The conglomerate, which is the largest manufacturer of tiles and bathware in the world, producing 227,000 sqm of tiles and 8,500 pieces of bathware per day, will roll out the solutions across twelve UAE locations and five international ones.

The company is replacing an existing Oracle platform, to improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs for production, procurement and acquisition, improve working capital management and enhance asset utilization. The project will be rolled out in two stages, first to the UAE facilities and then to international ones.

"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. 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.

"RAK Ceramics is the number one company of its kind in the world and a glittering jewel in the Middle Eastern manufacturing sector," said 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 maximize value and improve its efficiency wherever possible."

Dinesh Mohan, General Manager-SAP Projects, RAK Ceramics, added: "SAP will give RAK Ceramics the 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. The management team, led by the deputy CEO, Abdullah Massad, has been actively pursuing the introduction of a world-class ERP solution for some time. Under the guidance of Khaled Abdulla Yousef, we have evaluated and received the board's approval. We are excited and ready to start the project."

The new project was driven in part by a meeting between His Highness 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.

RAK Ceramics is a USD 1 billion global conglomerate that supplies to over 160 countries and has been officially recognised as the world’s largest ceramic tile manufacturer with a global production output of 117 million square meters. RAK Ceramics offers a comprehensive product portfolio comprising over 8,000 designs in ceramic tiles, Gres Porcellanato, and several models in bath ware. RAK Ceramics has earned distinctions such as the Best Brand of 2010 and CSR Company of 2011 at Middle East Business Leader’s Summit and Awards and recently the CMO Asia’s Best Brand 2011. The company was also honoured by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for complying with good governance and transparency according to best international practices. RAK Ceramics has also maintained its Superbrand status for the third consecutive year and continues to be a global pioneer in the world of ceramics through innovative eco-friendly products such as RAK SLIM, 45x45 Wood Collection, Stone Art Collection and Orion Collection using the latest Nanopix digital printing technology. RAK Ceramics is also the founding member of Emirates Green Building Council, which supports the development of sustainable buildings in the UAE.