This week, we explore how real time data, AI driven orchestration, and proactive communication are transforming last mile delivery into a powerful driver of customer experience and loyalty.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠

=====

In this episode, Richard Howells talks with OneRail founder and CEO Bill Catania about turning last mile delivery from a cost center into a strategic CX advantage. They cover inventory visibility, carrier optionality, AI driven orchestration, proactive customer communication, and why real time data will shape the future of supply chain.

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Guest: Bill Catania, CEO, OneRail

Bill Catania is the Founder and CEO of OneRail, a last-mile delivery orchestration platform that combines AI-powered software with logistics-as-a-service to deliver the speed, reliability, and visibility businesses need to meet their delivery promises. A seasoned startup entrepreneur, Catania specializes in building and scaling real-time technology networks for enterprise retailers and wholesalers. A recognized thought leader in AI-driven fulfillment and last mile logistics, Catania is a frequent speaker at major retail, supply chain, and technology forums, sharing insights on the future of delivery orchestration and customer-centric supply chains.​​

Prior to founding OneRail, Catania launched M-Dot Network, a digital coupon pioneer and the first retail POS-to-cloud transaction engine to enable real-time digital coupon redemption at grocery checkouts across North America. Under his leadership, M-Dot won the Amazon Web Services Start-Up Challenge, surpassing more than 1,500 companies from 23 countries. His entrepreneurial leadership and sustained impact on enterprise technology earned him recognition as one of Goldman Sachs’ Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2024 at the Builders and Innovators Summit. Across his career, Catania has built category-defining platforms at the intersection of data, intelligent networks, and real-time decisioning—solving complex, operational challenges at enterprise scale.

Host 1: Richard Howells

⁠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.

=====

Show Links:

OneRail: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onerail-lastmile

Supply Chain Management: 

SAP Supply Chain Management 

SAP Insights: Supply Chain  

Follow Us on Social Media : 

Bill Catania: LinkedIn

Richard Howells: LinkedIn, 

SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn  

Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

=====

Chapters:

00:00:00: Intro

00:01:04: Guest’s Introductions

00:01:45: How customer experience has evolved with e‑commerce and the Amazon effect

00:03:10: Biggest challenges: inventory visibility, micro‑warehouses, and carrier optionality

00:04:43: Balancing speed, cost, sustainability and why Excel and “deliver at all costs” no longer work

00:12:08: How the delivery experience directly impacts brand loyalty

00:19:32: How can advanced delivery orchestration platforms help companies?

00:23:01: Cross‑functional operating model and how SAP–OneRail integration enables real‑time last‑mile execution

00:26:45: What is the Future of Supply Chain?

00:29:26: Outro

For International Women’s Day, we speak with SAP’s Mindy Davis and Lori Harner on empathetic leadership, “Give to Gain,” AI-driven supply chain change, talent strategies, and embracing change.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠

=====

In our International Women’s Day episode, SAP’s Mindy Davis and Lori Harner discuss empathetic leadership, the “Give to Gain” principle, and how AI is transforming supply chains. 
They highlight the importance of context, inclusivity, and being open to change, share strategies for attracting talent, and note the shift from efficiency and resilience toward autonomy in supply chain management.
Come join us for this exciting journey!

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Guest: Mindy Davis, Global Vice President, Product Marketing, SAP Supply Chain Management

Mindy Davis is global vice president of product marketing for SAP Supply Chain Management, where she leads the marketing strategy for SAP’s supply chain solution portfolio. Since joining SAP in 2004, Mindy has held key roles in marketing, alliances, merchandising, and business development. She is recognized for her expertise in building high-performing teams and providing innovative strategic leadership in the software industry.

Mindy was featured on the front cover of CIO Look Magazine in 2022 as one of the 10 most influential leaders in supply Chain. She hosted a very well received LinkedIn Live series for Women in Supply Chain and speaks regularly at events around the world.

Guest: Lori Harner, Vice President and Global Head of Product Marketing for Supply Chain Planning at SAP

Lori Harner is the Vice President and Global Head of Product Marketing for supply chain planning at SAP. With a long track record of building and leading high-performing teams, Lori brings a customer-first mindset to her role, driving innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of today's supply chains. Prior to joining SAP, Lori built the product marketing function and team for WEX, a leading financial services firm. Her extensive experience also includes leadership positions at Microsoft, Blue Yonder, E2open, and others. When not driving supply chain innovation, Lori enjoys an active lifestyle in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She has a passion for the outdoors and loves hiking, walking, and biking. 

