Episode 144: Why the future of manufacturing is in the cloud with Shaun Mitra from IBM

In this week's episode, we explore why the future of manufacturing is in the cloud, how hybrid architectures, AI, and edge are transforming plants, and what leaders must do on security, data, and people to succeed.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠

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This week, alongside IBM’s Shaun Mitra, we explore why modern manufacturing should be in the cloud. We discuss how hybrid cloud and edge architectures facilitate real-time, data-driven plants, and the roles of AI, digital twins, and Industry 4.0. Additionally, Shaun shares insights on cybersecurity, data governance, workforce upskilling, and practical steps for manufacturers to start their cloud journey.

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Guest 1: Shaun Mitra, Partner, Manufacturing & Enterprise Asset Management, IBM

Shaun Mitra is a Partner at IBM, responsible for Manufacturing and Supply Chain Transformation. With over 25 years of experience, Shaun has led large-scale global ERP and digital manufacturing transformations for complex industrial organizations. He specializes in SAP S/4HANA RISE, Digital Manufacturing, PLM systems and Industry 4.0, enabling clients to modernize operations, optimize assets, and scale globally.

Shaun has successfully delivered multi-region transformation programs for global enterprises including Shell, Air Products and Chemicals, INEOS, Saint-Gobain, and Valmont Industries, driving measurable improvements in operational efficiency, supply chain performance, and asset reliability

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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:

IBM: https://www.ibm.com/us-en

Shaun Mitra: LinkedIn

Supply Chain Management: 

⁠⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠⁠  

Follow Us on Social Media  

Richard Howells: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠X⁠⁠  

SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠  

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Chapters: 

00:00:00: Intro

00:00:57: Guest introduction

00:01:35: Why manufacturers resisted the cloud and what changed

00:04:02: Cloud platforms across design, production, and maintenance

00:07:27: Embedding AI, digital twins, Industry 4.0

00:09:57: Cybersecurity and data governance in the cloud

00:11:36: People, upskilling, and change management

00:14:49: Five practical steps to start a cloud journey

00:16:58: Factory of the future: mostly autonomous and data-driven

00:18:12: How the SAP–IBM partnership supports cloud manufacturing

00:19:14: What's the future of the supply chain?

00:19:58: Outro