SIGN UP FOR FREE | SIGN IN
Thinkers360
Interested in getting your own thought leader profile? Get Started Today.

Richard Howells

VP Digital Supply Chain and Industry 4.0 at SAP

Medfield, United States

Thought leader in supply chain, industry 4.0, sustainability and technology

Richard Howells Points
Academic 0
Author 101
Influencer 52
Speaker 57
Entrepreneur 0
Total 210

Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.

Thought Leader Profile

Portfolio Mix

Company Information

Company Type: Company
Business Unit: Markeing
Theatre: North America
Media Experience: 15 years
Last Media Interview: 10/25/2018

Areas of Expertise

AI
Analytics
AR/VR
Big Data
Blockchain 30.10
Digital Disruption
Digital Transformation 30.45
Emerging Technology 30.95
ERP 30.30
Innovation 30.17
IoT 31.39
Leadership 30.03
Management 30.20
Marketing
Predictive Analytics
Social 30.12
Supply Chain 36.68
Sustainability 48.87
Business Strategy 34.12
Business Continuity 31.63
Health and Wellness 30.09
Customer Experience 30.09
COVID19 39.26
Digital Twins 32.36
Climate Change 34.80
Risk Management
National Security
Sales 30.19

Industry Experience

Automotive
Chemicals
Consumer Products
High Tech & Electronics
Industrial Machinery & Components
Manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals

Publications

95 Article/Blogs
5 Supply Chain Strategies To Avoid Risk And Enable Sustainability
Forbes
April 24, 2023
Risk-resiliency and sustainability are top of mind for supply chain executives. So, what are the top strategies to address these challenges?

See publication

Tags: Innovation, Sustainability, Supply Chain

What Costs More, The Chicken Or The Egg?
Forbes
February 20, 2023
Egg prices have risen 70% over the past 12 months as the price of chicken has decreased. What are the business and supply chain impacts?

See publication

Tags: Supply Chain, Management

Is Your Supply Chain Ready For The Permacrisis?
Forbes
February 02, 2023
Collins English Dictionary word of the year for 2022 was “Permacrisis,” an extended period of instability and insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events. Sound familiar? But what can supply chain executives do to prepare?

See publication

Tags: Supply Chain, Management, Business Continuity

2023 Supply Chain Predictions: Resiliency, Sustainability And Visibility Set New Expectations
Forbes
December 15, 2022
Check out the latest supply chain predictions for 2023 by supply chain experts from CapGemini, NTT, PwC, Penn State, Accenture, as well as Scott Luton, Sarah Barnes-Humphry and me.

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

Servitization: Manufacturers get serious about services
The Future of Custumer
December 08, 2022
As consumers, we’re used to the as-a-service model in our everyday lives. When was the last time you bought a CD or DVD? I can’t remember because my whole family streams everything. My sons and I even get my razor blades and shaving cream as-a-service. Of course, I still seem to be paying for everything, but that’s a different story!

See publication

Tags: Social, Supply Chain, Sales

Sustainability In Midsize Companies: Finding The Way To Competitive Supply Chains
Forbes
November 22, 2022
Learn how midsize companies with supply chains that quickly incorporate sustainability and the circular economy into their plans for growing revenue, increasing efficiency, and mitigating risk are well-positioned to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage.

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

Tough turkey: Supply chain, inflation make for challenging holiday
The Future of Commerce
November 18, 2022
How supply chain glitches and inflation can affect your Thanksgiving Dinner

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

Don’t let inflation deflate your business
ERP
November 07, 2022
As costs rise, every penny we spend gets scrutinized. More than ever, businesses need to be able to quickly perform cost/benefit analyses and determine the potential ROI of investments. Raw materials and energy cost a lot more, and while sustainability and waste reduction become matters of economic survival and not just environmental concerns. Companies are looking at all ways possible to reduce energy and fuel consumption, and to streamline materials usage in manufacturing.

See publication

Tags: ERP, Supply Chain, Business Continuity

Don't let inflation deflate your business
ERP Today
October 20, 2022
Inflation is at its highest rate in 40 years. As costs rise, every penny we spend gets scrutinized. Businesses need cost/benefit analyses and to determine the potential ROI of investments.

See publication

Tags: ERP, Supply Chain, Business Continuity

Water Conservation Requires Food And Fashion To Hydrate With More Sustainable Supply Chains
Forbes
September 09, 2022
Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population is predicted to face water shortages by 2025. We must rethink how we produce the food we eat, and the clothes we wear.

