand international levels, alongside go-to-market strategy and offering development. Her main sectors of expertise are the International Public Sector (United Nations), Oil & Gas, and Aerospace & Defense. Certified as a large international program director, she serves on the Capgemini Group Project Management Certification Board and the “Flying Squad” team—a select group oftop professionals handling recovery missions for critical projects worldwide. She is also certified as a Delivery Partner to support profitable growth of Capgemini’s global accounts. Her key strengths include recognized leadership, collaborative work with colleagues, clients, and partners in multicultural teams, sharp ICT expertise focused on SAP technologies, delivery excellence, innovation, and executive-level communication. 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. Follow Richard Howell on LinkedIn and X

This episode dives into the evolving landscape of enterprise technology, revealing how AI and cloud ERP are changing the pace and purpose of business operations. Join Richard Howells, Cognizant’s Gary Hayes, and SAP’s Alex Pierroutsakos as they share candid industry perspectives—spanning utilities, chemicals, and manufacturing—about overcoming legacy barriers and harnessing data-driven innovation. Listeners will hear memorable examples: from automated case management resolving millions of utility errors, to Guinness World Record-winning hackathons and accelerated digital transformations. Explore how conversational AI, real-time analytics, and agile change management liberate people from repetitive tasks, empowering them for higher-value work. Tune in for a blend of actionable insights and inspirational advice, and discover why staying curious—and leveraging the latest tech—might be the smartest business decision you can make. Don’t forget to subscribe for more on the future of ERP and business innovation! Guest Speaker: Alex Pierroutsakos, Industry Executive Advisor – ChemicalsAlex Pierroutsakos currently is an executive industry advisor for the chemical industry at SAP where he guides executives through operational and digital transformations with a deep expertise in supply chain and manufacturing. Over the last 25 years, Alex has held leadership, project management, and supply chain positions in management consulting , software development, and within industry. Within the chemical industry, he was a Global CIO and held multiple senior business leadership positions including Chief Sustainability Officer, Global Director of Quality Assurance, and Internal Audit. Alex has a balance of industry, technology and business experience which enables him to provide a comprehensive and value added approach when working with chemical business leaders and CIO’s. He has earned numerous credentials and awards, along with a Bachelor of Science with honors in Industrial Engineering from the University of MO – Columbia and an Executive Master’s in International Business with BSG honors at St. Louis University. He currently resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife and three daughters. Guest Speaker: Gary Hayes, SAP Solution Enablement Domain at CognizantGary Hayes brings 35+ years of managing technology strategies, delivery and operations of SAP in the utilities industry, including his role as VP & CIO at CenterPoint Energy. His background includes extensive experience in: At Cognizant, he is responsible for managing a team of SAP Solution Enablement Domain experts within North America. His responsibilities include solution delivery, transformation advisory, product strategy & delivery, roadmap alignment, product development and go-to-market strategies for the energy and utility market. Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) ===== Useful Links: Download TranscriptSAP Cloud ERPCognizant Technology Solutions Follow Us on Social Media: LinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

In this episode of the Future of ERP podcast, Brian Jensen, Managing Director at KPMG, breaks down the complex world of compliance in Cloud ERP environments and how businesses can navigate shared responsibility models effectively. Brian explains why compliance should be seen not as a mere checkbox but as a powerful enabler for risk management and business agility. The discussion covers critical topics like data security, user access control, and the dynamic role of hyperscalers in cloud compliance. Listeners will gain practical advice on balancing rapid innovation with strict regulatory demands and how emerging technologies like AI and automation will reshape compliance roles in ERP systems. Memorable analogies, such as comparing compliance to a car’s safety features, make complex ideas accessible. Whether you’re a business leader or an IT professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on leveraging Cloud ERP and compliance as a competitive edge. Tune in for actionable insights and a forward-thinking vision of ERP’s future. Guest Speaker: Brian Jensen, Managing Director at KPMG With over 25 years in management consulting, business development, and practice leadership, Brian Jensenhas helped organizations across industries transform how they operate, manage risk, and capture new market opportunities. Recognized for his ability to cut through complexity and focus on what truly drives value, Brian brings deep expertise in business transformation, ERP risk, cybersecurity, process optimization, and enterprise application implementations. Today, Brian is helping lead the next wave of enterprise transformation — the rise of the Agentic Enterprise— where AI evolves from predictive to autonomous. He focuses on embedding agentic AI into enterprise risk, identity, and controls to enable organizations to modernize ERP ecosystems such as SAP S/4HANA without compromising trust, security, or compliance. Through KPMG’s Trusted Applications platforms, Brian is helping clients activate AI-driven governance, autonomous assurance, and adaptive controls — redefining what “trusted” means in the era of intelligent systems. Brian’s LinkedIn 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download TranscriptKPMG Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERPLinkedInX (Twitter) Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

