Rak Ceramics, the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles, has deployed software solutions from SAP in a bid to improve process efficiency and drive sustainable business growth.

Phase one of the project is the culmination of an eight months’ coordinated effort by Rak Ceramics and SAP teams and will see a comprehensive suite of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools improve transparency, efficiency and productivity across all 12 of Rak Ceramics’ UAE factories, 15 warehouses, 6 showrooms and various administrative offices.

“The SAP ERP system is a key part of our strategic decisions to invest in new technology and solution that will ensure our vision for taking the company forward as I am confident we shall overall improve our operations management with better efficiency in every aspect of the organization,” said Abdallah Massaad, CEO, Rak Ceramics.

“This will lead to better productivity, as well as better products and services to our clients worldwide. We are confident that by embracing these cutting-edge solutions, we are putting the company on the fast track to exceeding expectations.”

Over 100 executives across Rak Ceramics departments were engaged in the project and over 350 employees underwent training to handle the system. The core implementation team was led by Dinesh Mohan, general manager - SAP Projects and Manoj Aheeray, CFO of Rak Ceramics.

Internationally-acclaimed external audit firm, KPMG, was on hand for quality assurance.

“SAP ERP software gives us a platform for an integrated system that will take our reporting and corporate governance to the next level,” said Aheeray.

“The system will be useful in taking quick strategic decision to enhance asset utilization and rationalize the overall manufacturing and procurement costs. SAP ERP system will ensure improved working capital management and effective in taking cost-saving measures reflecting positively in the bottom line.”

Dinesh Mohan said: “With Rak Ceramics migrating from a 13 year-old legacy system to a world-class ERP, we have established efficient and secure core business processes that give us a platform to create a responsive front-end for interacting with our customers and various other stakeholders.

“To support the SAP system, the company has built a new data centre based on cutting-edge technology that will ensure smoother operational processes.”

The company now plans to ramp up its IT capabilities for rolling-out the system to its manufacturing facilities in other countries.

“Teaming up with SAP feeds into our unceasing mission of continually surpassing the expectations of our customers, dealers and partners,” said Khaled Abdulla Yousef, member on Board of Directors, Rak Ceramics and the sponsor for the SAP Project.

“In an era of global competitiveness and borderless economies, the only organizations that will thrive are those that remain truly receptive to innovation in its many and varied forms. Embracing cutting-edge IT solutions from SAP is a major step in making Rak Ceramics run better, improving end-to-end process integration and harmonization, and driving sustainable business growth.”

Qais Gharaibeh, UAE managing director, SAP Mena, said: “Rak Ceramics is the number one company of its kind in the world and a glittering jewel in the Middle Eastern manufacturing sector.”

“The company’s inspiring pursuit of excellence and innovation makes it a vital player in the UAE’s economic landscape and SAP is proud to help maximise value and improve its efficiency wherever possible.” – TradeArabia News Service