Barcelona-based Roca Group, a leading company in the bathroom products industry, has navigated various challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions due to the war in Ukraine, and fluctuations in energy prices. Established in 1917, Roca Group operates in 170 countries, with a workforce of 21,000 and 79 manufacturing sites worldwide, showcasing its strong global presence.
According to Jacques Nieuwland, the company’s Digital Transformation Director, Roca has enhanced its international business through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. He emphasizes that his role focuses on utilizing technology to fulfill essential company objectives such as growth, innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
To address global supply chain challenges, Nieuwland highlights the importance of agile planning. He notes that improved technology has granted the company enhanced visibility across its supply chains, allowing for better collaboration with suppliers and customers. By leveraging a unified set of processes and data, Roca can optimize its entire value chain, leading to more informed decision-making.
Roca utilizes SAP as the foundation of its operational applications, driving critical processes like order management and inventory planning. Through the SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain solution, the company is better equipped to predict product demand, adjust production levels accordingly, and maintain optimal stock levels, ensuring excellent customer service.
Roca’s enduring partnership with SAP stems from a history of successful collaboration and the trust it has in SAP’s leading solutions. This year, Roca has opted for RISE with SAP and plans to implement SAP S/4HANA Cloud by early 2025 as part of its digital transformation journey, which Nieuwland believes will further enhance innovation. He mentions the incorporation of SAP’s generative AI copilot, Joule, into their cloud ERP system as a significant advancement that can boost productivity.
On the sustainability front, Roca Group is actively analyzing its emissions across different categories and has set ambitious yearly targets for CO2 reduction. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, reflecting its commitment to providing the best bathroom experience for customers globally.
To inspire other manufacturers, Nieuwland advises starting with a clear business challenge and aligning technology to create business value. He stresses the importance of collaboration among cross-functional teams, advocating for a holistic approach rather than relying on isolated solutions. Emphasizing an integrated enterprise architecture is essential for addressing complex challenges effectively.
Overall, Roca Group’s adaptability and forward-thinking strategies bode well for its future, indicating a commitment to innovation and sustainability that can inspire other companies in their own digital transformation journeys.