In this episode of The Future of ERP, Richard Howells welcomes back John Froelich, senior VP at Bramasol, to discuss the dynamic growth of the subscription economy and its impact across unexpected industries. From medical devices and concrete monitoring to agricultural machinery, businesses are moving from one-time sales to flexible, usage-based, and outcome-based subscription models. John shares fascinating examples and explains how customer expectations are evolving toward real-time value and flexible payment options. They dive into the critical role of connected ERP systems in managing subscriptions, bundles, billing, and predictive maintenance. John highlights the importance of AI and advanced analytics in unlocking value and shaping the next generation of business models. Whether you’re curious about the intersection of technology, business innovation, or ERP’s future, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways. Guest Speaker: John Froelich, Senior Vice President at Bramasol John Froelich is a Senior Vice President at Bramasol, a leading SAP Partner helping companies make the most out of their Office of CFO Solutions and solutions for the Digital Solutions Economy. John has over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and design and implementation of SAP Solutions and has deep technology experience having worked with IBM, Avaya, SAP and AT&T’s Bell Laboratories. He has delivered over 150 webinars and webcasts and spoken at numerous conferences including SAP Sapphire, SAP Insider, ASUG, Fiber Connect, and many others. He was also a business coach and is certified in a variety of coaching methodologies including Brian Tracy, EMyth and others. John lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife. 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links: Download TranscriptBramasolSAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERPLinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

In this episode of “The Future of ERP,” host Richard Howells talks with Deloitte partner Geraldine Aubert about choosing the right path for cloud ERP transformation—whether to start fresh with a greenfield implementation or upgrade existing systems with brownfield. Geraldine shares insights from decades of SAP experience, highlighting how automation, AI, and strategic rollout planning enable companies to improve compliance, scale globally, and drive sustainable innovation. Learn about real-world challenges, practical trade-offs, and key success factors like strong people engagement and governance. Geraldine’s perspective offers a blueprint for businesses aiming to future-proof their operations amid rapid digital change. Tune in to discover ideas to fuel your ERP journey and why smart transformation is about balancing speed with lasting value. Guest Speaker: Geraldine Aubert, Partner at Deloitte Geraldine Aubert is a Partner in Deloitte’s Enterprise Performance practice, specializing in SAP consulting with over 25 years of experience. She leads global SAP S/4HANA transformation programs, focusing on delivering business value through strong collaboration between business operations and IT. Geraldine brings deep expertise in manufacturing, industrial products, automotive, chemicals, and medical devices industries. She heads Deloitte’s SAP manufacturing practitioners in Germany, covering areas such as production planning, quality management, plant maintenance, asset management, product lifecycle management, and integrated business planning (IBP). Geraldine is known for her strategic guidance in navigating complex digital transformations, including greenfield and brownfield ERP implementations on cloud platforms. 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links: Download TranscriptThe Future of ERP: A study on the challenges and opportunities of ERP systems by 2030 Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERPLinkedInX (Twitter) Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

