Roca Group, a prominent Barcelona-based company in the bathroom product sector, has encountered a series of challenges in recent years, including disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and fluctuating energy costs. Established in 1917, Roca Group operates in 170 countries, employs 21,000 individuals, and runs 79 production sites, which underscores its status as a significant global player.
Jacques Nieuwland, the Digital Transformation Director at Roca Group, emphasized the company’s strategy to navigate these difficulties. He noted that leveraging technology is crucial for meeting the firm’s strategic goals of growth, innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Roca has recently expanded its international reach through both organic growth and acquisitions.
With a globally interconnected supply chain, Nieuwland highlighted the necessity for agile planning. He stated that an improved visibility into the supply chain, facilitated by technology, allows Roca to collaborate efficiently by integrating processes and data across its own value chain and those of its suppliers and customers. This level of insight is essential for making informed decisions and optimizing operations.
SAP serves as the core of Roca’s operational framework, underpinning vital processes like order processing and inventory management. The utilization of SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain further allows Roca to anticipate product demand and adjust production accordingly, resulting in enhanced service levels and stock optimization.
Roca’s partnership with SAP is a long-standing one, founded on trust and shared success. The company has chosen to implement RISE with SAP, with plans to go live with SAP S/4HANA Cloud by early 2025, marking a significant step in its digital transformation journey. Nieuwland believes this shift will foster even greater innovation, particularly with the integration of SAP’s generative AI copilot Joule, which promises to boost productivity and improve customer interactions.
Concerning sustainability, Roca Group is actively assessing its emissions across various scopes and has set ambitious targets for CO2 reduction, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045. The company’s broader mission is to deliver exceptional bathroom experiences to customers around the globe.
Nieuwland advises other manufacturers to focus on business challenges and prioritize technology that generates real value. He encourages collaboration across functions to devise comprehensive solutions, moving away from isolated fixes to achieve cohesive enterprise architectures that support overarching business objectives.
In summary, Roca Group’s approach showcases how a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships can help navigate industry challenges while enhancing operational performance. This forward-thinking stance not only positions Roca for future growth but also underscores a positive commitment to environmental responsibility, creating hope for a more sustainable future in manufacturing and beyond.