The Future of ERP

Episode 100: The End of ERP as We Know It?

How will AI change ERP? SAP's Eric Annino and Matt Emmert join Darwin Deano from Stanza and Joe Boden from McKinsey & Company to explore headless ERP, faster transformations, data readiness, the build-versus-buy decision, and why the ERP of the future may become invisible to users while remaining indispensable to the enterprise. ===== What happens to ERP when AI can reason across data, automate workflows, and act on behalf of users? Not the end of ERP, but a leaner, smarter core that provides the trusted data, rules, and context AI needs to scale. In this episode, SAP hosts Eric Annino and Matt Emmert speak with Darwin Deano from Stanza and Joe Boden from McKinsey & Company about five ways AI is reshaping ERP. They discuss why modernization still matters, how AI can accelerate transformation, and why vendors may play a bigger role in delivering embedded AI. The discussion also explores why organizations get stuck in pilot mode, why business context matters as much as data quality, and why AI initiatives should be treated as business transformations, not IT experiments. Darwin and Joe share a framework for identifying high-value agent use cases and offer guidance for mid-sized organizations planning their next 12 months. In this episode, you’ll learn · The five ways AI may disrupt ERP architecture, modernization, delivery, vendor ecosystems, and value creation · Why faster and cheaper transformation is likely to arrive before truly headless ERP · Why legacy data, outdated processes, and missing business context limit AI value · Five criteria for deciding whether a business problem is agent-worthy · How mid-sized companies can modernize the core without recreating unnecessary ERP complexity · Why ERP may become less visible to users while becoming more important to enterprise decision-making Subscribe to The Future of ERP Podcast: · Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Amazin Music · Goodpods · Pocketcasts Connect With US · LinkedIn Useful Links: ⁠SAP GROW⁠ ⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠ Feedback or podcast ideas? Write us an email at ⁠CloudERP_ProductMarketing@sap.com⁠ ===== Guest 1: Darwin Deano Darwin Deano is President and Co-Founder of Stanza and a formed Distinguished Partner at McKinsey & Company with more than 30 years of experience across the ERP ecosystem. He leads technology-driven transformations and led McKinsey & Company’s North America SAP practice as part of the firm's Global SAP Alliance leadership. Earlier in his career, he served as Deloitte Consulting's Global SAP Leader and Enterprise Performance chief technology officer. Guest 2: Joe Boden Joe Boden is a partner at McKinsey & Company who focuses on using technology and AI to reshape business economics and deliver measurable impact. He co-leads McKinsey & Company's work applying technology and AI across the consumer industry and advises organizations on core technology modernization, enterprise AI, product-centric operating models, and large-scale ERP transformation. Host 1: Eric Annino, Product Marketing, SAP With more than a decade of SAP experience in marketing and communications, Eric specializes in translating complex topics (such as ERP) into clear, compelling insights, helping audiences understand the relevance in today’s business landscape. Host 2: Matt Emmert, Product Marketing, SAP Matt leads the go-to-market content strategy for Cloud ERP in SAP Product Marketing. He is passionate about connecting SAP’s vision to the rubber-meets-the road value that customers can realize today. He has been central to SAP’s public cloud ERP go-to-market activities since 2016 with over 10 years of customer-facing solution advisory experience and a deep understanding of SAP’s applications. In his time at SAP, Matt has helped drive the rapid adoption of SAP Cloud ERP and has worked with hundreds of SAP customers to discover and realize the value of the SAP solution portfolio.

