The Future of Supply Chain

This week, we explore how AI, trusted data, and planning agents are redefining supply chain planning, helping planners shift from reactive firefighting to proactive, autonomous, decision-centric planning.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠

=====
 
In this episode, SAP’s Lori Harner explains why now is the moment to reimagine supply chain planning with AI, as volatility, sustainability, and talent pressures rise. Together, we discuss the “planner of the future,” real-life customer use cases with agents, how SAP helps organizations move beyond spreadsheets, and how governance, data quality, and six core planning pillars enable the journey from efficiency to resilient, autonomous planning.
 
=====
 
Guest: Lori Harner, Vice President and Global Head of Product Marketing for Supply Chain Planning, 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: 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:
SAP POV:  Reinventing Planning for a New Era of Supply Chain
AI-Infused Supply Chain Planning: IDC Info Brief & Infographic
Webinar: Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: Register,or view a previous webinar video & transcript
 
Supply Chain Management: 
⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠ 
⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠  

Follow Us on Social Media : 
Lori Harner: 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
00:00:56: Guest’s Introductions
00:01:36: Why transform planning now?
00:03:36: How AI addresses industry‑specific challenges across different industries
00:05:12: Day in the life of the planner of the future
00:08:40: Real‑world early adopters
00:11:09: How SAP helps bridge the adoption gap and help with a true business planning culture
00:14:28: Data, trust, and governance
00:17:02: Common pitfalls in planning transformations
00:19:20: What is the Future of Supply Chain?
00:21:44: Outro

In this episode, we are joined by Maria Clara Sayeg from the World Economic Forum to discuss the transformative impact of AI and data on modern supply chains and how its role creates a responsive and transparent supply chain.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠

=====
 
In this episode, we are joined by Maria Clara Sayeg from the World Economic Forum to discuss the transformative impact of AI and data on modern supply chains and how its role creates a responsive and transparent supply chain. We will discuss the importance of real-time data and the need for cross-industry collaboration. The episode also addresses future trends in manufacturing, focusing on autonomous systems, circular resource flows, and augmented workforce capabilities.
 
=====
 
Guest: Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro 

Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro is an industrial AI strategist and product builder who's spent the last decade at the intersection of management consulting and technology, first at DuPont Sustainable Solutions, where she led engagements across industrial clients and built a global SaaS portfolio, and now at the World Economic Forum, where she leads AI and Data Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains.
 
With a background spanning four languages, an Executive MBA from EPFL, and deployments across 190+ industrial sites globally, Maria brings a rare mix of strategic perspective and hands-on product instinct to every conversation. She's passionate about making industrial AI real, not just a slide deck, but a working system that drives measurable outcomes in sustainability, resilience, and operational performance.

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 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.

=====
 
Show Links:
SAP Digital Supply Chain: www.sap.com/scm

World Economic Forum (WEF):
https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/factories-that-think/
https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-advanced-manufacturing-and-supply-chains/lumina
https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Value_Chains_Outlook_2026.pdf
https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Lighthouse_Network_2026.pdf

Follow Us on Social Media : 
Maria Clara Sayeg Ribeiro: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaclarasayeg/
 
Richard Howells:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells
 
Sin To: 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sin-to-5334208
 
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 Introduction to Future Supply Chains
00:00:43 Meet the Guest Maria Clara Sayeg
00:02:18 AI and Data in Modern Supply Chains
00:04:08 Real-World AI Implementations
00:10:03 Transparency and Sustainability
00:12:41 Data Integration Challenges
00:16:04 Cross-Industry Collaboration
00:20:20 Future Trends in Manufacturing
00:24:12 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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.
 
=====
 
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!

=====
 
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.

=====
 
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
 
=====
 
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.

=====
 
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