In this week’s episode we dive into right-shoring, reshoring and regionalizing manufacturing with Ascential’s Todd Bauman. We discuss how holistic decision-making Is essential for right shoring and regionalization, and why automation and resilience are key to addressing labor and geopolitical challenges. We also delve into why regional supply chains help hedge against disruption and the importance of supplier collaboration and communication strategies.

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Todd Bauman is a self-proclaimed supply chain geek who has been a strategic leader within the supply chain space for over 25 years. Experience in industries like medical device, electronics, food, and industrial manufacturing has given rise to skills which help him to anticipate potential obstacles and risks, and to creatively problem solve and identify paths to success. Todd is known for his strategic and authentic leadership which are critical skills developed by his experiences and education. Todd has a passion to learn and is a catalyst for change because of his love for teaching, coaching, and mentoring people which is important to help others identify and maximize their strengths and potential.

Todd’s educational background consists of a Doctorate in Business Administration in Global Operations and Supply Chain Management from Capella University, an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, and a BA in Management from Bethel College. Todd is also on the Board of Directors with the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) organization, and a former Board member with the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS) carrying the designation of Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

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.

Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.  

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The post Episode 107: Rightshoring and Regionalizing your Supply Chain Operations with Ascential Technologies’ Todd Bauman first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

In this week’s episode we discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities in the area of transportation management with Westernacher’s Matt Paulaitis.
Matt discusses challenges such as organizational silos, tariff impacts, and the need for unified data, and the role of predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI integration to optimize operations and enhance real-time decision-making. Matt also explained why companies are investing Companies are investing in digital supply chain systems and collaborative portals to increase agility, resilience, and operational efficiency.

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Matt Paulaitis is a Senior Consultant and Sales Lead for Transportation Management with 8 years of consulting experience. With a strong background in ERP Implementations, he has led initiatives that improved business outcomes by implementing supply chain solutions that provided actionable insights that drove strategic decisions. Currently, Matt works at Westernacher, where he oversees Transportation Management Sales to innovate business’ digital supply chains.

Matt is Passionate about leveraging data to solve complex problems within an organization’s transportation logistics division. Matt aims to empower organizations with clear and impactful analytics that allow companies to expand past silos of information to make key organizational decisions. Outside of work, Matt enjoys running, working out and researching new technologies in the supply chain industry.

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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The post Episode 106: All Things Transportation with Westernacher’s Matt Paulaitis first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Market Veep’s Janelle McGrath to discuss the intertwined worlds of supply chain, marketing, and sales. We explore how aligning these departments can boost efficiency and customer satisfaction, and dive into strategies for maximizing visibility of new products and communicating sustainable practices effectively.

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Jennelle McGrath is the CEO of Market Veep, a marketing and sales agency. They host a podcast, “Finding Business Happy,” are a HubSpot Diamond certified and accredited partner, a two-time INC 5000 fastest growing company, an INC Best Workplaces winner, Certified Best Places to Work accredited, SBA certified woman-owned small business, two-time Netty Award for Boutique Agency of the Year and most Innovative Web Design, are an entrepreneur.com contributor and are members with over a half a dozen manufacturing associations.

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.

Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.  

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The post Episode 105: B2B Marketing and Manufacturing with Market Veep’s Jennelle McGrath first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

In this week’s episode we welcome back SAP’s David Vallejo. Together we dive into the evolving landscape of supply chain management, discussing how businesses are shifting from siloed operations to integrated orchestration, explore the transformative role of AI in enabling real-time decision-making, boosting resilience, and fostering sustainability. Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.   

David’s global organization leads strategy and growth initiatives for SAP’s SCM portfolio which encompasses solutions for product lifecycle management, manufacturing, planning, logistics, assets and service management as well as the Business Network. The solutions enable customers orchestrate their supply chain to become risk-resilient, adaptable, and sustainable in their supply chain operations.

David joined SAP in 2014 and has held various leadership positions before attaining his current role. During David’s tenure he drove the successful launch of SAP’s Supply Chain Business Network focusing on direct materials collaboration across the extended supply chain and driving the customer co-innovation program as product owner for SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP).