Episode 99: How AI will Change ERP - What's Now, Near, and Next

AI is not replacing ERP. It’s making it more intelligent. SAP’s Effie Calandra and Eric Annino join Ramesh J. Chougule of Infosys to explore how AI will change cloud ERP, what businesses should prioritize now, near term, and into the future, and why data, governance, and trusted business processes are critical to realizing AI’s value. ===== Will artificial intelligence replace traditional ERP systems, or make them more important than ever? In this episode of The Future of ERP, SAP hosts Effie Calandra and Eric Annino speak with Ramesh J. Chougule, Vice President and Head of SAP Practice for the Americas at Infosys, about how AI is changing cloud ERP and what businesses should prioritize now, in the near term, and into the future. Ramesh explains why ERP will remain the operational backbone of the enterprise, providing the trusted business processes, data, and context that AI needs to deliver meaningful results. He also introduces the concept of a strategic core, where AI can help organizations improve innovation, customer insights, long-term planning, and decision-making. The conversation explores practical applications of AI in finance, procurement, human resources, supply chain, and warehouse operations. Ramesh also shares how companies can prepare their data, establish AI governance, identify high-value use cases, and move beyond isolated pilots toward more intelligent and autonomous business processes. The episode concludes with guidance on one of the biggest AI decisions facing business leaders today: when to use embedded AI capabilities within an ERP platform and when a custom AI solution may be worth the investment. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How ERP provides the data, context, and process integrity AI needs • The difference between an operational core and a strategic core • What organizations should prioritize during the now, near, and next stages of AI adoption • Why data readiness and AI governance are essential for scaling AI • Where companies are already using AI across finance, HR, procurement, and supply chain • How to avoid AI pilot purgatory and connect use cases to measurable business value • How to approach the decision between embedded and custom AI solutions • Why the future of ERP is an increasingly intelligent and responsive operational backbone Useful Links: SAP GROW ⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Future of ERP Podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazin Music Goodpods Pocketcasts Connect With the US: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Feedback or podcast ideas? Write us an email at CloudERP_ProductMarketing@sap.com ===== Guest 1: Ramesh J. Chougule, Vice President and Head of SAP Practice for the Americas, Infosys. Ramesh is a strategic sales, go-to-market, and marketing executive with more than 25 years of experience supporting large-scale SAP implementations and enterprise business transformation. He has led digital transformation portfolios, shaped ERP strategies, and advised C-suite leaders on complex technology and business decisions. Host 1: Effie Calandra, Director of Product Marketing, SAP Effie Calandra is Director of Product Marketing at SAP, focused on cloud ERP. In this role, she helps drive go-to-market strategy and shape the experiences that bring that strategy to life. With 13 years of experience, a background in journalism, and an MBA from the University of Virginia, Effie brings a distinctive perspective on customer experience, business drivers, and transformation. Outside of work, she is a novice sailor. Host 2: Eric Annino, Product Marketing, SAP With more than a decade of SAP experience in marketing and communications, Eric specializes in translating complex topics (such as ERP) into clear, compelling insights, helping audiences understand the relevance in today’s business landscape.

Episode 98: Rethinking ERP Security in a 24/7 AI Driven World

Your ERP system never sleeps. Neither does the AI that is trying to break into it. Jan Stoelting and Florian Kohler from KPMG get real about what that means, and why the old security playbook is no longer enough. ===== The episode tackles one of the most urgent questions in enterprise technology: what happens to ERP security when AI empowers both attackers and defenders at the same time? Jan Stoelting and Florian Kohler from KPMG Germany bring over 15 years of cybersecurity experience each to a conversation that goes well beyond standard advice. The core tension is stark: AI has not just raised the bar in cybersecurity, it has lowered the barrier to entry for anyone looking to cause damage. Attackers now operate at machine speed, scanning for vulnerabilities, generating exploits, and breaching defenses faster than any human team can keep up with. ERP systems are named as the crown jewels of any organization, and when they go down, the impact stretches from factory floors to national supply chains. A striking real world case drives the point home: a deepfake video call that convinced an employee to approve 25 million dollars in fraudulent transfers. Jan and Florian introduce the concept of agentic zero trust, extending traditional identity principles to cover AI agents that now act, decide, and orchestrate autonomously inside enterprise systems. Most companies fall short not because they lack technology but because they underestimate governance, visibility, and the need to build security by design from the very start. The shift to the autonomous enterprise makes identity the new control plane, where the critical question is no longer who accessed the system but which agent did what, when, and why. Useful Links: SAP Cloud ERP https://kpmg.com/ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest 1: Florian Kohlar, Partner, Cyber Security and Resilience at KPMG Germany Florian is a Partner in KPMG Germany, specializing in cyber security and identity and access management. He advises large international organizations on securing digital identities, modernizing access management, and navigating complex transformation programs. His current focus is on the intersection of AI, digital trust, and enterprise security, helping organizations prepare for the next generation of human and machine identities. Guest 2: Jan Stoelting, Partner at KPMG Germany Jan Stoelting is a partner at KPMG Germany and is recognized as a leading specialist in the strategic and operational design of information security. His work focuses on security governance, security operations and SAP security, areas in which he has been successfully responsible for projects in various industries for many years. In his role as Global Lead for SAP Security, he drives the global development of the KPMG service portfolio and supports international companies in securing business-critical SAP landscapes. He is also an author of specialist articles and publications and regularly appears as a speaker at renowned industry events. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 97: If AI is powerful, where is the profit?

