This week we, together with SAP’s Gordon Donovan, delve into strategic procurement in an era of polycrisis. We unpack the Economist Impact Report findings, discuss top risks from geopolitics to AI, the need for agility, and how procurement leaders are adapting their strategies for resilience and value.

Gordon Donovan is a seasoned procurement professional with over 30 years of experience in leading transformations and establishing functions that deliver enterprise-wide value. He holds a graduate diploma (1996) and a master’s degree in strategic procurement and is a Fellow of CIPS.

Recognized as a thought leader within procurement, Gordon is a sought-after speaker, writer, and presenter. He has led procurement teams across various sectors including Health, Rail, Finance, and the public sector in the UK, as well as across Asia.

In his role at SAP as Vice President of Research for Procurement and External Workforce, Gordon is responsible for tracking the latest trends in procurement, conducting in-depth research, and forming insights that help SAP plan their strategy accordingly.

Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.

Richard’s LinkedIn & Twitter

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.

Oyku’s SAP Community & LinkedIn

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The resilient edge: procurement in an era of polycrisis (The Economist Impact report): https://www.sap.com/documents/2025/05/6e17a518-067f-0010-bca6-c68f7e60039b.urc.html

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The post Episode 119: Strategic Procurement in an Era of Risk with SAP’s Gordon Donovan first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

This week we, together with SAP’s Aladdin Mandishah, dive into the future of digital traceability in supply chains. We discuss the technologies behind traceability, its role in building trust and meeting ESG goals, real-world pharma examples, challenges in adoption, and how SAP’s solutions and AI are shaping resilient, transparent, and sustainable supply chains. Come join us we discuss the future of supply chain.

As a Global Director of Industry Advisory at SAP, Aladdin brings 15 years of experience in strategy and transformation across diverse industries. In his role, he advises executives on how to leverage SAP solutions and the SAP Business Suite to drive innovation, efficiency, and compliance.

Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.

Richard’s LinkedIn & Twitter

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.

Oyku’s SAP Community & LinkedIn

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Solutions for serialization from SAP for the pharmaceutical sector: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/28701eae-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html

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The post Episode 118: From Barcode to Backbone: The Future of Digital Traceability with SAP’s Aladdin Mandishah first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

This week, we are joined by Simon Ellis from IDC to explore the complexities and challenges that modern supply chains face. We discuss the limitations of legacy systems and the balance between resiliency and efficiency. Join us to learn about the importance of speed, data quality, and AI-enabled integrated platforms, and discover why these factors represent the future of supply chains.

As a program vice president, Simon Ellis is responsible for providing research, analysis, and guidance on key business and IT issues for manufacturers. He currently leads the supply chain strategies practices at IDC Manufacturing Insights, an IDC industry research company that addresses the current market gap by providing fact-based research and analysis on best practices and the use of IT to assist clients in improving their capabilities in critical process areas. Within the supply chain practice, Simon is directly responsible for research in the supply chain planning strategies practice while also managing the supply chain execution strategies practice. These supply chain practices specialize in advising clients on supply chain network design, sales and operations planning, global sourcing (profitable proximity and low-cost sourcing), transportation, logistics, and more.  He also supports IDC Retail Insights IT strategies practices. 

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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IDC InfoBrief: The Importance of AI in Supply Chain and Operations 

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The post Episode 117: The role of AI in Supply Chain with IDC’s Simon Ellis first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

This episode explores how Business Networks are fundamentally transforming supply chain collaboration. By connecting companies and their diverse trading partners on a unified platform, these networks automate transactions, enable real-time visibility, and replace outdated, fragmented processes. The conversation highlights how organizations leveraging Business Networks are achieving measurable results: launching products 30% faster, reducing partner onboarding time by up to 70%, and cutting invoice processing time by 59%. These gains translate into significant cost savings, greater agility, and improved compliance. Ultimately, Business Networks are breaking down silos and empowering both buyers and suppliers to thrive in today’s complex, rapidly changing global landscape – making them an essential driver of resilience and innovation in modern supply chains.

With over 30 years of experience across both Finance and IT, Tony has spent the last 20 years focused on the Procurement solutions sector and is currently responsible for product marketing for SAP Business Network.