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain

It’s time to get serious about servitization
ERP Today
September 01, 2022
The concept of selling an outcome as a service is commonly known as Servitization, and it is increasingly expanding from a consumer model to a broader business approach where the capital expense of a piece of equipment is often a barrier to buyers. It is often far more attractive to have access to the same equipment but pay monthly based on usage metrics like hours of usage, or throughput.

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

Is There A Beer Shortage Brewing In The USA?
Forbes
August 09, 2022
What can we do to improve our supply chains to avoid a beer shortage in 2022?

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Management

Will Amazon Prime Day Survive A Trifecta Of Challenges?
Forbes
July 06, 2022
Learn how the challenges of inflation and supply chain glitches could impact Amazon Prime Day this year.

See publication

Tags: Innovation, Supply Chain, Leadership

Amidst New Uncertainty, UK Supply Chain Leaders Look To Increase Supply Chain Resiliency
Import from forbes.com
July 01, 2022
Survey of UK supply chain executives think their companies will move from just-in-time supply chains to "just-in-case"!

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Crescent Petroleum Is Closing The Circle On The Role Of Natural Gas In Sustainable Energy
Import from forbes.com
June 30, 2022
Natural gas is playing a key role in the transition to a cleaner, more circular use of resources. Crescent Petroleum has been at the forefront for decades.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Why The Circular Economy Is The Perfect Fit For The Fashion Industry
Import from forbes.com
June 29, 2022
Sustainability legislation drives new proposals in Europe and signals a major shift for the fashion industry.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

How India’s Midmarket Businesses Can Eliminate The ‘Missing Middle’
Import from forbes.com
June 29, 2022
India has 600 large enterprises with over $500 million in yearly revenue, and thousands more small businesses generating under $50 million a year. In between is a gap (the missing middle), challenging the economy's ability maintain growth.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Are ERP Projects Really The Stuff Of Nightmares?
Import from forbes.com
June 28, 2022
For business and technology leaders, the mere mention of an ERP project conjures nightmares. Why?

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

It’s No Dream, Sustainable Jeans Are Perfect Fit For Modern Retail Consumers
Import from forbes.com
June 27, 2022
Dazzling in scope, yet simple in pragmatic ease of innovation, a series of interactive and immersive displays demonstrated how Trilogy designed and delivered sustainable pink denim jeans in record time after one pair became a sensation on TikTok.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

How Cloud ERP Drives Strategic Growth For Finance Leaders
Import from forbes.com
June 24, 2022
Finance leaders and their teams are under tremendous pressure to provide critical financial and operational information at the drop of a hat – particularly in times of turmoil and uncertainty.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Weaving Together A Diverse Workplace Culture At Tapestry
Import from forbes.com
June 23, 2022
During her 14-year tenure at New York-based house of modern luxury lifestyle brands Tapestry Inc., Global Human Resources Officer Sarah Dunn has helped the company navigate tremendous cultural and societal change.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

As Markets Bet Billions On EV Uptake, Automakers Steer Towards Sustainable Supply Chains
Import from forbes.com
June 21, 2022
EV startup ElectraMeccanica is revving up global operations and production to reinvent mobility for a sustainable planet.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

How Employee Experience Is Keeping Swagelok Competitive And Profitable
Import from forbes.com
June 20, 2022
Swagelok has not had a single lay-off in 75 years, but with a red-hot, post-pandemic job market, the company had to rethink how it attracts and retains talent. Enter Employee Experience Management Solutions from SAP and Qualtrics.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Talking With The Queen About ERP
Import from forbes.com
June 16, 2022
As it is the Jubilee year, I am going to recount a story about the time I chatted with Her Majesty the Queen about ERP.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Kohler Brings Industry 4.0 Digital Transformation Directly To The Factory Floor
Import from forbes.com
June 14, 2022
Peggy Gulick, director of Digital Transformation Operations and Smart Factory at Kohler Co., shares her company’s strategic game plan for the next generation of manufacturing.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

How Virgin Megastore Creates ‘Serious Fun’ For Customers
Import from forbes.com
June 13, 2022
SAP cloud technology helps Virgin Megastore blend the fun of in-store experiences with the convenience of shopping online.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Strategic CFOs Share Their Secrets To Modernizing Finance
Import from forbes.com
June 10, 2022
According to research conducted by StrategicCFO360 and SAP, 71% of participating CFOs believe they’re ahead of the curve in terms of openness to change with technology systems, while only 5% consider themselves laggards.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