Everyone is talking about AI adoption. But there is one question that boardrooms are quietly avoiding: where is the profit? This episode goes straight at it, and the answer will make you rethink every AI pilot you have ever run. ===== The episode opens with a question that should make any CFO uncomfortable: if AI is this powerful, where exactly is the profit? Roman Krohman, SAP Go-To-Market practice leader at HCLTech, brings over 25 years of enterprise transformation experience and a refreshingly honest take on where the industry is getting it wrong. The numbers are sobering: 88% of companies use AI regularly, yet fewer than 40% can point to any real impact on the P&L. Roman introduces a critical distinction between being human in the loop versus human on the loop, a small preposition shift that signals an entirely different operating model. The pilot to production gap is named for what it really is: a leadership problem, not a technology problem, with most pilots designed as procurement exercises dressed up as innovation. Roman and Oyku unpack the BCG 10/20/70 rule, where 70% of AI value comes from people and process, yet most organizations pour all their energy into the 10% that is the algorithm. A new definition of finance value is proposed, moving beyond cost efficiency toward speed, accuracy, working capital, and resilience as the metrics that actually matter. The Finance Mission Control concept emerges as a practical way to link AI-enabled workflows directly to P&L impact and make value visible before any narrative solidifies. Roman argues that AI agents should be treated exactly like employees: onboarded with defined scope, given guardrails, supervised closely, and retired without hesitation if they underperform. The episode closes with a striking vision of ERP becoming invisible but more critical than ever, no longer a system of record but a system of action. Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest 1: Roman Khromin 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 96: Will ERP Die in the Age of AI?

AI is changing everything; so why does ERP keep coming up as the thing that makes it all work? This episode gets real about what actually happens when you put AI on top of your core business systems. ===== ERP is not dying and if anything, AI is making it more important than ever. Benjamin Krischer from cbs answers that question without hesitation and builds a compelling case from there. The episode unpacks why ERP remains the foundational data layer that every AI decision ultimately depends on. A new architectural reality is emerging where data, front-end, and AI are separating into distinct layers, reshaping how enterprise systems are built. The autonomous enterprise is closer than people think, but Benjamin is clear that humans must stay in the loop because someone still has to sign off the year-end results. Data quality is the make-or-break factor since bad data fed into AI does not produce bad outputs, it produces confidently wrong ones. Structured ERP data and messy external sources need to be governed, semantically aligned, and treated as real business assets. Greenfield implementations offer a clean AI-ready start, but Benjamin notes that most companies are navigating selective data transitions from existing landscapes. Transformation is not a project with an end date. It is a continuous journey, and as Benjamin puts it, it never truly ends. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: SAP Cloud ERP Explore cbs System Landscape Transformation Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest 1: Benjamin Krischer, Global Head of System Landscape & Transformation and Member of the Executive Board at CBS Benjamin Krischer is Global Head of System Landscape Transformation (SLT) at cbs and a member of the Executive Board. With more than 20 years of experience inSAP and business transformation, he has dedicated his career to helping organizations align data, processes, and technology. After starting his professional journey with database development and SAP data migration projects, he went on to lead complex transformation initiatives across industries. Today, he heads the global Landscape Transformation practice of cbs, supporting customers worldwide in SAP S/4HANA transformations, data migration, and system landscape optimization through a unique combination of process and data expertise. Benjamin’s LinkedIn 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 95: Breaking the Monolith Without Breaking the Business with Atos

Thinking about moving from a single, tightly coupled ERP to a modular, composable setupwithout slowing the business? Explore how a shift to a “system of intelligence,” with AI orchestrating processes across applications, unlocks agility and resilience. ===== This episode explores how enterprises can evolve from monolithic ERP to a composable, modular landscape without disrupting operations. It explains the shift from a system of record to a system of intelligence, with AI as the connective tissue across processes and applications. It also highlights governance must haves, central guardrails with federated innovation, governed extensions, reversible AI actions, cost governance, and consistent global templates. Finally, it covers change practices that stick, from reframing “one system” to “one platform” to building champion networks and sustaining adoption after go live. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠https://atos.net https://atos.net/en/services/smart-platforms/sap-services https://atos.net/en/blog/fast-tracking-ecc-to-sap-s-4hana Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest 1: Andy Brown, Global CTO at Atos Andy is the Global CTO for the SAP Business within Atos. He’s been in the SAP ecosystem for over 30 years, always in a technical role. He believes the impact of AI on SAP will be the most significant since the launch of R/3 and the client-server architecture of the 90’s. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

Episode 94: The Talent Equation: New Skills for the ERP Era of AI and Automation

Is AI eliminating jobs or creating better ones? Join us as we unpack how ERP roles, leadership, and skills are being redefined, and what it truly takes to thrive in the era of the autonomous enterprise. ===== AI and automation are fundamentally changing what ERP expertise looks like, from entry-level roles to senior leadership. Trijoy Saikia from HCLTech shares how organizations are rethinking talent models, upskilling strategies, and management structures to keep pace. The conversation covers real-world human-AI collaboration, the barriers slowing AI adoption from pilot to production, and what SAP's Autonomous Enterprise roadmap means for every professional working in the ERP space today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: SAP Cloud ERP https://www.hcltech.com/ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest 1: Trijoy Saikia, HCLTech Business Acceleration Center for SAP 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 92: Who Owns IAM in Cloud ERP? Navigating Roles, Risks, and Responsibilities with EY