In this role, he leads product marketing teams that form a bridge between SAP products and SAP customers, creating compelling product pricing, packaging and messaging. The team also captures market trends, customer challenges, and insights from the SAP field teams to create an outside-in view of the market that helps to drive innovation within SAP Business Network. Tony is based in London, UK.

Tony’s LinkedIn

Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.

Richard’s LinkedIn & Twitter

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.

Oyku’s SAP Community & LinkedIn

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The post Episode 116: Transformative Power of Business Networks with SAP’s Tony Harris first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

This week we discuss the evolving future of supply chains with Loftware’s Jim Bureau. Topics include the rise of cloud platforms, the critical role of data and AI, supply chain collaboration challenges, combating counterfeiting with digital product passports, and ensuring sustainability and ethical compliance. Learn how digital twins and real-time networks are revolutionizing supply chain visibility and trust. Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain

Jim is responsible for the overall vision, strategy, and leadership at Loftware. He oversees market development, software development, strategic partnerships, and company funding. 

Prior to joining Loftware, Jim served as CEO at JAGGAER in Morrisville, NC, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. Additionally, Jim served as the Senior Vice President of North America at Verint Systems/KANA Software in Alpharetta, GA. Prior to that he served as Vice President of Sales for Pegasystems and, also held leadership roles at Shared Health, Oracle, and 3M.

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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2025 Top Trends in Labeling & Packaging Artwork

The Compliance Triangle

Integrate your labeling with any SAP landscape

Global Supply Chain Product Identification Leader Offers Solution to Enhance Product Data Management and Improve Customer Engagement

Loftware Unveils New SAP Labeling Integrations for Accuracy, Compliance, and Cost Savings

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The post Episode 115: Supply Chain Orchestration and Sustainability with Loftware President & CEO, Jim Bureau first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

This week we discuss telecom industry trends with SAP’s Sandeep Chowdhury, covering 5G adoption, AI-powered network optimization, the promise of 6G, and sustainability challenges. Learn how telecom supply chains are evolving with digital transformation, circular economy practices, and integrated ecosystems to meet future connectivity and environmental demands.

Come join us as we discuss the future of Supply Chain!

Sandeep is a Senior Director in the SAP Telecommunications Business Unit . He has previously worked in Schlumberger, Ericsson, and IBM before joining SAP. He is an industry expert in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Product Management & Strategy. He has been active in several Telecommunications industry forums and has been writing in industry journals and publications. Sandeep is based out of Frankfurt, 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.

Richard’s LinkedIn & Twitter

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.

Oyku’s SAP Community & LinkedIn

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The post Episode 114: How Telecom trends are fueling the industrial economy with SAP’s Sandeep Chowdhury first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

This week we discuss the Supply Chain Logistics Maturity Model with experts Adrian Gonzalez and Doug DeLuca. They break down the four maturity levels helping supply chain leaders understand where they stand and how to advance. Plus, insights on future trends like AI and robotics that will transform logistics management in the years ahead. Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain

Adrian Gonzalez is a trusted advisor and leading industry analyst with more than 26 years of supply chain research experience. He is the president of Adelante SCM, which includes Talking Logistics, an online video talk show and blog, and Indago, a research community of supply chain and logistics practitioners. Adrian is also a LinkedIn Influencer with more than 249,000 followers.

Doug leads marketing for SAP’s supply chain logistics collaboration and visibility solutions, working with customers and partners to bring efficiency and resilience to supply chains in all industries – using a global logistics network to get the right product, to the right place, at the right time, at the right cost. 

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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Adelante SCM:

https://adelantescm.com/

Report:

Supply Chain Logistics Maturity Model Report

Insights to Action eBook:

Chart your path to logistics excellence

July 9th, Webinar:

Next-Level Logistics: How Borouge Elevates Customer Service Through Supply Chain Visibility

Supply Chain Management:

SAP Supply Chain Management

SAP Insights: Supply Chain

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The post Episode 113: The Supply Chain Logistics Maturity Model with Adrian Gonzalez and Doug DeLuca first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

This episode delves into the dynamic future of retail, spotlighting the pivotal role of AI in reshaping supply chains and customer interactions by 2025. 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.

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.

Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.

Richard’s LinkedIn & Twitter

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.

