Roca Group, a Barcelona-based company renowned for its innovative bathroom products, has navigated numerous challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions such as the war in Ukraine, and fluctuations in energy prices. Established in 1917, Roca operates globally, with a presence in 170 countries, a workforce of 21,000, and a network of 79 production plants.
Jakob Nieuwland, the Digital Transformation Director at Roca Group, highlighted the company’s proactive approach to overcoming these hurdles. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to fulfill the organization’s goals, which encompass growth, innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
In discussing the global supply chain, Nieuwland pointed out the necessity for agile planning. He mentioned that enhanced technological capabilities allow Roca to have greater visibility across its supply chain, enabling collaborative efforts among suppliers, customers, and internal teams, which leads to optimized processes and informed decision-making.
Roca relies on SAP technology for core operations, employing solutions for order processing and inventory management. This digital backbone supports Roca in anticipating product demand and effectively aligning production, ultimately resulting in improved service levels and optimized stock management.
In a significant move towards digital transformation, Roca has embraced SAP’s RISE initiative and is set to launch SAP S/4HANA Cloud by early 2025. Nieuwland expressed confidence that this cloud-based solution will drive further innovation and enhance productivity, particularly with the integration of generative AI tools like Joule, which can elevate operational efficiency and customer interaction.
Sustainability is another critical focus for Roca, with the company investigating its carbon emissions across various scopes and committing to carbon neutrality by 2045. Roca aims to provide the best bathroom experience possible while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Nieuwland also shared insights for other manufacturers, underscoring the necessity of addressing fundamental business challenges first and utilizing technology to drive significant value. He advocated for collaboration across different departments to identify comprehensive solutions rather than relying on scattered technologies.
By emphasizing innovative technology and sustainability, Roca Group is poised to set new industry standards, showcasing resilience amid global challenges while maintaining a commitment to exceptional customer experiences.
This article illustrates the growing importance of technology in enhancing operational efficiency and addressing sustainability goals in manufacturing, offering valuable lessons for businesses across various sectors.