Meet Espresso Tutorials Author Kevin Riddell

Meet Espresso Tutorials author Kevin Riddell. Kevin is the co-author of Practical Guide to SAP GTS Part 1: SPL Screening and Compliance Management and Practical Guide to SAP GTS Part 2: Preference and Customs Management.

How did you get your start with SAP?
I have worked for Tremco for 22 years, and we began with SAP in 1998. For years I was an ECC user, and then in 2011 when we added the GTS module, I became the business owner for that part of SAP.

What are you most proud of in your SAP career?
Implementing GTS successfully was my first time participating in a large software implementation, and it went very well. Since then I’ve had the chance to present Tremco’s GTS story at multiple events, and most recently I became the chair of the SAP GTS User Influence Council. Of course, completing the 2-part Practical Guide for SAP GTS (with my co-author) is a significant achievement for me as well!

What are some of the most important trends that you see currently impacting SAP GTS and SAP GTS teams?
I think a significant challenge for SAP GTS in general will be reaching the smaller companies that are hesitant to spend large capital on software, but need a global trade solution. There are other, non-SAP solutions that are “on demand” or in the cloud – I’m happy to see SAP meeting this challenge with SAP partners, to offer more of this kind of software model. Another significant challenge on the horizon is the new TPP Trade Agreement – it is potentially the largest free trade agreement in history, and has rule of origin requirements that are unique. SAP has the potential to get out in front of this demand and offer a TPP solution.

What professional organizations are you associated with?
I’m a member of the Canadian Institute for Traffic and Transportation (CITT) and hold their designation (CCLP).
How do you stay up to date on SAP topics? What resources do you regularly use?
I stay involved through the American SAP Users Group (ASUG) and attend SAP events and conferences. As Chair of the User Influence Council I have access to cutting edge news about SAP GTS

What is your favorite vacation spot? 
My favourite vacation spot is anywhere I haven’t been yet – I love to travel to new places, and thankfully my family feels the same. We’ve had some amazing times just driving throughout North America without an agenda, free to stop and look at whatever catches our eye!

Kevin Riddell, CCLP is the International Logistics Manager, North America for The Tremco Group, where he has worked for more than 20 years. The Tremco Group manufactures and exports chemical-based construction products worldwide. Kevin is responsible for International Trade Compliance, including Customs Compliance and related import and export regulations. Kevin is the business lead and administrator for SAP GTS, and led the software selection/implementation process in 2011. Kevin lives in Toronto, Canada and splits his work time between Toronto and Cleveland, Ohio. He is a regular presenter on SAP GTS as well as Trade Compliance, and he speaks at both SAP and non-SAP events. He is the co-author of Practical Guide to SAP GTS Part 1: SPL Screening and Compliance Management and Practical Guide to SAP GTS Part 2: Preference and Customs Management.