The Future of ERP

Explore tackling fast-evolving markets, from supply chain disruptions and sustainability pressures to geopolitical tensions requiring agile sourcing. Key insights cover cloud ERP simplifying operations for buyers facing electric vehicle tech changes, AI accelerating projects by scripting meetings and generating code, boosting efficiency by focusing teams on high-value tasks, and simulating crises for resilience. Standout examples include 50-60% unused custom ERP code inflating costs, drone pilot analogies for job evolution, and tools like the Digital Acceleration Navigator aiding change management for over 100 clients, including a major European beverage firm. Emphasis lies on composable cloud architectures, data cleansing 12 months pre-transformation, embedding sustainability KPIs for dual cost and environmental gains, and fostering cultures that empower people. Business leaders gain actionable steps for continuous innovation, scalable models, and successful digital transformations—listen now to unleash team potential!Download Episode TranscriptUseful Links:SAP Cloud ERPCapgeminiFollow Us on Social Media!SAP Cloud ERP - LinkedIn=====Guest: Elisabetta Spontoni, Executive Vice President atCapgemini Elisabetta is an Executive Vice President at Capgemini, with 30 years’ experience in ICT governance, projects, and operations. As Group Offer Leader for "Digital Core," she drives the end-to-end offer lifecycle and manages the portfolio of packaged solutions, including major ERPs on top of Supply Chain packages, communities, and strategic learning initiatives. She brings strong management experience and a deep delivery operations background, with core competencies in ERP solutions (mainly SAP technologies), leading large international ICT transformation programs, and conducting sales and pre-sales activities at localand international levels, alongside go-to-market strategy and offering development. Her main sectors of expertise are the International Public Sector (United Nations), Oil & Gas, and Aerospace & Defense. Certified as a large international program director, she serves on the Capgemini Group Project Management Certification Board and the “Flying Squad” team—a select group oftop professionals handling recovery missions for critical projects worldwide. She is also certified as a Delivery Partner to support profitable growth of Capgemini’s global accounts. Her key strengths include recognized leadership, collaborative work with colleagues, clients, and partners in multicultural teams, sharp ICT expertise focused on SAP technologies, delivery excellence,innovation, and executive-level communication.Host: Richard Howells, SAPRichard 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

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. Guest Speaker: Alex Pierroutsakos, Industry Executive Advisor – Chemicals Alex, currently is an executive industry advisor for the chemical industry at SAP where he guides executives through operational and digital transformations with a deep expertise in supply chain and manufacturing. Over the last 25 years, Alex has held leadership, project management, and supply chain positions in management consulting , software development, and within industry.  Within the chemical  industry, he was a Global CIO and held multiple senior business leadership positions including Chief Sustainability Officer, Global Director of Quality Assurance, and Internal Audit. Alex has a balance of industry, technology and business experience which enables him to provide a comprehensive and value added approach when working with chemical business leaders and CIO’s.  He has earned numerous credentials and awards, along with a Bachelor of Science with honors in Industrial Engineering from the University of MO – Columbia and an Executive Master’s in International Business with BSG honors at St. Louis University. He currently resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife and three daughters.  Guest Speaker: Gary Hayes, SAP Solution Enablement Domain at Cognizant Gary brings 35+ years of managing technology strategies, delivery and operations of SAP in the utilities industry, including his role as VP & CIO at CenterPoint Energy.  His background includes extensive experience in: Technology Leadership & Business TransformationProgram LeadershipCustomer SystemsEnterprise Asset ManagementFinancial / Supply Chain Smart Grid / ADMS / AMI At Cognizant, he is responsible for managing a team of SAP Solution Enablement Domain experts within North America.  Responsibilities include solution delivery, transformation advisory, product strategy & delivery, roadmap alignment, product development  and go-to-market strategies for the energy and utility market. Host: Richard Howells, SAP Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links: Download Transcript SAP Cloud ERP Cognizant Technology Solutions Follow Us on Social Media: SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

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. Guest Speaker: Brian Jensen, Managing Director at KPMG With over 25 years in management consulting, business development, and practice leadership, Brian Jensenhas helped organizations across industries transform how they operate, manage risk, and capture new market opportunities. Recognized for his ability to cut through complexity and focus on what truly drives value, Brian brings deep expertise in business transformation, ERP risk, cybersecurity, process optimization, and enterprise application implementations. Today, Brian is helping lead the next wave of enterprise transformation — the rise of the Agentic Enterprise— where AI evolves from predictive to autonomous. He focuses on embedding agentic AI into enterprise risk, identity, and controls to enable organizations to modernize ERP ecosystems such as SAP S/4HANA without compromising trust, security, or compliance. Through KPMG’s Trusted Applications platforms, Brian is helping clients activate AI-driven governance, autonomous assurance, and adaptive controls — redefining what “trusted” means in the era of intelligent systems. Brian’s LinkedIn Host: Richard Howells, SAP Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Host: 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 Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn Useful Links: Download Transcript KPMG Related SAP Pages SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

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. Guest Speaker: John Froelich, Senior Vice President at Bramasol John Froelich is a Senior Vice President at Bramasol, a leading SAP Partner helping companies make the most out of their Office of CFO Solutions and solutions for the Digital Solutions Economy.  John has over 40 years of experience in sales, marketing and design and implementation of SAP Solutions and has deep technology experience having worked with IBM, Avaya, SAP and AT&T’s Bell Laboratories.  He has delivered over 150 webinars and webcasts and spoken at numerous conferences including SAP Sapphire, SAP Insider, ASUG, Fiber Connect, and many others.  He was also a business coach and is certified in a variety of coaching methodologies including Brian Tracy, EMyth and others.  John lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife.  Host: Richard Howells, SAP Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability. Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X (Twitter) Useful Links: Download Transcript Bramasol SAP Cloud ERP Follow Us on Social Media: SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP: LinkedIn Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!

What if subscriptions completely reinvented the way we buy everything? Discover surprising industries transforming their business models with flexible, usage-based payments and how cutting-edge ERP and AI are making it all possible.