What Digital Transformation Progress Means For Growing Businesses
Import from forbes.com
June 09, 2022
Digital transformation may still be high on the priority list for midsize companies, but their perspectives and expectations have certainly evolved.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

How Well-Managed Infrastructure Projects Can Speed The Transition To Net-Zero
Import from forbes.com
June 08, 2022
Digitalizing the infrasturcture sector is how Costain is addressing the topic of sustainability in the complex engineering, technology, and infrastructure market.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

adidas: Live Your Passion For Sport And Make The Planet More Sustainable
Import from forbes.com
June 07, 2022
How adidas is delivering on the company's holistic sustainable business strategy.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Can A Recruiting Robot Be Ethical?
Import from forbes.com
June 07, 2022
The use of automation in recruiting and hiring has exploded over the last several years. The problem, it seems, is a lack of transparency regarding just how these Artificial Intelligence tools, or formulas work and what the criteria is.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Why Resiliency Is The New Efficiency – And What You Can Do About It
Import from forbes.com
June 06, 2022
For years, when it comes to our supply chains, we have focused on improving efficiency and reducing costs. But this, as we have seen, has increased the risks to disruptions. Now we need to increase resiliency across our supply chains, whilst balancing this with efficiency.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Holistic ESG Reporting: The New Sustainable Business Imperative
Import from forbes.com
June 03, 2022
While policy and legislation are crucial to nudge businesses to act, compliance in the form of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting presents numerous challenges for organizations.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Zero Waste Manifesto: How To Turn Our Worst Fears Into Climate Change Action
Import from forbes.com
June 02, 2022
After years of going through the motions, employers are investing more effort and resources to move beyond the talk to take action on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B).

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Disruption Denied: How Next-Generation Logistics Create A Resilient Supply Chain
Import from forbes.com
June 01, 2022
With disruptions increasingly common (climate change, wars, pandemics), companies now realize that what sets them apart from the competition is not only efficiency, but also the ability to deliver on time.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Can This Integrated Energy Company Lead The Way To A Low-Carbon Future?
Import from forbes.com
May 26, 2022
Creating the best possible energy mix for the future involves combining the most advanced technology with its production processes to generate more value and increase efficiency. This energy company shows you how.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Up For Debate: Is AI The Future Of HR?
Import from forbes.com
May 25, 2022
Employers that introduce smart technologies to drive efficiency in HR may stumble on a hidden layer of division in the workforce: some workers are comfortable having their resumes and performance data read by artificial intelligence (AI) – and some workers are fearful of how AI will influence emp.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

5 Ways The NBA Is Promoting Inclusivity
Import from forbes.com
May 25, 2022
Chief People and Inclusion Officer Oris Stuart shares his thoughts on how the NBA has helped basketball become a powerful force for change in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Baby Formula Shortage Underscores Need For Supply Chain Resilience
Forbes
May 19, 2022
Disruptions like the pandemic, the blockages in the Suez Canal, tanker ship logjams, semi-conductor shortages, and now the baby formula shortage due to product recalls and plant shutdowns all highlight the need for supply chains that are as resilient as they are efficient.

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

What Leading Brands Do Differently To Build An Inclusive Culture
Import from forbes.com
May 18, 2022
After years of going through the motions, employers are investing more effort and resources to move beyond the talk to take action on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B).

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Hyperconnected Auto Supply Chains Give Electric Vehicles A Jolt Of Sustainable Mobility
Import from forbes.com
May 17, 2022
EVs are literally energizing the competitive automotive supply chain that’s expanding beyond traditional automakers to high tech giants and startups, as well as other consumer electronics players, eager for a piece of this promising future.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Why Business Execs Need To Check Their Trust Level
Import from forbes.com
May 16, 2022
Why do business executives rank so poorly in trust surveys?

