UAE-based RAK Ceramics, a leading manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles, said it has signed up SAP to deploy its cutting edge software solutions to help ramp up its process efficiency.

The two-phase project will see SAP implement a comprehensive suite of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools across the Ras Al Khaimah-based company’s 12 UAE factories, before rolling it out to five international locations.

The high-profile collaboration follows a recent meeting between Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Bill McDermott, SAP Co-CEO and executive board member, where the discussion centered on how SAP could help drive the emirate’s long-term growth and prosperity.

“Teaming up with SAP feeds into our unceasing mission of continually surpassing the expectations of our customers, dealers and partners,” said Khaled Abdulla Yousef, board member, RAK Ceramics.

“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,' he noted.

'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,' he added.

The deal will see RAK Ceramics migrate away from an Oracle-based platform in order to bolster its ability to improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs for production, procurement and acquisition, improve working capital management and enhance asset utilization.

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

“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.”

Dinesh Mohan, the general manager–SAP Projects, RAK Ceramics, said, 'SAP will give the RAK firm big picture it needs to improve transparency, efficiency, productivity and business integration as we strive to consolidate our leadership position and redefine both the scope of our company and the possibilities of our industry.'-TradeArabia News Service