Your cloud ERP holds the keys to your entire business: finance, HR, supply chain. But who actually controls the locks? This episode exposes the identity access gaps most organizations never see coming, and why AI is making them more dangerous than ever. ===== Identity and access management (IAM) is often misunderstood. But getting it wrong can cost millions. EY's Joe Surmeier breaks down IAM in cloud ERP: from the most common mistakes organizations make during migration, to navigating the shared responsibility model between vendors, SIs, and customers. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping both threats and defenses, and shares three actionable priorities for any organization starting its cloud ERP journey, and why cybersecurity must have a seat at the table from day one. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest 1: Joe Surmeier, Senior Manager, Cybersecurity at Ernst & Young LLP Joe Surmeier has spent more than a decade at the intersection of cybersecurity, business transformation, and risk management. He works with organizations to integrate security into complex transformation programs, helping leadership teams navigate evolving cyber risks while accelerating innovation, compliance, and operational resilience. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 92: Navigating Risk and Transformation in Cloud ERP with EY

Cloud ERP is reshaping how organizations manage risk. In this episode with EY, we explore why security, governance, and AI must be built into ERP transformation from day one, not added later. ===== As organizations accelerate their move to cloud ERP, managing risk is becoming less about reacting to issues and more about designing secure, resilient processes from the start. In this episode, EY's Natalie Freedline and Dan Crawley discuss how cloud transformations are reshaping risk management, from understanding the shared responsibility model to embedding security, governance, and automated controls early in every implementation. The conversation explores why successful ERP transformations depend as much on people, processes, and clear ownership as they do on technology. The speakers explain how organizations can strengthen governance, prepare teams for change, and build trusted data foundations that support long-term business resilience. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ SAP-EY Allience 5 common compliance myths when moving to S/4HANA The role of governance in Continuous Controls Monitoring enablement Disclaimer: The views reflected in this video are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest 1: Dan Crawley, SAP Security and Identity Architect at EY Dan Crawley is an SAP Security and Identity Architect with more than 15 years of experience providing strategic leadership and delivering scalable, maintainable solutions in application security and identity management within the SAP ERP space. Having delivered complex implementations and enterprise transformations across many different industries, he enjoys the challenges of learning new technologies and implementing them to provide more compliant and efficient solutions. Guest 2: Natalie Freedline - Principal, Technology Consulting, Ernst & Young LLP | EY - Global Natalie has more than 18 years of Technology consulting experience serving Industrial Products and Consumer Products clients undergoing transformations. Starting her career in audit, Natalie has a wide range of experience assisting clients with SAP and Oracle process and controls enablement/optimization, application security, business transformation, governance, risk and compliance (GRC) technology enablement and enterprise risk management (including IT risk). Natalie has delivered strategic programs for SAP S/4 HANA transformations and specializes in quantifying the business case to drive efficiencies and lower the cost of compliance through analytics and monitoring, security and GRC technologies. In addition to helping clients deploy risk and compliance programs, Natalie holds a leadership role managing the Risk Technology team focused on SAP of over 100 resources to streamline growth, collaboration, knowledge sharing and improve the quality of engagement delivery. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode 91: Always Watching: 24/7 Security Monitoring and the Shared Responsibility Model

Moving ERP to the cloud doesn’t mean security becomes someone else’s problem. Discover how leading organizations balance shared responsibilities, AI-powered monitoring, and cyber resilience to protect the business around the clock. ===== As ERP systems become the digital core of modern enterprises, security can no longer be treated as an afterthought. In this episode, EY’s Michelle DeLiberty joins Richard Howells and Öykü Ilgar to explore 24/7 security monitoring, the realities of the shared responsibility model, and the growing impact of AI on cybersecurity. Learn where organizations often get security ownership wrong, how to improve cyber resilience, and what the future of ERP security looks like. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: SAP Cloud ERP EY-SAP Alliance Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Michelle DeLiberty, EY 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: Cloud ERP, Cybersecurity, Security Monitoring, Shared Responsibility Model, SAP Security, AI Security, Cyber Resilience, Cloud Security, ERP Transformation, Risk Management, Identity Access Management, Threat Detection, Security Operations, Incident Respo.