In this insightful episode of The Future of ERP, Ryan Throop from IBM joins hosts Richard Howells and Oyku Ilgar to explore the critical role of cybersecurity in the cloud ERP landscape. As businesses move from traditional on-premise solutions to cloud-centric environments, cybersecurity challenges grow more complex. Ryan shares how AI-driven threat detection and shared security models empower organizations to protect sensitive data while boosting operational efficiency. Listener takeaways include the importance of security awareness training, the evolving role of AI in security operations, and the growing emphasis on integrating ERP systems into broader identity governance frameworks. With compelling insights on managing insider threats, third-party risks, and emerging technologies, this episode is a must-hear for any business leader or IT professional focused on digital transformation success. Stay secure, stay innovative, and join the conversation! Guest Speaker: Ryan Throop, Executive Consultant, Global SAP Cybersecurity Offering Leader Ryan Throop is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with 15 years of experience in SAP Security, GRC, and Cybersecurity. He currently he is the Global SAP Security Offering Leader with IBM Consulting – Cybersecurity Services, specializing in securing SAP environments. At IBM, Ryan plays a pivotal role in shaping the SAP Cybersecurity services strategy and offering. His expertise in SAP security has been instrumental in developing and enhancing IBM’s comprehensive suite of SAP security services, which are trusted by clients across the globe. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ryan is committed to fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and education. With his extensive experience, technical acumen, and passion for cybersecurity, Ryan Throop continues to make significant contributions to the field, helping organizations safeguard their critical systems against ever-evolving threats. Ryan’s LinkedIn 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download TranscriptIBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025IBM Cybersecurity ServicesIBM SAP Consulting Services Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERPLinkedInX (Twitter) Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

In this episode of The Future of ERP, Abhishek Vesudevan from Westernacher shares the story of a company overcoming growth pains caused by disjointed systems and manual workflows. Listeners will learn how a strategic Cloud ERP implementation integrated sales, procurement, finance, warehousing, and transportation—enabling real-time data visibility and driving impressive benefits like freight cost savings and efficiency gains. Abhishek emphasizes that successful transformation hinges not only on technology but on process standardization and engaging users throughout the journey. He also highlights emerging trends, from AI-powered automation to sustainability innovations embedded in ERP. This episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories for any business pursuing digital transformation. Tune in to hear how ERP is evolving from a backend system to the brain of business. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization! Guest Speaker: Abhishek Vasudevan, Director, S/4HANA Practice – North America, Westernacher Abhishek Vasudevan leads the S/4HANA Practice for Westernacher in the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on helping organizations adopt SAP S/4HANA in both Public and Private Cloud environments. He brings over 14 years of SAP experience, specializing in greenfield implementations and end-to-end process design across core ERP and supply chain execution. In his current role, Abhishek is responsible for practice growth, go-to-market strategy, and customer success. He works closely with SAP and client leadership teams to shape solution roadmaps, guide presales, and ensure delivery excellence. Earlier in his career at Westernacher, Abhishek served as a solution architect and successfully led over 10 greenfield SAP implementations in the digital supply chain space, including Transportation Management, Event Management, and Global Track and Trace. He also held a leadership role at Amazon, where he managed strategic programs across North American fulfillment operations. Abhishek holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California. 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download Transcript SAP NEWS Article – TBD by Oyku Ilgar Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: S/4HANA Cloud ERPLinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

This episode delves into the dynamic future of retail, spotlighting the pivotal role of AI in reshaping supply chains and customer interaction. 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 Speaker: 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. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download Transcript Blog Post Retail Trends 2025 Lesson from APAC: Social Commerce is Not One-Size-Fits-All Report SAP Industry Market Report for Retail: Grow Without Boundaries Related SAP Pages SAP Industries: Retail Page SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: S/4HANA Cloud ERPLinkedIn Like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

