Episode 163: Supply Chain Logistics with Westernacher's Rafael Avila

Today, we speak with Rafael Avila, who discusses how AI-powered logistics improves visibility, reduces emissions, and helps companies balance cost, service, and sustainability in transportation planning.

Download the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (sap-podcast-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/the-future…)

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In this episode, Rafael Avila of Westernacher joins us to discuss the future of logistics. He explains how AI can make emissions visible earlier, improve mode and carrier decisions, reduce waste, and support better service. The conversation also explores workforce shifts and the importance of end-to-end supply chain visibility.

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Guest: Rafael Avila, Supply Chain and Logistics leader, Westernacher Consulting
Rafael Avila is a Supply Chain and Logistics leader specializing in SAP Transportation Management and end-to-end supply chain transformation at Westernacher Consulting. With over a decade of experience, he has worked across global organizations to design and deliver solutions that improve transportation planning, execution, and visibility across complex networks.

A former IBM consulting leader, Rafael spent years supporting large-scale S/4HANA programs and shaping supply chain strategies across industries including consumer products, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and mining. His work has focused on helping organizations connect transportation with warehousing, trade, and order management to unlock more integrated and resilient supply chains.

Today, Rafael continues to work closely with clients on modern logistics challenges, with a strong focus on simplifying complex topics, driving practical outcomes, and exploring how technologies like AI are reshaping transportation and supply chain decision-making.

Host 1: Richard Howells

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 2: 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. 

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Show Links:
Westernacher (westernacher.com)
Article: (westernacher.com/smarter-transportation-manage…) Smarter Transportation Management cuts your carbon footprint

Supply Chain Management: 
⁠SAP Supply Chain Management⁠ (sap.com/products/scm/solutions.html)
⁠SAP Insights: Supply Chain⁠ (sap.com/insights/supply-chain.html)  

Follow Us on Social Media :
Richard Howells: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ (linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells),
Oyku Ilgar: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ (linkedin.com/in/oykuilgar) 
SAP Digital Supply Chain: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ (linkedin.com/showcase/sapscm)  

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Chapters:

00:00:00: Intro
00:01:22: Guest’s Introductions
00:04:48: Making transportation emissions visible with AI
00:07:39: Why reporting alone does not reduce emissions
00:09:50: Mode selection and carrier choice matter
00:12:33: AI can cut cost, emissions, and service waste together
00:14:27: Biggest sustainability wins in transportation planning
00:18:28: How AI changes the logistics workforce
00:22:33: Common pitfalls in digitizing supply chain
00:25:14: What is the Future of Supply Chain?
00:26:28: Outro