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Accelerate Innovation With A New Approach To Market Research
Import from forbes.com
May 12, 2022
Organizations are facing a rapidly changing landscape that values continuous innovation. Innovation starts with market research, and market researchers need a new approach that relies on first-party data (instead of third-party data) to drive business forward with speed and scale.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Attracting And Keeping Customers: Intelligent CX To Unlock Growth
Import from forbes.com
May 11, 2022
The art of attracting and keeping customers boils down to the conviction of your strategy and your ability to keep them happy. Your technology must be seamless, and leave customers feeling rewarded.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Business Superpowers Unleashed: 4 Mission-Critical Priorities Every COO Needs To Know
Import from forbes.com
May 10, 2022
For chief operating officers (COOs), business super powers can be unleashed by following these four mission-critical steps.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

How To Create More Personalized Experiences At Work
Import from forbes.com
May 09, 2022
People want to work for companies that listen and respond with empathy. Organizations that leverage both operational and experience data to personalize employee experiences will stand out in the eyes of current and prospective employees. How can companies do that at scale?

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

CPG Top Trends: Great Places To Work Attract Great Customers Too
Import from forbes.com
May 09, 2022
From fashion and food to household products and more, manufacturers have realized that the employee experience is foundational to providing consumers with the product experience that they expect.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

4 Inherent Forces Behind High-Growth Companies
Import from forbes.com
May 09, 2022
In an SAP Insights global survey of companies with annual revenues below $1 billion, new risks and rising expectations for performance improvement are creating a marketplace where traditional organizational priorities are no longer enough to stay competitive.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Why A Rising India Needs The Midmarket To Innovate In The Cloud
Import from forbes.com
May 05, 2022
Even though India is a rising global power, its midmarket segment is using limited resources to innovate and ensure business continuity.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Three Ways Digitalization Is Transforming Australia’s Utility Industry
Import from forbes.com
May 05, 2022
Forward-looking utilities are diversifying from legacy stalwarts to innovative service providers tackling climate change, heading off bad actors, and becoming an employer of choice.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Back To School: How The Great Resignation Is Changing Education
Import from forbes.com
May 04, 2022
According to UNESCO, approximately 1.5 billion students worldwide shifted to virtual learning at the pandemic's peak. Today, most schools have reopened. But how has this affected the workforce of teachers, faculty, and administrators?

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

How Manufacturers Supercharge Massive Supply Chain Advantage With Industry 4.0
Import from forbes.com
May 03, 2022
Intelligence has kickstarted the next digitalized revolution across industrial manufacturing.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Mother’s Day Supply Chain: How Sustainable Is Your Breakfast In Bed?
Import from forbes.com
May 03, 2022
Have you ever wondered how much of the traditional Mother's Day breakfast in bed comes from sustainable sources?

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

When It Comes To Modern Supply Chain Management, Time Is Of The Essence
Import from forbes.com
May 02, 2022
Here’s a safe rule of thumb in the supply chain field: if the physical goods flow faster than the information about them, then it may be time to digitalize. Why? It’s about time – specifically about having timely information on hand to move (and change course) fast enough to meet expectations.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Connected Data Is Lifesaving Breakthrough In Trusted Drug Supply Chains
Import from forbes.com
April 26, 2022
How a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer and SAP are co-innovating to pilot a mobile app that would help U.S. law enforcement agencies spot counterfeit drugs before they reach patients.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Sustainable Manufacturing Must Balance Profitability, People And The Planet
Import from forbes.com
April 25, 2022
No manufacturer can claim to be sustainable without sustainable supply chain and manufacturing processes. Let’s take a look at the critical building blocks of sustainable manufacturing.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

For High Tech Supply Chains, CO2 Emission Tracking Is Sustainable Business Currency
Import from forbes.com
April 19, 2022
Why high tech industry leaders are making sustainability a core commitment and how this is transforming business models.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Owning Net-Zero: Small Actions Make A Big Difference In B2B Relationships
Import from forbes.com
April 15, 2022
Despite current challenges with their data, midsize companies are prioritizing sustainability as a substantial factor in their future growth. But “getting sustainability right” to drive long-term competitiveness and profitability is complicated when dealing with more than one B2B customer.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Sustainable Logistics: 7 Steps To Reduce Emissions And Optimize Operations
Import from forbes.com
April 13, 2022
With strong economic growth projected globally – particularly for Asia, Africa, and Latin America – logistics emissions are expected to more than double by 2050. By now, we’re long past the point for research and planning. The time is now to take the action needed to change the trajectory.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Digital Learning Skyrockets As High-Growth Industries Invest In Top Talent
Import from forbes.com
April 12, 2022
How aerospace and defense and industrial machinery leaders are building the workforce they need for growth with continuous career-long digital learning.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Sustainable Easter: Chocolate’s Biggest Day Hops Into New Supply Chain Territory
Import from forbes.com
April 08, 2022
As the world becomes more socially and environmentally conscious, supply chains have one more thing to keep an eye on this Easter: sustainability.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

5 Actions For A Sustainable Supply Chain
Forbes
April 06, 2022
Only two years into the “Decade of Action,” we’re beginning to see what happens when companies don’t pivot to more sustainable business practices. As many companies embark on their sustainability journey, here is a five-step action plan to consider.

