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

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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