What is Manufacturing DX (Digital Transformation)?
Manufacturing DX (Digital Transformation) refers to driving digital reform in manufacturing environments using the latest IT technology — especially AI — to resolve challenges across the industry including quality, assurance, and human resources.
In particular, in the area of human resources, DX is expected to be one of the key measures for addressing major challenges in manufacturing such as securing talent, developing personnel, and managing population decline.
Comparing the purposes of capital investment in 2015 and 2020, the percentage of companies citing "DX-related purposes (factory IoT adoption, etc.)" increased by approximately 10 percentage points. (Manufacturing White Paper, FY2022)
Why Manufacturing DX Is Gaining Attention
he following factors explain why DX is gaining attention in the manufacturing industry.
Manufacturing has long been one of the industries supporting Japan's growth, and many companies in the sector have a long history.
そのような企業の中にはmany operations have developed their own unique ways of doing things.
However, when faced with the risks described above, adapting quickly is often difficult, and this can significantly impact the continuity and growth of the business.
Regarding the securing of human resources: over the 20 years leading up to 2021, the number of young workers decreased by 1.21 million while the number of older workers increased by 330,000 — a trend expected to intensify further. (Manufacturing White Paper, FY2022)
The pace of change is rapid, and transformation is required for companies to survive — yet as of FY2021, approximately 88% of companies report a shortage of IT talent. (Information-technology Promotion Agency, "DX White Paper 2021")
Benefits of Pursuing DX in Manufacturing
By pursuing DX, manufacturing companies can build a consistent framework from management to the shop floor, enhancing their competitive strength.
Why DX Is Not Progressing in Japanese Manufacturing
As described above, DX enables companies to transform their organizational structures and build a more resilient organization.
However, it is also true that DX has only been adopted by a fraction of Japanese manufacturers.
We frequently hear the following concerns about why companies struggle to advance DX.
- ▶︎ We are considering DX, but hesitate to start because the expected benefits are unclear
- ▶︎ We want to pursue DX, but don't know where to begin
- ▶︎ We lack the internal talent to drive DX, so we can't take action
- ▶︎ DXすることによって⾃社がどう変化するのかイメージが付けられない
DX Support from VRAIN Solution
When first pursuing DX, companies often face a wide range of "unknowns."
VRAIN Solution's mission is to resolve each of those "unknowns" one by one, using cutting-edge technology and deep expertise in manufacturing, to help clients achieve their DX goals.
Experience Solving Diverse Challenges Across a Wide Range of Industries
Service Track Record (FY2021)
Human Resource Development
As companies pursue DX, VRAIN Solution believes that
the ideal is for employees themselves to understand and execute DX initiatives.
To that end, we have developed a framework designed to cultivate as many DX-capable personnel as possible.
Data Analysis
VRAIN Solution supports clients in addressing both their current challenges and potential future issues, using a wide range of methodologies.
Development & Implementation
VRAIN Solution does not just provide DX advice — we support clients from theme selection all the way through to execution.
Even when clients don't know where to start, we work through each challenge step by step — from theme selection and verification to development and operation — to support their DX journey.
Steps to Implementation
Q＆A
Q. What industries do you have experience in?
A. We primarily have experience in the automotive and food industries.
We also have a broad track record in sectors such as medical devices and infrastructure.
We would be happy to walk you through the details based on our track record.
Q. I'm interested, but I don't know what to consult about first.
A. We offer one-stop support from identifying the challenge through to resolving it.
We will respond carefully to even the smallest questions.
Q. Regarding personnel development — our employees have varying levels of knowledge. Can you still help?
A. We create a personalized learning plan tailored to each individual. Even when the goal is the same, the starting point and the path to get there differs for everyone. We propose content suited to each person's pace and skill level.
Q. We have worked with other companies before, but they couldn't deliver what we needed.
A. Our experienced engineers explore solutions using a wide range of approaches, from traditional statistical methods to cutting-edge algorithm analysis.