Prior to joining SAP David helped many global companies define and implement their strategy around supply chain transformations and has been honored with the “Pros-to-Know” award in 2014 by the Supply & Demand Chain Executive Board. He held several global leadership roles managing customer delivery, solution management and product management at E2open and icon-scm.

David is a Computer Science graduate (Dipl. Ing.) from the Berufsakademie University of Applied Science in Mannheim, Germany. 

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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Learn more about CPG trends in supply chain & how to bring out your best.    

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The post Episode 104: Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP’s David Vallejo first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

The consumer goods industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by AI and digital technologies. Joined by our own Maria Morais, we unpack key trends for 2025, including subscription-based models powered by AI customization, experience-driven commerce blending digital and physical retail, dynamic pricing enabled by real-time analytics, and hyper-personalization. Also, sustainability takes center stage as brands embrace ethical supply chains and transparency.

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Maria is a digital transformation strategist specializing in AI-driven innovation, go-to-market scaling, and investor relations. She has been instrumental in expanding SAP’s market presence and driving sustainable growth in consumer industries, helping organizations navigate the future of consumer products through technology and business transformation initiatives.

 Maria writes about the intersection of AI, digital transformation, and business strategy, helping leaders navigate the evolving landscape of consumer industries.

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.

Oyku Ilgar has been working in the digital supply chain area at SAP since 2017. As a marketer and blogger, she creates written and visual marketing content about ERP and Supply Chain solutions and focuses on the topics of business trends, IoT, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.

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Learn more about CPG trends in supply chain & how to bring out your best.   

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The post Episode 103: 2025 Trends for the CPG Industry with SAP’s Maria Morais first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

Joined by Efficio’s Barbara Guignard, we dive into the causes behind the current cocoa crisis, including climate challenges and underinvestment in cocoa plants. Discover how chocolate manufacturers are responding through recipe alterations, sustainability initiatives, and supply chain innovations, whilst tapping into emerging technologies and potential alternatives that may shape the future of chocolate production and consumption.

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Barbara leads large-scale, international procurement transformation projects across a number of sectors, with a focus on the food, retail, and manufacturing industries. Barbara’s principal strengths lie in Procurement Transformation and Strategic Sourcing, particularly in the context of international organizations and mergers and acquisitions.

Generally, Barbara works with clients in medium-sized companies, often with an international sales and supply chain footprint, in sectors ranging from Manufacturing to Distribution and Services. Barbara has category expertise in professional services, marketing, finished goods, logistics, engineering services, third-party labor and outsourced services.

Barbara founded and continues to lead the Efficio Women’s Network, which provides an inclusive forum to exchange topics impacting women’s performance and well-being in the workplace, network with women across the business, as well as to raise general awareness on gender challenges. She is also a certified coach in personal development and is heavily involved in internal and external training.

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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Learn more about the chocolate crisis’ effect on supply chains & how to bring out your best.    

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The post Episode 102: Sweet Challenges: Navigating the Chocolate Crisis in Global Supply Chains with Efficio’s Barbara Guignard first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

With insights from SAP’s Mark Averskog and Descartes’ Eric Geerts, together, we dive into the world of ocean transportation, highlighting the importance of sea freight in global trade, current challenges faced by shippers and carriers, and the ongoing digital transformation of the industry. Learn about the push for greater visibility, process automation, and sustainability in maritime logistics, and how these advancements are set to revolutionize supply chain management in the coming years.

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Experienced professional in IT product portfolio and lifecycle management in an international context, including strategy & vision, product roadmap, go-to-market, product specifications, pricing, financial analysis/business case, leading innovation and internal alignment across different teams including product management, development and implementation. 

Broad knowledge in transport, logistics and Customs compliance processes and IT solutions for all transport modes (ocean, road, air, small parcel/express etc.). This includes products and services in the areas of TMS (Transport Management System), real-time tracking and visibility, (small) parcel shipping, multi-modal digital carrier connectivity, Customs compliance and port solutions. Over the years, he has gained experience in the integration of both internal and external products. 