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Climate Change

How US Leaders Can Invest $500B To Future-Proof America’s Infrastructure
Import from forbes.com
April 05, 2022
While infrastructure spend conversations start with fixing bridges, roads, railways, water pipes, energy grids and the like, here's why leaders need to incorporate technology into digital transformation plans.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

4 Ways To Create A More Resilient Supply Chain
Forbes
March 21, 2022
While highly effective, we’ve seen how modern supply chains are vulnerable to major disruption. How should companies respond in order to create greater resilience?

See publication

Tags: Innovation, Sustainability, Supply Chain

Sustainable Supply Chains – Good For The Environment and Good For Business
SAP Community
March 07, 2022
Why sustainability can be good for the planet, people and profitability

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Climate Change

Great Customer Experiences Thrive Best With Interconnected And Resilient Supply Chains
Forbes
February 24, 2022
As people depend increasingly on e-commerce and delivery services to get the products they need and want, everyone runs the risk of having a bad customer experience (if they haven’t already). But it shouldn’t have to be that way.

See publication

Tags: Customer Experience, Innovation, Supply Chain

Continuous Innovation: Where Midsize Businesses Truly Grow More Competitive
Forbes
February 09, 2022
Sorting through old boxes in my garage, my son came upon my collection of ‘80s and ‘90s movies. As I watched him pull out my VHS tapes, DVDs, and a couple of laserdiscs from this time capsule of my youth, I couldn’t help but realize how quickly we’ve gone from storing movies on shelves to streaming them on demand from a single device that can fit in my pocket.

See publication

Tags: Supply Chain, Management

When Semiconductor Chips Are Down, What Can Be Done?
Import from forbes.com
January 26, 2022
Over the past 12 months, car manufacturers have screeched to a halt, consumer electronics plants have gone offline, and home appliances factories have rumbled to a standstill. Why? Because of the global semiconductor shortage. What strategies can be deployed to address these challenges?

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

2022 Global Supply Chains: Four Trends That Will Shape The Future
Import from forbes.com
January 19, 2022
As supply chain risks continue to flare up For the past 20 months, the word that everybody is using to describe what is needed has been resiliency.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

What Are The Secrets Of Santa’s Supply Chain?
Import from forbes.com
December 07, 2021
What are some of the secrets of Santa’s supply chain? Settle down by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa and read on.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Let’s Give Thanks To The People Supporting The Thanksgiving Supply Chain
Import from forbes.com
November 17, 2021
It is estimated that Americans consume about 80 million pounds of cranberries during Thanksgiving. So, let’s take a closer look at that can of cranberry sauce, and what it takes to provide this staple of the Thanksgiving meal.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Amazon Prime Day 2021: What’s The Supply Chain Deal?
Forbes
June 10, 2021
The supply chain challenges of "Christmas in June"

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

3 Strategies To Get The Global Supply Chain Back In Shape
Forbes
March 23, 2021
So what have we learned from the challenges that we have faced over the past 12 months? How have supply chains changed in both the short term to address the challenges, and the medium and long term to reduce the risk moving forward?

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

Resilient Supply Chains Are The (Executive) Order Of The Day
SAP Community
March 23, 2021
On Feb 24th, President Biden introduced an “Executive Order on America’s Supply Chain” highlighting the need for a “resilient, diverse, and secure supply chain to ensure our economic prosperity and national security.”

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

Resilient Supply Chains Are The (Executive) Order Of The Day
Forbes
March 05, 2021
On Feb 24th, President Biden introduced an “Executive Order on America’s Supply Chain” highlighting the need for a “resilient, diverse, and secure supply chain to ensure our economic prosperity and national security.” The executive order also discussed the future risk of “pandemics and other biological threats, cyber-attacks, climate shocks and extreme weather events, terrorist attacks, geopolitical and economic competition, and other conditions” and how these factors “reduce critical manufacturing capacity and the availability and integrity of critical goods, products, and services.”