Oyku’s SAP Community & LinkedIn

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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

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The post Episode 112: Smarter, Greener, Faster: AI-Driven Supply Chain Trends in Retail for 2025 with SAP’s Amanda Spencer first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

GreenTech in der Lieferkette – Nachhaltig, Digital: Wettbewerbsfähig

in dieser 2. Folge sprechen wir darüber, wie Unternehmen ihre Lieferketten nicht nur grüner, sondern auch smarter machen können. Mit am Start: Technologien wie GreenToken und GreenLedger, die für echte Transparenz sorgen. Außerdem klären wir, was es mit dem Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz und der CSRD auf sich hat – und warum das Ganze mehr Chance als Pflicht ist.

Spoiler: Wer jetzt digital und nachhaltig denkt, hat die Nase vorn.

Katja Keller ist als Market Unit Lead Deutschland für Nachhaltigkeitslösungen bei SAP umtriebig, und insgesamt hat sie 23 Jahre SAP Erfahrung in verschiedenen Rollen gesammelt. Sie hat ein Diplom als Wirtschaftsingenieur mit Nebenfach Maschinenbau und hat im Studium schon erste Erfahrungen zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit im Vertiefungsschwerpunkt Recycling und Entfertigung gesammelt. Seit ihr ehemaliger Chef sie 2016 mit den Nachhaltigkeitszielen der UN vertraut machte, um einen Vortrag darüber im Teammeeting zu halten, ist sie nun auch SAP- seitig mit dem Thema unterwegs.

Mathias Kaldenhoff ist ein Experte für digitale Transformation mit Schwerpunkt auf Nachhaltigkeit. Er arbeitet bei SAP und ist bekannt für seine Beiträge in Bereichen wie Big Data, Echtzeit-Plattformen, Predictive Analytics und künstliche Intelligenz. Neben seiner Tätigkeit bei SAP war er an verschiedenen Forschungs- und Innovationsprojekten beteiligt, unter anderem im Zusammenhang mit der Kreislaufwirtschaft und klimafreundlichen Lösungen. Er ist auch Mitglied in Expertenbeiräten, wie etwa der Deutschen Energie-Agentur (dena), und beteiligt sich an internationalen Allianzen für Standards zur Kreislaufwirtschaft.

M. Kaldenhoff hat einen akademischen Hintergrund in Geschichte, Germanistik und Wirtschaftsinformatik. Er ist ein Verfechter von Nachhaltigkeit und technologischer Integration, wie etwa durch die Digitalisierung von Lieferketten oder die Einführung von Geschäftsmodellen wie „Asset-as-a-Service“. Außerdem engagiert er sich in Themen wie ESG-Reporting und gesetzlichen Vorgaben wie dem Lieferkettengesetz (LkSG), um Unternehmen nachhaltiger auszurichten.

Sin To bringt über 15 Jahre Erfahrung in der digitalen Medienbranche und im Technologiesektor mit, insbesondere in den Bereichen Marketing, Business Development, Thought Leadership und als Redakteurin. Im Thought Leadership & Awareness Supply Chain Team bei SAP treibt sie die Positionierung von SAPs Supply-Chain-Lösungen voran, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf Zukunftstrends und nachhaltige Innovationen.

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

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The post DE EP 07: GreenTech in der Lieferkette – Nachhaltig, Digital: Wettbewerbsfähig (Teil 2) first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.

This week we discuss how to orchestrate supply chains in volatile markets with SAP’s Jeb Insley. He shares insights on navigating disruptions from pandemics to geopolitical risks, the rise of supply chain leadership, balancing cost and resilience, and the critical role of connected digital systems and AI-driven orchestration in enabling agile, end-to-end supply chain networks. Come join us as we discuss the future of Supply Chain!

As Chief Revenue Officer for Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the Americas, Jeb Insley leads a multi-faceted organization responsible for the end-to-end customer journey in the SCM solution area. He defines and executes the Americas Regional customer success plan, focusing on revenue growth, net new business, and expansion opportunities. With more than 20 years of experience in the supply chain industry, Jeb has a proven track record of helping companies establish themselves as innovative, game-changing businesses.

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 111: How to Orchestrate your Supply Chain in a Volatile Market with SAP’s Jeb Insley first appeared on The Future of Supply Chain.