Episode 90: Staying One Step Ahead: Security Roles in Cloud ERP Threat Prevention with PWC

What if your ERP is secure… but still costing you millions? As AI and automation reshape enterprise systems, hidden gaps in security models can quietly undermine control, integrity, and trust. ===== As ERP systems become the backbone of highly connected, AI-driven ecosystems, traditional security models are no longer enough. In this episode, PwC’s Stuart Light explores why organizations must rethink security as a proactive, holistic discipline, focused on data integrity, ecosystem-wide access, and closing hidden gaps that can silently erode business value. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Stewart Light, PwC 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: ERP security, cloud ERP, SAP, S4HANA, cybersecurity, identity access management, least privilege, AI, digital workers, ERP transformation, enterprise risk, access control, data integrity, ecosystem security, compliance

Episode 89: Will AI Replace the Auditor?

Will AI replace auditors? This episode explores how AI is transforming auditing, why human judgment remains critical, and what the future of ERP and audit looks like in an AI-driven world. ===== This episode explores the impact of AI on auditing, from automation of routine tasks to its role in shaping controls and decision-making. It examines trust, regulation, and current adoption challenges, while emphasizing the continued importance of human judgment. The discussion also looks ahead to how AI will influence audit efficiency, workforce evolution, and the future of ERP within an integrated, intelligent ecosystem. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.ey.com Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Shaylin Moodley, Ernst & Young LLP Shaylin is a SAP security, risk and controls leader who acts as a guardian of audit success for SAP‑heavy organisations. He partners with CFOs, CIOs, CROs and assurance leaders to cut the cost of compliance, assure complex SAP S/4HANA programmes, and design roles, SoD and controls that stand up to regulator and auditor challenge, particularly through audit rotation, heightened scrutiny and early AI adoption. Being an IT External Auditor for a range of the FTSE 250 with one hat, allows him to advise other organisations on what an external auditor marks against when designing controls whilst he wears his second hat. With over 10+ years across all four Big Four firms, he has supported a number of clients in financial services, utilities, energy, manufacturing and consumer, navigating go lives securely, avoiding year‑end surprises and landing “no repeat findings” on critical IT and programme level controls. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. Follow Oyku Ilgar on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: AI in auditing, ERP, external audit, cybersecurity, AI adoption, controls and compliance, audit automation, SAP, digital transformation, enterprise systems, risk management, governance, auditors role, AI governance, business technology, intelligent automation, The Future of ERP, SAP Podcasts

Episode 88: Industry AI for ERP: From Generic Models to Domain-Specific Intelligence with PwC's Frank Ruland

Why generic AI fails in ERP and how industry-specific intelligence unlocks real value. PwC’s Frank Ruland shares use cases, integration challenges, and what’s next for AI-powered, future-ready ERP systems. ===== In this episode, Richard Howell speaks with PwC’s Frank Ruland about the shift from generic AI to industry-specific intelligence in ERP. They unpack why context is critical, explore real-world use cases in manufacturing and retail, and discuss integration, adoption, and data challenges. The episode closes with a forward look at agentic AI, robotics, and how ERP remains the foundation for future innovation. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Frank Ruland, Director Industries and Innovation, PwC Deutschland Frank Ruland leads Industries and Innovation topics globally within PwC’s SAP alliance organization. In this capacity he is responsible for strategic innovation topics across PwC’s alliance with SAP, from Business AI, Cloud ERP and Business Data Cloud to industry differentiation. He works closely with experts across the PwC network in industries, technology, data and AI and ERP/Digital transformstion. And with other technology alliance partners in the SAP ecosystem. Prior to joining PwC, Frank has been working with SAP directly and in various roles in consulting, product management, business development, and partner management with a special focus on industries, supply chain, and purchasing as well as M&A and alliance topics for more than 20 years. And if you want to go back further in history, Frank also worked in the automotive industry at the interface between IT and business departments. In parallel to his corporate career, Frank subscribes to life-long learning and he received his Executive MBA degree from Mannheim Business School and ESSEC in Paris. You can follow Frank on social media at https://de.linkedin.com/in/frankruland 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: ERP, enterprise resource planning, industry AI, domain specific AI, SAP, PwC, digital transformation, predictive maintenance, retail analytics, manufacturing AI, business processes, AI in ERP, enterprise AI, automation, data integration, agentic AI

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Episode 87: Cyber Endurance: Zero Trust Strategies to Secure Your Cloud ERP