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Continuity

3 Defining Characteristics Of Future Supply Chains
Forbes
March 02, 2021
When it comes to supply chain logistics, every minute counts, and visibility and collaboration across your network is a must.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

Why a Great Customer Experience Requires a Great Supply Chain
Wall Street Journal
March 01, 2021
there is no point in having a great order experience if your supply chain processes are not designed to deliver on the promise.

See publication

Tags: Customer Experience, Supply Chain

Why a Great Customer Experience Requires a Great Supply Chain
Wall Street Journal
February 25, 2021
Why a Great Customer Experience Requires a Great Supply Chain

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Emerging Technology, Supply Chain

How The Network Effect Enables A Global Supply Chain
SAP Community
February 22, 2021
How The Network Effect Enables A Global Supply Chain

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

How The Network Effect Enables A Global Supply Chain
Forbes
February 16, 2021
The complex network of trading partners required to deliver a great customer experience

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

5 Supply Chain Truths for a Post-COVID-19 World
SAP Insights
February 09, 2021
The long, lean, and low-cost global supply chains that dominated the past 30 years will never be the same again. New rules that put a priority on risk are emerging.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, COVID19, Supply Chain

The Power Of Supply Chain Planning Provides Competitive Edge For Medium-Sized Businesses
Forbes
February 05, 2021
According to IDC, success happens when supply chain planning is fully integrated and dispersed across the business and massive volumes of data are available throughout the organization.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

Supply Chain Predictions Part 3: The Demand For Sustainable Supply Chains And Enabling Technologies
Forbes
February 03, 2021
Sustainability was a major focus of many companies post pandemic and will remain front and center in companies’ purpose and plans post pandemic.

See publication

Tags: Blockchain, Sustainability, Supply Chain

For Resilient Supply Chains, Think Local
SAP Insights
February 02, 2021
Pandemics aren’t the only threat to global supply chains. To survive disruption, companies need to include suppliers that are close to their customers.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Emerging Technology, Supply Chain

The Incredible Challenges Of Vaccinating The World - Twice
Forbes
February 02, 2021
For the COVID-19 vaccine, it seems the "last mile" delivery has now become the "last three centimeters" – from hospital refrigerators and into the arms of the public.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Health and Wellness, Supply Chain

2021 Supply Chain Predictions
SAP Community
January 28, 2021
2021 Supply Chain Predictions

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

5 Tips To Ensure Digital Continuity During Business Discontinuity
Forbes
January 25, 2021
Increasingly, our supply chains are digital – the assets that make up the supply chain, the communications channels we use to manage it, even the products we ultimately produce and sell to our customers. Tracking and managing all of this “digital” requires new capabilities.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Supply Chain, Business Continuity

Vision Of The Future: 2021 Supply Chain Predictions
Internet of Business
January 19, 2021
Vision Of The Future: 2021 Supply Chain Predictions

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Emerging Technology, Supply Chain

Supply Chain Predictions Part 2 : COVID-19 Demands Increased Resilience And Reduced Risk
Forbes
January 19, 2021
In the first article in this series, I summarized a few supply chain predictions from several supply chain experts and thought leaders over the past few months. In this article I will provide even more detail and share deeper thoughts from these experts.

See publication

Tags: Supply Chain

Vision Of The Future: 2021 Supply Chain Predictions
Forbes
January 09, 2021
“Making predictions is hard, especially about the future.”

This quote has been attributed to many people, but anyone who made predictions about their “20/20” vision certainly would agree.

As we look in the rear view mirror at an “eventful” 2020, I have had the chance both to reflect on the past 12 months and talk to a few thought leaders in the supply chain and technology space about what lies ahead for us in 2021 (and beyond).

So, with that in the back of my mind, here I go, throwing my thoughts into the “websphere”, about predictions for supply chain executives in 2021.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

Industry 4.0 Will Become Even More Valuable After The Pandemic
Forbes
January 05, 2021
Industry 4.0 has helped during the pandemic, and will help in the future too.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, IoT, Supply Chain

Industry 4.0 Will Become Even More Valuable After The Pandemic
Internet of Business
January 04, 2021
Industry 4.0 Will Become Even More Valuable After The Pandemic

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Emerging Technology, Supply Chain

Supply Chains That Matter: What The Pandemic Exposed—And How To Fix It
Forbes
January 04, 2021
Supply Chains have come to the forefront in 2020 and are now a discussion in almost every boardroom. What have we learned from 2020?