Host 1: Sin To

Sin 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.

Host 2: Zoriana Zahorodnia

Zoriana is a Product Marketer specializing in Supply Chain Management. As an engaging content creator, blogger, and podcaster, she explores how supply chain innovations and sustainability shape the future of global business.

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Show Links:

SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scm

Follow Us on Social Media : 

Mindy Davis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-davis-88a2b54/

Lori Harner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-harner/

Sin To: 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208

Zoriana Zahorodnia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoriana-zahordnia-a3096a205/

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! 

=====

Chapters:

00:00:00 Supply Chain Transformation

00:00:41 Podcast Welcome

00:01:18 Meet Mindy and Lori

00:02:39 Women Leading with Empathy

00:04:52 Give to Gain Leadership

00:06:21 From Efficiency to Resilience

00:09:14 AI and Agentic Opportunities

00:11:29 AI in Practice at SAP

00:16:20 Women in Supply Chain Today

00:19:11 Inclusive Leadership in Uncertainty

00:21:20 Attracting the Next Generation

00:25:18 Advice for Young Women

00:27:55 Future of Supply Chain

00:30:42 Closing and Thanks

This week, we talk about how tariffs, sanctions and geopolitical uncertainty disrupt global supply chains, and how companies can improve visibility, ensure compliance and build resilient, de-risked global trade operations

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript

=====

In this episode, we unpack how tariffs, sanctions, regulations and geopolitical tensions are reshaping global trade and supply chains. We explore the role of data and technology in managing risk, improving compliance, and designing more resilient global networks for the future

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Guest: Kevin McCollom, Vice President of Go to Market, ArchLynk

Kevin McCollom is an experienced enterprise software leader with a long track record in ERP, finance, and global trade. He previously served as Global VP for SAP Cloud ERP and Finance Lines of Business and held strategic leadership roles across SAP’s Finance and Risk organization. He now serves as Vice President of Go to Market (GTM) at ArchLynk, helping guide global supply chain and trade solution strategy.

Guest: Nilesh Shimpi, Associate Director, ArchLynk

Nilesh Shimpi is an accomplished solution architect with extensive experience in global trade and supply chain management. He has successfully led numerous projects involving SAP Global Trade Services. Currently, he serves as the Associate Director at ArchLynk, where he plays a key role in guiding the development of global supply chain and trade practices.

Guest: Thomas Frenehard, Senior Manager, SAP

Thomas is Senior Manager within the Governance, Risk, and Compliance Product Marketing team at SAP where he focuses on International Trade Compliance and Enterprise Risk and Compliance topics. He is also a regular contributor on social media (SAP GRC Tuesdays & LinkedIn) and presenter at various SAP and non-SAP conferences on GRC matters.

Host 1: Richard Howells

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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Show Links:

Supply Chain Management: 

SAP Supply Chain Management 

SAP Insights: Supply Chain 

https://archlynk.com/

Follow Us on Social Media : 

Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠

SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

=====

Chapters:

00:00:00: Intro

00:01:00: Guest introduction

00:02:19: How tariffs, sanctions, and regulations are reshaping supply chains

00:08:40  What risks are companies facing from an operational perspective?

00:12:27: How are companies turning these challenges into opportunities?

00:15:53: Role of technology and data in managing global trade

00:18:26: What should leaders prioritize to stay ahead of the global trade risks

00:20:39 What's the future of the supply chain?

00:22:24: Outro

One of Europe’s most strategic infrastructure projects: Richard and Sin talk with Kai Gerullis from the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce about how the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is reshaping logistics corridors, transport efficiency, and cross-border supply chains.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript

=====

In this episode, Richard Howells and Sin To speak with Kai Gerullis from the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce about the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, one of Europe’s most strategically significant infrastructure projects. The fixed link between Germany and Denmark is reshaping transport times, trade routes, and regional competitiveness.

The focus: European logistics corridors, political and economic implications, technology, multimodality, and sustainability and why the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is setting new benchmarks for cross-border infrastructure.

Essential listening for those who don’t just manage supply chains, but shape them.

