Barcelona-based Roca Group, a comprehensive leader in bathroom design and manufacturing since its founding in 1917, has navigated significant challenges in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and fluctuating energy prices. With a robust presence in 170 countries and a workforce of 21,000 across 79 production sites, Roca Group’s commitment to innovation and sustainability remains steadfast.
According to Jacques Nieuwland, the company’s Digital Transformation Director, Roca has pursued international growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. He emphasized the role of technology in overcoming challenges and achieving the company’s strategic goals of growth, operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
To enhance its global supply chain, Roca Group is rethinking its planning processes to become more agile. Nieuwland noted, “We need to update our planning and put in some buffers to create a resilient supply chain.” By utilizing technology, the company has gained improved visibility across its supply chain, allowing for collaboration among various stakeholders to optimize processes and make informed decisions.
Roca relies heavily on SAP solutions to drive its core operations, including order processing and inventory management. The SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain solution plays a crucial role in forecasting product demand and adjusting production schedules, enabling Roca to maintain high service levels while optimizing stock management.
The long-standing partnership between Roca and SAP has solidified Roca’s trust in SAP’s technology. “We have a long history of collaboration and have been successful,” Nieuwland remarked. Roca recently opted for RISE with SAP and is planning to implement SAP S/4HANA Cloud by early 2025, a decision expected to further fuel innovation within the company.
Nieuwland also highlighted the potential of integrating SAP’s generative AI copilot Joule into their systems, aiming to enhance productivity and customer interaction while driving operational excellence and sustainability efforts. Roca has set ambitious annual targets for CO2 reduction, aspiring to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
Nieuwland advised other manufacturers to focus on addressing overarching business challenges and leveraging technology to drive strategic value. He stressed the importance of cross-functional teamwork, advocating for a comprehensive approach to problem-solving rather than simply employing numerous isolated solutions.
In summary, Roca’s proactive approach to digital transformation and sustainability showcases how technology can be a powerful ally in overcoming industry challenges. With a strong commitment to customer experience and environmental stewardship, Roca Group exemplifies how innovative practices can lead to significant advancements in manufacturing and supply chain dynamics.
As the company sets its sights on the future, its resilience and adaptability serve as an inspiration for others in the industry, emphasizing that with the right tools and strategies, challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and innovation.