In this episode of The Future of ERP, host Richard Howells welcomes Sakis Tabakis from E.ON Digital Technology and Max English of PwC to explore how cutting-edge cloud ERP and Generative AI are reshaping financial excellence. Sakis shares how E.ON’s Digital Lighthouse project is not just about technology upgrades – it’s a strategic foundation for agility in a fast-moving energy sector. The trio dive into how SAP Datasphere, SAP PAPM, and AI-driven insights create a unified, reliable data platform that breaks down silos, ensures compliance, and empowers smarter decisions in real time. Sakis highlights a bold vision: “The future of ERP is invisible. It thinks before you do, it speaks your language, and it acts when it really matters.” Max emphasizes the human side of digital transformation, reminding listeners that embracing AI means gaining efficiency and trusting technology as an enabler – not a threat. Whether you’re curious about AI’s impact on finance or the future of cloud ERP, this episode offers inspiring lessons and practical insights. Tune in and discover what’s next for enterprise systems in a rapidly changing world! Guest Speaker: Sakis Athanasios Tabakis, Team Lead Systems & Digitization, Project Lead Digital Lighthouse at E.ON Digital Technology Sakis Athanasios Tabakis leads the Systems & Digitisation team within the Finance Controlling department of E.ON Digital Technology. In this role, he is responsible for the digital transformation of core steering processes — most notably through the Digital Lighthouse Project, a scalable platform for data-driven management of IT costs, investments, and value contribution. Over the past years, he has held leadership positions in multinational CFO organizations across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, driven by a clear mission: to make digital transformation in Finance a strategic, repeatable process. Because to this day, the success of many initiatives still hinges on chance, individual expertise, or personal courage. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in Finance, he recently developed a structured framework to measure and accelerate the digital maturity of CFO functions — with a rigorous focus on Processes, People, and Systems. As a University Alliance Partner and Corporate Ambassador for E.ON Digital Technology, he is convinced that digital fluency in Finance must not be left to chance — not for emerging talents, nor for seasoned leaders. That is why he shares his insights where true transformation begins: in the mindset of people. Guest Speaker: Max Englisch, manager of Finance Transformation at PwC Germany Max is a Senior Associate in SAP Data & Analytics, concentrating on Data Management and SAP DWC. He has specialized in the field of Data & Analytics, with a particular focus on Data Management and all topics related to SAP. Cloud-based data warehousing solutions and the ecosystem around it are an integral part of his daily work and passion. 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links: Download TranscriptCustomer BlogE.ON Digital Technology’s Cloud ERP Journey: Driving Transformation Through Speed, Trust, and Agility https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/alliances/sap.html Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERPLinkedInX (Twitter) Like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

This episode explores the evolution of ERP cybersecurity, emphasizing the shift from on-premise to cloud ERP and the shared responsibility model. Key topics include the rising risk of cyberattacks on supply chains, the benefits of expert collaboration in cloud security, and the importance of integrating security from the design phase. The discussion highlights cultural changes, trust-building, and the role of employee training in strengthening defenses. Emerging technologies like AI are examined for their potential to enhance threat detection, automate responses, and proactively defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, shaping the future of secure and resilient ERP systems. Guest Speaker: Gabriele Fiata 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 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download TranscriptThe $8.9M reason to implement SAP Cloud ERPThe Business Value of Enhancing Security and Resiliency with SAP Cloud ERP Private Related SAP Pages SAP Cybersecurity DashboardSAP Cloud ERP Like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

This episode examines how generative AI is fundamentally changing ERP systems and financial decision-making. It explores AI’s role in enhancing cash flow management, forecasting, and scenario modeling by integrating diverse data sources and automating complex analyses. The discussion highlights AI-driven hyper-personalized financial strategies, fraud detection, and cross-system communication, showing how AI helps manage uncertainty and volatility. It also addresses the importance of data quality, governance, potential biases, and risks in deploying AI in finance, emphasizing the ongoing value of ERPs as trusted platforms in a complex digital ecosystem. Guest Speaker: John Froelich , Senior Vice President at Bramasol John Froelich is a Senior Vice President at Bramasol, a leading SAP Partner helping companies make the most out of their Office of CFO Solutions and solutions for the Digital Solutions Economy. John has over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and design and implementation of SAP Solutions and has deep technology experience having worked with IBM, Avaya, SAP and AT&T’s Bell Laboratories. He has delivered over 150 webinars and webcasts and spoken at numerous conferences including SAP Sapphire, SAP Insider, ASUG, Fiber Connect, and many others. He was also a business coach and is certified in a variety of coaching methodologies including Brian Tracy, EMyth and others. John lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife. 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 Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) 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. Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download Transcripthttps://www.bramasol.com/Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERPLinkedInX (Twitter) Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!