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Guest: Kai Gerullis, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Transport and Port Affairs at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce

Kai Gerullis is Deputy Managing Director and Head of Transport and Port Affairs at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. He also leads the Infrastructure Committee of the Fehmarnbelt Business Council (FBBC), a cross-border network of business organizations from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden dedicated to strengthening the Fehmarnbelt region and supporting the economic opportunities linked to the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel.

With an academic background in political science and professional training as a journalist, Kai has many years of experience in the fields of ports, mobility, and logistics. His work focuses on infrastructure and port development, regional cooperation, and the future of transport.

Host 1: Richard Howells

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: Sin To

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.

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Show Links:

Fehmarnbelt Business Council: https://fbbc.eu/

SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scm

Follow Us on Social Media : 

Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Sin To: LinkedIn

SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

=====

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to the episode

00:01:24 Guest Introduction: Kai Gerullis

00:02:26 Project Details and Goals

00:03:41 Economic and Regional Impact

00:05:07 Supply Chain Benefits

00:05:55 Multimodal Logistics Opportunities

00:06:48 Sustainability and Environmental Impact

00:09:04 Political and Strategic Significance

00:10:20 Challenges and Risk Management

00:12:58 Technological Innovations

00:15:35 Future Outlook and Outro

In this episode, we explore why hyperconnected, orchestrated supply chains are critical, covering visibility, disruption management, talent, AI, collaboration, and how SAP and Deloitte help leaders modernize.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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This week we, together with Deloitte’s Jagjeet Singh discuss the shift toward hyperconnected, orchestrated supply chains. They discuss today’s top challenges - limited visibility, constant disruptions, and talent gaps - and how to break silos, align planning with execution, and use AI, control towers, and collaboration platforms to improve decisions.

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Guest: Jagjeet Singh, US SAP Supply Chain Market Offering Leader, Deloitte

Jagjeet is a principal (equity partner) in the Deloitte US firm providing Consulting Services to clients in several industries including MedTech, Pharma, Consumer and Manufacturing. In his experience of more than 25 years, he has led global and complex enterprise transformation programs creating value for organizations through simplification, standardization, AI-enabled innovation and automation with SAP. He leads the US SAP Supply Chain market offering for the firm driving external relationships, internal talent enablement, and asset development for the supply chain domain. His end-to-end transformation expertise includes advising companies on implementing best business strategies to maximize revenue, minimize cost and improve margins. 

⁠ 

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.

=====

Show Links:

Deloitte: https://www.deloitte.com

Supply Chain Management: 

⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Follow Us on Social Media  

Richard Howells: LinkedIn, 

SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn  

Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

=====

Chapters: 

00:00:00: Intro

00:01:25: Guest introduction

00:02:19: Key 2026 challenges: visibility, disruptions, talent

00:04:19:   What makes it difficult to react quickly and efficiently to disruptions?

00:09:06: Real impact of  internal silos and disconnected systems

00:10:33: What leaders need: orchestration, risk mindset, and decision frameworks

00:12:56: Using data and AI to automate and orchestrate end-to-end


00:16:36: Collaborating beyond the four walls and multi-tier visibility

00:18:52:  Best practices & Quick wins: more agile and orchestrated supply chain

00:22:00: How SAP and Deloitte partner on orchestration

00:24:32 What's the future of the supply chain?

00:25:38: Outro

This week, we welcomed SAP’s Hagen Heubach to discuss the EV battery supply chain, covering risks, production strategies, data, AI, and recycling. We also explored why software is increasingly becoming a crucial differentiator for automakers

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠

=====

In this episode, we were joined by SAP’s Hagen Heubach to dive into the full lifecycle of EV batteries, from raw material sourcing and plant strategy to quality, second-life use, and recycling. We discussed data, digital twins, industry collaboration, and AI, and examined how in-car software and autonomous driving are reshaping competitive advantage in automotive supply chains.

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Guest 1: Hagen Heubach, Chief Marketing Officer for Supply Chain Management, SAP   

Hagen Heubach joined SAP in 2007 and has held numerous leadership positions. Prior to his current role, he was leading Discrete Industries at SAP, holding the end-to-end business and solution responsibility for Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing, Hight Tech and Aerospace and Defense. He was living for multiple years in Japan and was driving SAP business expansion for Asia Pacific.