Join the conversation with Under Armour's cybersecurity expert Gaurav Singh to dive deeper into cyber endurance. Learn zero-trust strategies to secure your cloud ERP and stay agile in API-driven systems. ===== This Future of ERP podcast episode explores cybersecurity resilience in ERP systems, emphasizing endurance and agility to protect brands and supply chains. It highlights the shift from on-premises as a "black box" to cloud-first, API-driven environments that demand new security approaches. Zero trust architecture emerges as essential for securing modern ERP, given its openness to external threats. Daily security practices, like layered defenses, parallel athletic endurance to stay ahead of evolving cyber adversaries. Operational challenges include balancing availability with patching, prioritizing business continuity over rigid security timelines. Policies, standards, and controls form the foundation, supported by people, processes, and technology to safeguard sensitive data. A performance mindset fosters resilience through regular testing of business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Strong cybersecurity shifts from a cost center to a business enabler by partnering with teams rather than blocking initiatives. The future of ERP is predicted to be API-first, hybrid, and AI-integrated, heightening the need for proactive identity management. Overall, the discussion calls for continuous learning to keep pace with threats in this dynamic landscape. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Gaurav Singh, Cyber Security Leader at Under Armour Gaurav Singh is an SAP cybersecurity manager at Under Armour with more than 19 years of experience and a proven track record of helping organizations protect themselves from cyber threats while maximizing their SAP investments. In addition to his cybersecurity leadership role, Gaurav is an accomplished speaker and published author. He has presented at the SAP conference’s cybersecurity track, been featured in international journals, and been recognized as an SAP Insider Expert. Gaurav’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of SAP security, including identity and access controls; governance, risk, and compliance; vulnerability management; threat management; incident response; and backup and disaster recovery. He is passionate about going beyond traditional SAP security to implement true cybersecurity, covering all aspects of SAP's secure operations map, from infrastructure to cloud security. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: cybersecurity, ERP, SAP, zero trust, cloud, endurance, agility.

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Episode 86: Rethinking Segregation of Duties, Cross-System Risks in Hybrid Environment with Infosys

Can your ERP really be compliant if you only look at one system at a time? In this episode with Infosys, we explore how cross-system risks, dynamic access decisions, and integrated governance are reshaping segregation of duties in hybrid ERP landscapes. ===== The future of ERP is no longer just about moving systems to the cloud, it’s about how businesses manage risk in an increasingly connected, automated, and hybrid world. In our latest episode, we sit down with Nishad Showkath from Infosys to unpack why segregation of duties needs a rethink when business processes stretch across on-premise systems, cloud applications, APIs, and automated workflows. Traditional SoD was built for a simpler era, but today’s ERP landscape is far more complex, and risks don’t always stay inside one system. What does that mean in practice? It means organizations can no longer rely on system-by-system compliance checks and assume the full process is secure. A user may create something in one platform, approve it in another, and complete the workflow somewhere else entirely, creating hidden cross-system risks that older approaches miss. Nishad shares why identity silos, fragmented risk libraries, and disconnected provisioning tools make this challenge even harder, and what companies need to do to build a more complete view of access and control. We also talk about what comes next: dynamic access decisions, automated risk analysis, continuous monitoring, and integrated governance that can follow the business process instead of just the individual application. Nishad explains how AI, machine learning, and identity access management tools are shaping the next phase of SoD, and why the future of ERP security will depend on treating enterprise risk as one connected ecosystem rather than a set of isolated systems. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Nishad Showkath, Senior Principal Consultant, Infosys Consulting Nishad is a Senior Security/GRC architect with overall 20+ years of experience in SAP Security, GRC access control, Process Control, SAP ITGC & Compliance Assurance. He specializes in Authorization design, configuration, and implementation of solutions in the SAP Authorization & GRC area to help customers in their digital transformation journeys and build robust, secure authorization concepts in SAP applications. Nishad’s LinkedIn 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master’s degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape. Oyku’s ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: Segregation of duties, Future of ERP, Cross-system risk, Hybrid ERP, SAP Security, GRC, Identity access management, Automated risk analysis, Continuous monitoring, Integrated governance.

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Episode 85: SAP Insider Benchmark Research & Global Tax Management with Michael Bernard of Vertex

