Episode 162: Circumventing Geopolitics: How Network Intelligence and AI Can Answer Uncertainty with SAP's Ralf Hierzegger
The Future of Supply ChainShow Notes
This week, we talk with SAP's Ralf Hierzegger about how network intelligence and AI can assist logistics teams in managing disruptions, enhancing collaboration, and building a more resilient supply chain.
Download the episode transcript
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In this episode, we speak with SAP’s Ralf Hierzegger about how constant disruption, digital dependencies, and climate and regulatory shifts are reshaping logistics. They explore why supply chains must move beyond company borders, how AI can support real-time decisions, and why trusted network collaboration is essential for better execution, efficiency, and resilience.
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Guest 1: Ralf Hierzegger, Chief Product Owner of SAP BN4L, SAP Ralf has built his career at the intersection of logistics, consulting, and digital innovation. After starting out as a forwarding agent from 1990 to 1992, he studied economics from 1993 to 1996 before joining SAP in 1996 as a consultant. In 2013, he stepped into the role of Solution Architect at SAP SE Custom Development, focusing on Foreign Trade and Transportation Logistics. Since 2023, he has served as Chief Product Owner of SAP BN4L, helping shape the future of business networks in logistics. He is married and the father of two grown-up children.
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.
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Show Links: Read: Circumventing Geopolitics: How Network Intelligence and AI Can Answer Uncertainty blog
SAP Business AI Platform
Supply chain logistics
SAP Logistics Assistant
Supply Chain Management: SAP Supply Chain Management SAP Insights: Supply Chain
Follow Us on Social Media : Richard Howells: LinkedIn, SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn
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Chapters:
00:00:00: Intro 00:01:22: Guest’s Introductions 00:02:23: Why logistics disruption is harder now 00:06:26: Structural challenges in supply chain and logistics 00:08:02: Using AI to respond to delays and blockages 00:10:51: Why AI alone cannot solve logistics 00:12:36: The value of AI for a business network 00:14:24: How data sharing improves network performance 00:16:27: First steps for adopting network intelligence and AI 00:19:06: What is the Future of Supply Chain? 00:20:31: Outro
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