Together with his team, he spearheads product marketing, strategic customer engagements, demand generation, thought leadership, and the commercialization of SAP's supply chain portfolio.

⁠ 

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 1: 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  

Hagen Heubach: LinkedIn

Richard Howells: LinkedIn

Oyku Ilgar: LinkedIn      

SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠  

Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes! 

=====

Chapters: 

00:00:00: Intro

00:01:02: Guest introduction

00:01:18: Challenges of EV battery supply chains

00:04:58:  How are manufacturers balancing all of these challenges?

00:10:15: Vertical integration vs outsourcing in battery value chains

00:14:02: Zero-life reliability concept explained

00:16:32: Second-life applications for used EV batteries

00:17:21: Data, digital twins and supply chain orchestration

00:21:22: Sustainability, battery passports and dismantling factories

00:24:27: Future technologies, 1,000 km range and AI in battery lifecycle

00:27:16: What's the future of the supply chain?

00:28:18: Outro

In this week's episode, we explore why the future of manufacturing is in the cloud, how hybrid architectures, AI, and edge are transforming plants, and what leaders must do on security, data, and people to succeed.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠

=====

This week, alongside IBM’s Shaun Mitra, we explore why modern manufacturing should be in the cloud. We discuss how hybrid cloud and edge architectures facilitate real-time, data-driven plants, and the roles of AI, digital twins, and Industry 4.0. Additionally, Shaun shares insights on cybersecurity, data governance, workforce upskilling, and practical steps for manufacturers to start their cloud journey.

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Guest 1: Shaun Mitra, Partner, Manufacturing & Enterprise Asset Management, IBM

Shaun Mitra is a Partner at IBM, responsible for Manufacturing and Supply Chain Transformation. With over 25 years of experience, Shaun has led large-scale global ERP and digital manufacturing transformations for complex industrial organizations. He specializes in SAP S/4HANA RISE, Digital Manufacturing, PLM systems and Industry 4.0, enabling clients to modernize operations, optimize assets, and scale globally.

Shaun has successfully delivered multi-region transformation programs for global enterprises including Shell, Air Products and Chemicals, INEOS, Saint-Gobain, and Valmont Industries, driving measurable improvements in operational efficiency, supply chain performance, and asset reliability

⁠ 

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.

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Show Links:

IBM: https://www.ibm.com/us-en

Shaun Mitra: LinkedIn

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! 

=====

Chapters: 

00:00:00: Intro

00:00:57: Guest introduction

00:01:35: Why manufacturers resisted the cloud and what changed

00:04:02: Cloud platforms across design, production, and maintenance

00:07:27: Embedding AI, digital twins, Industry 4.0

00:09:57: Cybersecurity and data governance in the cloud

00:11:36: People, upskilling, and change management

00:14:49: Five practical steps to start a cloud journey

00:16:58: Factory of the future: mostly autonomous and data-driven

00:18:12: How the SAP–IBM partnership supports cloud manufacturing

00:19:14: What's the future of the supply chain?

00:19:58: Outro

In this week’s episode Richard and SAP’s Dominik Metzger explore how Agentic AI, simulations and data fabrics redefine supply chain orchestration, turning disruption into advantage and reshaping roles, networks and operating models for 2026 and beyond

Download the ⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠

=====

This week we, together with SAP’s Dominik Metzger, dive into the role of AI and orchestration in the supply chain of 2026 and beyond. Dominik explains how Agentic AI, persona based assistants and simulations help sense risk, model scenarios and execute responses across functions. The conversation covers data strategy, business data fabrics, end tier visibility, quantum computing and Agentic AI.

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Guest 1: Dominik Metzger, President & Chief Product Officer, Supply Chain Management, SAP

 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 Network 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. 

⁠ 

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.

=====

Show Links:

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! 

=====

Chapters: 

00:00:00: Intro

00:01:21: Guests' Introductions

00:01:43: Entering 2026: Top Priorities for Supply Chain Leaders

00:05:06: End‑Tier Visibility, Risk Sensing, and Impact Analysis

00:11:01: Agentic Workflows: Multiple AI Assistants Collaborating

00:17:10: Data Foundations: Ownership, Quality, and Business Context

00:22:43: 2026 and Beyond: Agentic AI, Quantum Computing, and Physical AI

00:26:53: What is the Future of Supply Chain?