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

Santa’s Socially Distanced Supply Chain
Forbes
December 03, 2020
In the midst of a global pandemic, Santa faces his biggest challenge ever: How to keep everybody safe and still make Christmas magical. Here are a few of the steps he has put in place for Christmas 2020.

See publication

Tags: Supply Chain

Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus ... and free shipping.... and one hour delivery
Forbes
December 10, 2018
Logistics in holiday season

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, IoT, Supply Chain

1 Influencer Award
Supply Chain Pros to Know 2021
Supply & Demand Chain Executive
March 17, 2021
Identified as a supply chain Pro to Know for 2021

See publication

Tags: Supply Chain

4 Keynotes
Enabling A Resilient And Sustainable Supply Chain
Eventful Group
June 13, 2022
Over the past 2 years, the risks and shortfalls in our global supply chains have been front and center as companies looked to reduce risk and increase resiliency. As we look to the future, sustainability will join resiliency as a main theme. Supply Chains are now seen as central to business survival, success, and growth, rather than an opportunity to just reduce costs. This session will discuss the key enablers of a resilient and sustainable supply chain.

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Business Strategy

Advancing Supply Chains through Sustainability
Supply Chain Canada
February 24, 2022
Why sustainability can be good for the planet, people and profitability

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Climate Change

Support the environment and your business with a sustainable supply chain
Sapphire NOW
June 08, 2021
Support the environment and your business with a sustainable supply chain

See publication

Tags: Sustainability, Supply Chain, Climate Change

Surviving and Thriving with a Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chain
Eventful Group
March 29, 2021
The world we live in, while often turbulent, has been turned on its head recently. Now more than ever we need supply chains that have the agility to sense, predict, and respond to risks and opportunities. The productivity to meet market and customer demands. The connectivity to collaborate and provide visibility across your networks. And drive sustainable processes to ensure that products are ethically sourced, manufactured and delivered with zero waste with carbon neutral processes. Learn how SAP solutions can help your company operate a resilient, sustainable supply chain.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, IoT, Supply Chain

10 Media Interviews
Fueled by new technologies, the future of supply chains is here
TechTarget
February 18, 2021
An outlook on the future of supply chains

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Emerging Technology, Supply Chain

Industrial Augmented Reality Promises Remote Support
DC Velocity
October 19, 2020
Industrial augmented reality is picking up steam during the pandemic.

See publication

Tags: Emerging Technology, IoT, Supply Chain

Q&A: Richard Howells, VP of Solution Marketing for SAP Digital Supply Chain
Modern Materials Handling
October 16, 2020
Q&A: Richard Howells, VP of Solution Marketing for SAP Digital Supply Chain

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, COVID19, Supply Chain

Everything Commerce: the past, present and future of business on the internet
Supply Chain Digital
October 06, 2020
Industrial augmented reality is picking up steam during the pandemic.

See publication

Tags: Emerging Technology, IoT, Supply Chain

Why is SCM Software essential to supply chains?
Supply Chain Digital
July 13, 2020
Why is SCM Software essential to supply chains?

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, COVID19, Supply Chain

Covid-19 & Necessity Accelerate Supply Chain Digitization
ESP News
June 16, 2020
Covid-19 & Necessity Accelerate Supply Chain Digitization

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, COVID19, Supply Chain

Digital twin technology on turbulent climb to stratosphere
TechTarget
June 09, 2020
Digital twins may be the hottest thing in the already overhyped IoT. The potential is real, but deciding what goes into digital twins and linking them with enterprise data is no small feat.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Emerging Technology, Digital Twins

Digital Transformation in the Supply Chain
Logistics Viewpoint
May 21, 2020
Digitalization is accelerating the pace of business and transforming global supply chains. In a freewheeling discussion at the ARC Industry Forum in Orlando, I spoke with Richard Howells, Vice President Marketing Digital Supply Chain at SAP about the trends, customer expectations, the challenges, and imperatives of digital transformation in the supply chain.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain

supply chain lessons learned from Fyre Festival
Supply Chain Digital
May 07, 2020
supply chain lessons learned from Fyre Festival

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain

SAP adds Uber Freight to logistics network
DC Velocity
May 02, 2020
SAP adds Uber Freight to logistics network

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, Emerging Technology, Supply Chain

