Episode 132: The role of the Business Network with Bristlecone

This week we, together with Bristlecone’s Robert Kalbach and Guru Parvati, dive into the necessity of business networks for collaboration and transparency in complex supply chains. We discuss challenges like ESG compliance, integration of business systems, AI’s role in decision-making, and how SAP and Bristlecone partner to create connected, intelligent, and autonomous supply chain ecosystems for competitive advantage. Guest: Gururaj Parvati, Director at Bristlecone, SAP Global Partner Gururaj Parvati leads go‑to‑market programs that connect strategy to execution across Planning, Procurement, and Execution. Over a 25‑plus‑year career spanning delivery, program management, and presales, he brings a practitioner’s lens to SAP Business Network, showing the ‘art of the possible’ with AI/ML layered on S/4HANA, IBP, Ariba, and Transportation Management. At Bristlecone, Gururaj partners closely with SAP on story‑driven, integrated demonstrations that help customers unlock real‑time supplier and logistics collaboration, improve end‑to‑end visibility, and translate network insights into measurable outcomes. His work bridges product capabilities with customer value and GTM impact, enabling organizations to modernize operations while building resilience across their extended enterprise. Guest: Robert Kalbach, Director and Consulting Leader – Consumer Goods & Life Sciences Business Unit, Bristlecone Bob has over two decades of experience in academia, industry and consulting at various organizations.  He has been a divisional risk officer in financial services and the head of operations engineering in telecom.  He has led process improvement, digital transformation, SAP and technology engagements in Industrial Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Healthcare, Life Sciences and Med Tech.  As a professor of Supply Chain and Decision Science at a local NY metro university, he maintains academic ties to leading research and innovation.  Specifically, in the areas of AI / ML application and growth benefits for operations across industries. 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. 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. Useful Links: Download Transcript Bristlecone: https://www.bristlecone.com Whitepapers: Strategic Planning for Resilient and Agile Supply Chains – Bristlecone Revolutionizing Procurement: Lean Strategies for Sustainable Success – Bristlecone Supply Chain Management:  SAP Supply Chain Management  SAP Insights: Supply Chain   Follow Us on Social Media Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X Oyku Ilgar: SAP Community, LinkedIn SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn   Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!