Episodes

  • Episode 76: The Role of Cloud ERP and AI in a Digital Transformation with Cognizant’s Gary Hays and SAP’s Alex Pierroutsakos

    Episode 76: The Role of Cloud ERP and AI in a Digital Transformation with Cognizant’s Gary Hays and SAP’s Alex Pierroutsakos
    Nov 19 2025
    This episode dives into the evolving landscape of enterprise technology, revealing how AI and cloud ERP are changing the pace and purpose of business operations. Join Richard Howells, Cognizant’s Gary Hayes, and SAP’s Alex Pierroutsakos as they share candid industry perspectives—spanning utilities, chemicals, and manufacturing—about overcoming legacy barriers and harnessing data-driven innovation. Listeners will hear memorable examples: from automated case management resolving millions of utility errors, to Guinness World Record-winning hackathons and accelerated digital transformations. Explore how conversational AI, real-time analytics, and agile change management liberate people from repetitive tasks, empowering them for higher-value work. Tune in for a blend of actionable insights and inspirational advice, and discover why staying curious—and leveraging the latest tech—might be the smartest business decision you can make. Don’t forget to subscribe for more on the future of ERP and business innovation.
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    29 mins
  • Episode 75: Compliance Made Simple: Understanding Cloud ERP’s Role in Shared Compliance with KPMG

    Episode 75: Compliance Made Simple: Understanding Cloud ERP’s Role in Shared Compliance with KPMG
    Nov 12 2025
    In this episode of the Future of ERP podcast, Brian Jensen, Managing Director at KPMG, breaks down the complex world of compliance in Cloud ERP environments and how businesses can navigate shared responsibility models effectively. Brian explains why compliance should be seen not as a mere checkbox but as a powerful enabler for risk management and business agility. The discussion covers critical topics like data security, user access control, and the dynamic role of hyperscalers in cloud compliance. Listeners will gain practical advice on balancing rapid innovation with strict regulatory demands and how emerging technologies like AI and automation will reshape compliance roles in ERP systems. Memorable analogies, such as comparing compliance to a car’s safety features, make complex ideas accessible. Whether you're a business leader or an IT professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on leveraging Cloud ERP and compliance as a competitive edge. Tune in for actionable insights and a forward-thinking vision of ERP’s future.
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    27 mins
  • Episode 74: Next Gen of the Subscription Economy - Who is Next?

    Episode 74: Next Gen of the Subscription Economy - Who is Next?
    Oct 29 2025
    In this episode of The Future of ERP, Richard Howells welcomes back John Froelich, senior VP at Bramasol, to discuss the dynamic growth of the subscription economy and its impact across unexpected industries. From medical devices and concrete monitoring to agricultural machinery, businesses are moving from one-time sales to flexible, usage-based, and outcome-based subscription models. John shares fascinating examples and explains how customer expectations are evolving toward real-time value and flexible payment options. They dive into the critical role of connected ERP systems in managing subscriptions, bundles, billing, and predictive maintenance. John highlights the importance of AI and advanced analytics in unlocking value and shaping the next generation of business models. Whether you’re curious about the intersection of technology, business innovation, or ERP’s future, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.
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    24 mins
  • Episode 73: Greenfield or Brownfield with Deloitte’s Geraldine Aubert

    Episode 73: Greenfield or Brownfield with Deloitte’s Geraldine Aubert
    Oct 15 2025
    In this episode of "The Future of ERP," host Richard Howells talks with Deloitte partner Geraldine Aubert about choosing the right path for cloud ERP transformation—whether to start fresh with a greenfield implementation or upgrade existing systems with brownfield. Geraldine shares insights from decades of SAP experience, highlighting how automation, AI, and strategic rollout planning enable companies to improve compliance, scale globally, and drive sustainable innovation. Learn about real-world challenges, practical trade-offs, and key success factors like strong people engagement and governance. Geraldine’s perspective offers a blueprint for businesses aiming to future-proof their operations amid rapid digital change. Tune in to discover ideas to fuel your ERP journey and why smart transformation is about balancing speed with lasting value.
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    25 mins
  • Episode 72: Staying One Step Ahead: Shared Security Roles in Cloud ERP Threat Prevention with IBM

    Episode 72: Staying One Step Ahead: Shared Security Roles in Cloud ERP Threat Prevention with IBM
    Oct 1 2025
    In this insightful episode of The Future of ERP, Ryan Throop from IBM joins hosts Richard Howells and Oyku Ilgar to explore the critical role of cybersecurity in the cloud ERP landscape. As businesses move from traditional on-premise solutions to cloud-centric environments, cybersecurity challenges grow more complex. Ryan shares how AI-driven threat detection and shared security models empower organizations to protect sensitive data while boosting operational efficiency. Listener takeaways include the importance of security awareness training, the evolving role of AI in security operations, and the growing emphasis on integrating ERP systems into broader identity governance frameworks. With compelling insights on managing insider threats, third-party risks, and emerging technologies, this episode is a must-hear for any business leader or IT professional focused on digital transformation success. Stay secure, stay innovative, and join the conversation!
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    28 mins
  • Episode 71: How Can Cloud ERP Serve as a Strategic Catalyst for Digital Transformation

    Episode 71: How Can Cloud ERP Serve as a Strategic Catalyst for Digital Transformation
    Sep 17 2025
    In this episode of The Future of ERP, Abhishek Vesudevan from Westernacher shares the story of a company overcoming growth pains caused by disjointed systems and manual workflows. Listeners will learn how a strategic Cloud ERP implementation integrated sales, procurement, finance, warehousing, and transportation—enabling real-time data visibility and driving impressive benefits like freight cost savings and efficiency gains. Abhishek emphasizes that successful transformation hinges not only on technology but on process standardization and engaging users throughout the journey. He also highlights emerging trends, from AI-powered automation to sustainability innovations embedded in ERP. This episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories for any business pursuing digital transformation. Tune in to hear how ERP is evolving from a backend system to the brain of business. Listen now and rethink what ERP can do for your organization!
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    27 mins
  • How is AI transforming your shopping experience and what does it mean for the future of retail?

    How is AI transforming your shopping experience and what does it mean for the future of retail?
    Sep 3 2025
    This episode delves into the dynamic future of retail, spotlighting the pivotal role of AI in reshaping supply chains and customer interaction. 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.
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    21 mins
  • Episode 69: Leveraging GEN AI and Cloud ERP for Next-Gen Financial Excellence with E.ON Digital Technology and PwC

    Episode 69: Leveraging GEN AI and Cloud ERP for Next-Gen Financial Excellence with E.ON Digital Technology and PwC
    Aug 20 2025
    In this episode of The Future of ERP, host Richard Howells welcomes Sakis Tabakis from E.ON Digital Technology and Max English of PwC to explore how cutting-edge cloud ERP and Generative AI are reshaping financial excellence. Sakis shares how E.ON’s Digital Lighthouse project is not just about technology upgrades - it’s a strategic foundation for agility in a fast-moving energy sector. The trio dive into how SAP Datasphere, SAP PAPM, and AI-driven insights create a unified, reliable data platform that breaks down silos, ensures compliance, and empowers smarter decisions in real time. Sakis highlights a bold vision: “The future of ERP is invisible. It thinks before you do, it speaks your language, and it acts when it really matters.” Max emphasizes the human side of digital transformation, reminding listeners that embracing AI means gaining efficiency and trusting technology as an enabler - not a threat. Whether you're curious about AI’s impact on finance or the future of cloud ERP, this episode offers inspiring lessons and practical insights. Tune in and discover what’s next for enterprise systems in a rapidly changing world!
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    28 mins