With insights from SAP’s Mark Averskog and Descartes’ Eric Geerts, together, we dive into the world of ocean transportation, highlighting the importance of sea freight in global trade, current challenges faced by shippers and carriers, and the ongoing digital transformation of the industry. Learn about the push for greater visibility, process automation, and sustainability in maritime logistics, and how these advancements are set to revolutionize supply chain management in the coming years.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.

Guest: Eric Geerts, Descartes Systems Group
Experienced professional in IT product portfolio and lifecycle management in an international context, including strategy & vision, product roadmap, go-to-market, product specifications, pricing, financial analysis/business case, leading innovation and internal alignment across different teams including product management, development and implementation.
Broad knowledge in transport, logistics and Customs compliance processes and IT solutions for all transport modes (ocean, road, air, small parcel/express etc.). This includes products and services in the areas of TMS (Transport Management System), real-time tracking and visibility, (small) parcel shipping, multi-modal digital carrier connectivity, Customs compliance and port solutions. Over the years, he has gained experience in the integration of both internal and external products.

Guest: Mark Averskog, SAP
Mark Averskog is currently VP of Product Marketing for SAP’s logistics network solutions, and his responsibilities include solution marketing and strategy, roadmap, go-to-market activities, analyst, and sales support. Mark has some 30 years of years of experience in supply chain management and logistics, and has held leadership roles in supply chain planning, product management, business development, consulting, and customer success organizations. Mark has been a frequent speaker at supply chain events including SAPPHIRE and other events.

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: Nicole Smythe, SAP
Nicole Smythe is a marketer, blogger, and podcaster in the Digital Supply Chain and ERP space at SAP. With a Master’s degree in Global Supply Chain Management and various field experiences, she hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, focusing on topics like market trends, emerging technology, and the next generation of workers.
Useful Links:
Learn more about ocean transportation and shipment management & how to bring out your best.
- SAP Supply Chain Management
- SAP Insights: Supply Chain
- Descartes, Connecting Logistic Partners Worldwide with SAP S/4HANA
- Enable End-to-end Ocean Shipment Management and Visibility for your Supply Chain
Follow Us on Social Media
- Eric Geerts: LinkedIn
- Mark Averskog: LinkedIn
- Richard Howells: LinkedIn, X
- Nicole Smythe: LinkedIn, X
- SAP Digital Supply Chain: LinkedIn
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