Roca Group, a renowned Barcelona-based company founded in 1917, has successfully navigated numerous global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and fluctuating energy prices. With a presence in 170 countries and a workforce comprising 21,000 employees across 79 production sites, Roca specializes in designing, producing, and distributing bathroom products.
Digital Transformation Director Jacques Nieuwland highlighted that the company has embraced both organic growth and strategic acquisitions to expand its international footprint. He emphasizes the critical role of technology in aligning with Roca’s objectives, which include growth, innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
To enhance the resilience of its global supply chain, Roca adopts an agile planning approach. Nieuwland noted that technology provides essential visibility across the supply chain, promoting collaborative efforts to optimize the entire value chain. Central to this strategy is the use of SAP, which supports Roca’s core operations, including order processing and production planning. The SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain solution aids the company in anticipating product demand, ensuring they can provide exceptional service while managing inventory effectively.
The relationship with SAP has been longstanding, with Roca valuing the reliability and leadership of SAP’s solutions. Earlier this year, Roca decided to implement RISE with SAP, targeting a go-live date for SAP S/4HANA Cloud in early 2025. Nieuwland sees this move as a major leap forward in their digital transformation, allowing for even greater innovation. The introduction of SAP’s generative AI copilot, Joule, is expected to further enhance productivity and customer service.
Roca Group is equally committed to sustainability, actively working on reducing its carbon footprint. The company is analyzing its emissions across all scopes and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, with specific annual CO2 reduction targets in place. Ultimately, Roca’s mission is to provide the best bathroom experience for customers around the globe.
Nieuwland also provided valuable insights for other manufacturers, suggesting that addressing business challenges through technology should be prioritized. He advocates for cross-functional teamwork instead of fragmented solutions, urging companies to consider broader enterprise architecture to achieve their goals effectively.
This positive trajectory exemplifies Roca Group’s commitment to leveraging technology for growth while prioritizing sustainability, offering hope for the future of the manufacturing industry.
In summary, Roca Group demonstrates an admirable ability to adapt, innovate, and commit to sustainability amidst challenges. Their approach can inspire other companies looking to enhance their operational practices and tackle environmental issues.