2 Panels
Diverse Backgrounds Help Build Supply Chains Stronger
Supply & Demand Executive
May 03, 2022
Four of this year’s Pros to Know winners from SAP sat down to talk all things supply chain, how the pandemic has affected the way companies do business, what advice they would give their younger selves and more.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

How Manufacturers Build The Next Generation Products & Solutions
Voice America
March 02, 2021
How can manufacturers manage this “new normal”? They need to ensure research and design efforts are customer-centric and can be brought to market quickly. Industrial equipment and products need to support new as-a-service business models that impact the design process and collaboration across the value chain. And they must continue to design and deliver custom-tailored products and solutions that customers want and need. Hint: Industry 4.0 capabilities can help with these challenges. We’ll ask Joe Bohman at Siemens, and Bernard Meyer and Richard Howells at SAP how the design process is evolving and the importance of having intelligent solutions to streamline and integrate product and solution design, on How Manufacturers Build The Next Generation Products and Solutions.

See publication

Tags: Digital Transformation, IoT, Supply Chain

1 Podcast
The Future of ERP The Future of ERP – Episode 1
SAP
January 13, 2023
ERP Predictions with Simo Said, Richard Howells & Öykü Ilgar

In this episode, Simo Said discusses the evolution of ERP and the outlook to trends and business drivers in 2023. Listen to our very first The Future of ERP podcast to discover why ERP is the backbone of the organization to run mission-critical operations.

See publication

Tags: ERP, Sustainability

2 Speaking Engagements
Future Vision for Supply Chains in a Disruptive World
Internet of Business
November 18, 2020
At the start of 2020, when experts were busy providing their “20/20 vision,” no one predicted a global pandemic that would bring the global economy to a virtual standstill within weeks. Demand for goods and services became highly variable. The supply of critical materials was uncertain. Labor and resource capacity in manufacturing and logistics turned severely constrained.

This highlighted flaws in many global supply chains that have been “leaned out” and stretched to reduce costs. As a result, the pandemic has made supply chains the center of attention in daily presidential briefings, corporate boardrooms and even family dining tables. Supply chains have become, if they were not already, a strategic topic.

And given the world still grapples with the ongoing effects of COVID-19 as the end of 2020 nears, IoB Voices thought it was a good time to hear more from SAP’s supply chain expert, Richard Howells.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, COVID19, Supply Chain

Supply chain predictions
ARC
March 02, 2020
Interview with IDC

See publication

Tags: Supply Chain

1 Webinar
Ho, Ho, Ho…How to Ensure a Sustainable Holiday Supply Chain
LinkedIn
December 01, 2022
‘Tis the season when supply chains are put to the test—the past few years even more. Not only are they tasked with delivering presents on time to children on the nice list the world over, but they’re expected to do it sustainably.

At SAP, our goal is zero: zero emissions, zero waste, zero inequality. Central to achieving this goal are supply chains, as both a major contributor to the problem and a major area of opportunity.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

3 Webinars
How to Navigate Towards a More Risk-Resilient and Sustainable Future
LinkedIn Live
November 10, 2022
here have been many changes in the world of supply chain management over the past 25 years, and the road ahead promises more changes — along with more risk, uncertainty, and volatility.

The first step is to expand the conversation of balancing cost and service to also include resilience, risk, and sustainability.
• What if you changed your traditional perspective of supply chain management?
• What if you finally “walked the talk” of breaking down functional silos and truly optimized and collaborated across business processes and across network trading partners?
• What if you leveraged smart sensors and added more automation across your supply chain?

Join SAP’s Richard Howells, VP Solution Management for Digital Supply Chain, and Adrian Gonzalez, President of Adelante SCM, as they dive into these questions and more, the answers to which will guide your supply chains toward a more intelligent, risk-resilient, and sustainable future.

See publication

Tags: Business Strategy, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Business Networks in 6 mins
SAP
February 20, 2021
An overview of the networked economy

See publication

Tags: Business Continuity, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain

The Digital Supply Chain podcast What does a seasonal, socially distanced, supply chain look like?
Digital Supply Chain Podcast
December 14, 2020
The Digital Supply Chain podcast What does a seasonal, socially distanced, supply chain look like? A chat with Richard Howells

See publication

Tags: COVID19, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Thinkers360 Credentials

9 Badges

Blog

Opportunities

Add to Shortlist View Shortlist »

Contact Richard Howells

Book a Meeting

Media Kit

Share Profile

Contact Info

  Profile

Richard Howells

Latest Tweets