Mark Averskog is currently VP of Product Marketing for SAP’s logistics network solutions, and his responsibilities include solution marketing and strategy, roadmap, go-to-market activities, analyst, and sales support. Mark has some 30 years of years of experience in supply chain management and logistics, and has held leadership roles in supply chain planning, product management, business development, consulting, and customer success organizations. Mark has been a frequent speaker at supply chain events including SAPPHIRE and other events.

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.

Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.  

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Learn more about ocean transportation and shipment management & how to bring out your best.   

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The post Episode 101: Navigating the Digital Seas: The Future of Ocean Transportation with Descartes’ Eric Geerts and SAP’s Mark Averskog first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

Hannover Messe is just around the corner, and who better to discuss the future of supply chains with than Dominik Metzger, President & Chief Product Officer Supply Chain Management.

In this episode, we explore how AI can help to build resilient supply chains, the crucial role of data, and how the interplay between structured and unstructured data enables faster decision-making. We also take a closer look at the impact of SAP Business Suite and Business Data Cloud on supply chain management and discuss why sustainability is not just a challenge but a game-changing opportunity for businesses.

Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.

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 Networks 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.

Dominik studied business administration at the Cooperative University in Mannheim (DHBW), Germany and holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Mannheim Business School. He lives in Munich, Germany with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time, he loves spending time with the family in the Bavarian mountains, snowboarding and sledding in winter, hiking and swimming in summer. Dominik is passionate about traveling, which has given him the opportunity to visit more than 40 countries which he plans to further extend.

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.

Sin To has more than fifteen years of experience in the digital media industry and technology sector in the field of marketing, advertising, business development, thought leadership, and as a contributing editor. Sin joined the SAP’s digital supply chain team to drive thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s supply chain solutions, emerging market trends, and sustainability.

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The post Episode 100: AI and Manufacturing: Smart Technologies for a New Era of Industry with SAP’s Dominik Metzger first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

Joined by Westernacher’s Alexis Lozada, we dive into the world of network aware planning, a revolutionary approach to supply chain management that focuses on understanding the interconnectedness of various networks within the supply chain. Discover how this strategy helps businesses make informed decisions, prepare for disruptions, and optimize inventory allocation.

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Alexis Lozada is the Associate Principal and Practice Director, Supply Chain Planning Practice – Americas for Westernacher Consulting.

Alexis is SAP alum, as product manager delivered over 100 feature and functions for SAP cloud-based advanced supply chain planning solution SAP IBP.  Additionally, he worked in various supply chain management roles for Del Monte Foods and started his career in finance and investment.

Alexis obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Master’s degrees from IESA (Venezuela) and Carnegie Mellon University.

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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Learn more about network aware planning & how to bring out your best.   

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The post Episode 99: Why Network Aware Planning Defeats Traditional Planning with Westernacher’s Alexis Lozada first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

Navigating manufacturing’s future: Supply chains face disruption, talent pools shrink, and sustainability demands rise. Discover how AI, cloud tech, and data-driven strategies offer solutions. Hear Judy Cubiss from SAP share insights on building resilient, efficient, and future-proof industrial operations.

Companies are rethinking supply chains for resilience and embracing collaboration platforms. AI offers potential for automation and insights but requires robust data management and infrastructure. Sustainability is now a financial imperative, with regulations driving the need for data collection and tools like green ledgers. Flexibility and agility are crucial in responding to evolving trade policies, with scenario planning becoming essential. Cloud ERP systems offer smaller manufacturers access to advanced technologies, aiding in talent management and innovation.

Join us as we dive into the Future of Supply Chain

Judy Cubiss has been working in the Discrete Industries space for over 20 years. She is responsible for industry marketing globally for industrial manufacturing and aerospace and defense at SAP and is responsible for telling SAP’s unique value proposition for those industries.

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.

Oyku Ilgar has been working in the digital supply chain area at SAP since 2017. As a marketer and blogger, she creates written and visual marketing content about ERP and Supply Chain solutions and focuses on the topics of business trends, IoT, Industry 4.0, and sustainability.

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Learn more about focusing on your supply chain’s resiliency & how to bring out your best.   

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The post Episode 98: The Manufacturing Industry Trends 2025 with SAP’s Judy Cubiss first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.