Explore how tax management is evolving through technology and strategic innovation to become a key driver of business efficiency and insight. ===== Join Michael Bernard from Vertex as he unpacks the latest SAP Insider Benchmark Research on global tax management, revealing how tax departments navigate a rapidly changing landscape. From complex regulatory environments, such as fragmented e-invoicing standards in Europe, to critical pain points like automating tax control frameworks, this episode offers a rich exploration of what’s top of mind for CFOs and CIOs. Learn how granular tax data is becoming a strategic asset for sales and marketing, the growing role of managed services amidst workforce shortages, and why the adoption of AI-driven tax automation is still in early stages despite its promising potential. Michael shares memorable stats, including the impact of retirements on CPA talent pools and strategies companies use to overcome compliance time constraints. Perfect for business leaders seeking practical insights on optimizing ERP environments for tax operations with future-ready technology. Listen, learn, and lead the transformation today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Michael Bernard, Chief Tax Officer of Transaction Tax at Vertex Michael Bernard is the Chief Tax Officer of Transaction Tax. In his role, he provides insight and thought leadership around tax department operations, U.S. indirect tax, tax risk management, and tax policy, as well as emerging tax trends. He is also responsible for influencing emerging technologies which meet the continuing regulatory changes of the corporate tax community. He is an executive-level tax attorney with a diverse portfolio of experience in corporate tax, administration, and finance, including a substantive knowledge of U.S. and international tax laws. Prior to joining Vertex, Michael was in various tax leadership roles at Microsoft Corporation for 28 years, the most recent being General Manager & U.S. Tax Counsel. He led teams in the following functional areas: direct and indirect tax controversy, sales and use, business license, property, tax IT, SOX, and telecommunications. He also co-led a corporate taxpayer advocacy group with the Washington Department of Revenue and was a Director on the Board of the Washington Research Council. He has also testified before administrative and lawmakers at both the federal and state level. Michael earned both a J.D. and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University. He is a part-time lecturer of Law in the LLM program at the University of Washington School of Law. He also served on the board of directors, executive committee, and chaired committees for The Tax Executives Institute (TEI) for nearly 25 years. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: Tax management, ERP, Tax control framework, Automation, Regulatory compliance, Managed services, Workforce skill gap, AI adoption, E-invoicing, Tax analytics

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Episode 84: Navigating Professional Services with IBM's Mark Hammack

Cloud ERP and AI are transforming professional services by tackling lean teams, complex billing, and forecasting pressures. Could these tools be your business's next competitive edge? ===== Professional services firms face intense pressures like razor-thin benches, skyrocketing forecasting demands, and shifts from time-and-materials to outcome-based pricing with AI agents and software assets. IBM's Mark Hammack debunks cloud ERP myths around customization loss or security risks, explaining how SaaS slashes hardware costs, enables real-time insights through integrated project systems, and frees cash for growth. AI delivers in use cases like automating billing and RFP responses, accelerating month-end closes, and enhancing customer support, often driven bottom-up by creative teams. Ethical AI orchestration powers tools like "Ask HR" for faster resolutions, paving the way for agile, modular cloud ERP with natural language tools like Joule and Copilot for predictive analysis. Want to learn more? Come join us and explore how these innovations can propel your operations forward. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠⁠ www.ibm.com Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ===== Guest: Mark J. Hammack, Delivery Partner at IBM Consulting Mark J. Hammack is a Financial & Supply Chain Transformation Partner at IBM, specializing in driving business transformation and optimizing supply chain performance. They bring extensive experience in enhancing financial operations and delivering strategic business solutions. Within IBM's consulting environment, Mark progressed from Senior Managing Consultant to Associate Partner, demonstrating leadership competencies and a focus on delivering value to clients. Their tenure at IBM reflects a commitment to providing advisory services and implementing effective business strategies. Prior to IBM, Mark led order management initiatives and drove eCommerce strategies as the Order Management and eCommerce Track Lead at International Paper. Their work history also includes a role as Senior Manager at Grant Thornton, where they applied knowledge of accounting principles and financial management practices. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: cloud ERP, professional services, AI use cases, billing automation, resource planning, revenue recognition, ERP myths, ethical AI, Watson orchestration, predictive analysis

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Episode 83: Silent Cyber War

In a world of silent cyber wars, ERPs sit at the center of risk and resilience. Discover how CIOs can design ERP as a crown jewel: assume breach, use AI wisely, and balance sovereignty, trust, and business continuity. ===== This episode dives into the “silent global war” on ERP, where cyber threats are constant, interconnected systems are fragile, and resilience is the new gold standard. Our guests, Bayer’s Asha Vartak and SAP’s Gabriela “Gabs” Fiata, unpack how to treat ERP as a mission critical crown jewel instead of a back office system, and why assuming breach changes everything about architecture, governance, and recovery. They explore how AI can both sharpen ERP security and create new risks, from detecting anomalies and reducing alert fatigue to acting as a privileged user that must be monitored. The conversation also covers digital sovereignty, data classification by design, and placing ERP at the core of digital trust, transparency, and compliance across borders. If you want practical, board level language for ERP cyber resilience, this episode is for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠⁠ ⁠Bayer⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ===== Guest: Gabriele Fiata, Head of Security Market Strategy, RISE with SAP Thought leader with a strong background in security as well as business processes, controls, and enterprise risk management. For more than 20 years, he has been leading teams in implementing innovative process improvements to identify and mitigate risks to promote resilience for the whole enterprise and enable overall business growth. Gabriele’s LinkedIn Guest: Asha Vartak, Director, Cyber Security and Risk Management at Bayer Asha Vartak has a proven record of developing and executing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that align with organizational goals. Her expertise spans Cybersecurity Risk Management, Compliance, Threat Modeling, and Mitigation Planning and Implementation. She brings extensive experience in leading and consulting on business and information security initiatives for companies across multiple global regions. With an educational background spanning four countries—India, Australia, Germany, and the United States— Asha excels at building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and teams. As a motivating and inspiring leader in cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance, she thrives on tackling complex projects and driving them to successful completion for organizations worldwide. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master’s degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape. Oyku’s ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠SAP Community⁠⁠ ===== Key Topics: ERP security, ERP resilience, cloud ERP, AI in ERP, cybersecurity,RISE with SAP, SAP S/4HANA, digital sovereignty, data protection