In this week’s episode Richard, Darcy MacClaren and Prathiba David explore sustainability by design, showing how AI, data and finance converge to cut Scope 3 emissions, boost resilience and turn green supply chains into core business strategy

Download the ⁠⁠episode transcript⁠

=====

This week we, together with supply chain leaders Darcy MacClaren and Prathiba David, unpack sustainability by design and why now is the moment to act. They explain how AI, digital twins and unified data models tackle Scope 3, break down silos and link carbon, cost and capital. Real‑world examples from consumer brands, retailers, manufacturers and technology providers show how sustainable supply chains become more resilient, efficient and financially attractive.

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Guest 1: Darcy MacClaren, Board Director and Senior Advisor

⁠ Darcy MacClaren is a board director and senior advisor with more than 30 years of global experience advancing supply chain technology and sustainability. A former supply chain revenue executive at SAP, she works at the intersection of AI, sustainable logistics, and enterprise transformation. Darcy serves on the board of 1LogTech, an iPaaS platform modernizing transportation integration, and advises PE/VC-backed SaaS companies on scaling and go-to-market strategy.

Guest 2: Prathiba David, Technology Executive

Prathiba David is a technology executive, multiple times Chief Operating Officer and thought leader at the intersection of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and supply chain transformation. She has led go-to-market and operational strategy across high-growth startups and global enterprises. Her career spans roles at Morgan Stanley, EY, and Dropbox, where she built deep expertise in supplier risk management, cybersecurity, and digital operations. Currently, she works with Fortune 500s on advancing sustainability through data-driven insights and emerging technologies.

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.

=====

Show Links:

Connect with Darcy on LinkedIn

Connect with Prathiba on LinkedIn

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! 

=====

Chapters: 

00:00:00: Intro

00:00:56: Guests' Introductions

00:02:37: What is “sustainability by design”?

00:05:53: Why now for sustainable supply chains?

00:09:29: Scope 3 and regulatory pressure

00:10:21: How AI transforms supply chains

00:15:23: Tackling Scope 3 data challenges

00:18:30: Measuring success beyond CO₂

00:23:37: Breaking silos and cultural barriers

00:26:23: What is the Future of Supply Chain?

00:38:03: Outro

We kick off 2026 with Bloodhound CEO Curtis Spencer on how covert, always‑on tracking combats cargo theft, boosts asset utilization, and uses AI, sensors, and mesh connectivity to secure global freight end‑to‑end

Download the ⁠episode transcript⁠

=====

This week we, together with Bloodhound CEO Curtis Spencer, unpack the freight security crisis and how covert, always‑on tracking is changing the game.

From multi‑network connectivity and AI “patterns of life” analytics to cold‑chain monitoring, asset utilization, and new CO₂ and fentanyl‑sniffing capabilities, we explore how data‑driven visibility can fight theft, tampering, and trafficking across global supply chains.

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Guest: Curtis D. Spencer, CEO, IMS Worldwide, Inc. & Bloodhound Tracking Device Inc.

Curtis Spencer is the CEO of IMS Worldwide, Inc. (IMSW) and Bloodhound Tracking Device, Inc., (BTD) headquartered in Houston, Texas.  Mr. Spencer is a nationally regarded expert on matters related to:

• Logistics and Intermodal Shipping Trends, Ports, Inland Ports and Rail-Served Logistics Centers and how they Impact Industrial Real Estate.
• Development and Utilization of Foreign-Trade Zones for Importers and Exporters
• Impact of E-Commerce on Logistics and Supply Chains and Industrial Real Estate

After spending 22 years searching for a tracking and security solution, in 2021 Mr. Spencer launched BTD with a pair of NASA engineers and Mr. Steve Schellenberg, another IMSW alumni.  BTD is now the leading track, trace and security device for containers, trailers and chassis.  

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.

=====

Show Links:

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!

=====

Chapters:

00:00:00: Intro

00:02:31: Impact of rising cargo theft on global supply chains

00:03:52: How digitization and data quality reshape freight security

00:05:31: Why real‑time visibility across the whole supply chain matters

00:10:10: Role of AI, sensors, and “patterns of life” in detecting anomalies

00:11:51: Using data for fleet optimization, utilization, and dead‑mile reduction

00:16:56: What's the next wave of freight security

00:18:34: The Future of Supply Chain

00:19:42: Outro