Roca Group, a Barcelona-based global leader in bathroom design and manufacturing, has navigated numerous challenges over recent years, including disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and fluctuating energy prices. Established in 1917, Roca operates in 170 countries, employs 21,000 people, and runs 79 production facilities, showcasing its extensive global footprint.
Jacques Nieuwland, Roca Group’s Digital Transformation Director, emphasizes that the company has pursued growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. He highlights the importance of leveraging technology to meet the company’s objectives, which include growth, innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
The firm faces the complexities of a global supply chain, compelling them to adopt a more agile planning approach. According to Nieuwland, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing visibility and collaboration across the value chain, allowing them to optimize processes and make informed decisions. Roca relies heavily on SAP to manage core operations such as order processing and inventory planning, ensuring that the organization maintains efficiency and adaptability.
In a significant move towards digital transformation, Roca is set to implement RISE with SAP and launch SAP S/4HANA Cloud by early 2025. Nieuwland believes this advancement will spur further innovation while improvements from SAP’s generative AI, Joule, are expected to boost productivity and enhance customer interactions.
Sustainability remains a key focus for Roca, with particular attention paid to CO2 emissions across all three scopes. They aim to be carbon neutral by 2045, continuously working towards providing the best bathroom experience globally.
Nieuwland advises other manufacturers to address specific business challenges first and then deploy technology as a solution, stressing the value of teamwork across functions. By maintaining a broader perspective rather than relying on isolated solutions, businesses can better achieve their objectives.
Summary: Roca Group, a leading bathroom product manufacturer, is leveraging technology to overcome supply chain challenges and enhance operational efficiency. With a commitment to sustainability and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, the company is poised for significant growth and innovation as it embarks on a new digital transformation journey with SAP.
By focusing on solid partnerships and a strategic vision, Roca is well-prepared for the future, ensuring it not only adapts to current challenges but also paves the way for ongoing success.