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Episode 82: From Prevention to Detection: Real-Time Security in a Digital World with Infosys

How real-time security transforms ERP systems in a cloud-driven world, spotting threats instantly, leveraging AI for proactive defense, and closing common blind spots before breaches escalate. Curious about staying ahead of cyber risks? ===== Mohammed Moidheen, SAP security architect at Infosys, unpacks why real-time monitoring is vital amid 2,200 daily cyber attacks costing trillions annually. He highlights blind spots like unmonitored access vulnerabilities, ignored audit logs, unsecured APIs, privileged accounts, insider threats, and poor event correlation in S/4HANA Cloud setups. AI evolves detection with predictive intelligence, automated responses, natural language queries, and cross-system pattern spotting, shifting from reactive to proactive security. Real-world cases show systems halting unusual data downloads and insider data exfiltration in minutes. Advice includes aligning with governance, prioritizing crown jewels, setting baselines, training teams, and correlating data. Infosys aids via assessments and foundational builds. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ Infosys.com Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Mohammed Khan Moidheen, SAP Security Architect at Infosys Consulting Mohammed Khan Moidheen is a Senior SAP Security architect with over 12 years of experience securing and operating large scale SAP landscapes across global enterprises. His expertise spans SAP S/4HANA security, ERP platform services, DevSecOps enablement, and designing audit ready security architectures aligned with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR. Mohammed is CISSP and CISA certified and I excel at translating complex security requirements into actionable strategies that are practical , strategically aligned and strengthen organisational resilience. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master’s degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape. Oyku’s ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠SAP Community⁠ ===== Key Topics: real-time security, ERP monitoring, cloud threats, SAP S/4HANA, access management, audit logs, AI threat detection, insider threats, privileged accounts, predictive intelligence

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Episode 81: AI-Powered ERP Support: Invisible, Proactive and Accelerated

Imagine ERP systems that spot cyber threats before they strike, using AI to predict outages and banish reactive support forever. How close are we to invisible, proactive defense that keeps businesses unbreakable? Dive into the future where data and smarts outpace chaos. ===== In this compelling episode of the Future of ERP podcast, SAP's Jens Bernotat, head of strategy, portfolio, and ecosystem management for SAP Support, shares transformative insights on evolving ERP customer support. He outlines a future where support becomes invisible through prevention, hyper-proactive with deep customer data insights, and accelerated by AI-driven recommendations. Jens emphasizes data's starring role in pattern detection via AI analytics, addresses change management for teams shifting from routine tickets to complex missions and AI curation, and reveals key KPIs like customer effort scores and health metrics. Practical advice includes starting with quick-win AI use cases, fostering team experimentation, and crafting transformation roadmaps. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Download Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠ Useful Links: ⁠SAP Cloud ERP⁠ Follow Us on Social Media! SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn ===== Guest: Jens Bernotat, Head of Strategy, Portfolio and Ecosystem Management, SAP Customer Support at SAP Jens joined SAP in 2007 as Vice President in the Corporate Strategy Group. Here, he has guided high impact programs with a focus on maintenance and support strategy, portfolio and commercial design. From 2011, Jens was driving strategy for Maintenance Go-To-Market, where he designed commercial transformation programs to the Cloud and new support offerings. Since 2017, Jens is driving SAP's maintenance and support strategy, orchestrating maintenance phases, end dates and the portfolio of support offerings. Jens also leads Ecosystem management, defining the setup of how partners deliver support to our customers. 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. Follow Richard Howell on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host 2: Oyku Ilgar, SAP Oyku Ilgar is a marketer and thought leader specializing in SAP’s digital supply chain and ERP solutions since 2017. As a marketer, blogger, and podcaster, she creates engaging content that highlights innovative SAP technologies and explores key topics including business trends, AI, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance & Accounting and English Translation, along with a master’s degree in Business Administration and Foreign Trade, specializing in marketing. With her background in digital transformation, Oyku communicates technology trends and industry insights to help professionals navigate the evolving business landscape. Oyku’s ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠SAP Community⁠ ===== Key Topics: ERP support, proactive support, AI analytics, customer health, data patterns, change management, Black Friday uptime, support automation, ERP transformation, cyber prevention

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