Due to the soaring costs of raw materials and a shortage of personnel, the manufacturing industry is being urged to improve efficiency. In this situation, efforts to improve operations are essential for the continued growth of the manufacturing sector. In this article, we will introduce the fundamental knowledge of "Kaizen," which is important for the manufacturing industry, as well as the benefits of Kaizen activities using videos and various case studies.

In the manufacturing industry, various issues arise such as delivery deadlines, inventory, processes, and costs. One of the means to solve these issues is the "production management system." Recently, it has gained renewed attention from the perspectives of improving operational efficiency, enhancing productivity, and reforming work styles. By implementing a production management system tailored to the needs of the company, we will introduce how various challenges can be addressed, along with details on the functions and types of production management systems, as well as the benefits of implementation. For those interested, please refer to the "Related Links" below for more details.

Production management is an essential function in the manufacturing industry that encompasses everything from order receipt to delivery. There are many issues that need to be improved to increase productivity, not only in large corporations but also in small and medium-sized enterprises. Although production management can be summarized in one phrase, it includes a variety of tasks ranging from production planning, order management, purchasing management, inventory management, manufacturing management, process management, outsourcing management, progress management, to quality management. Here, we will clearly explain the objectives and specific tasks of production management in the manufacturing industry, as well as introduce examples of improvements achieved through the implementation of production management systems. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

For the manufacturing industry, cost management, which is directly linked to corporate profits, is one of the important initiatives. However, especially in small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, many face challenges in cost management, such as "not being able to secure sufficient profits" and "inadequate pricing leading to manufacturing at a loss." In the article we are introducing this time, we will summarize and explain the basics of cost management, the purposes and necessity of cost management for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, methods for visualizing costs, ways to utilize costs, and case studies related to the implementation of cost management systems. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

By implementing a production management system, it becomes possible to manage four important aspects for the manufacturing industry: delivery dates, inventory, processes, and costs. Among these, process management is extremely important in the manufacturing field. In the article we are introducing this time, we will explain the objectives and methods of process management, as well as what can be streamlined and improved through the introduction of a production management system. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

Recently, there has been renewed attention on fabless companies, a type of business model in the manufacturing industry. As fabless operations are advancing in industries outside of semiconductors and among small and medium-sized enterprises without factories, there is also a demand for the introduction and utilization of production management systems that are suited for fabless companies. In the article we are introducing this time, we will discuss the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of fabless operations, as well as key points for successfully implementing fabless strategies and examples. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

Recently, IT adoption and digital transformation (DX) are being promoted across all industries. The manufacturing industry is no exception, and awareness of IT adoption and DX is increasing. However, it is important to be cautious, as blindly pursuing these initiatives can lead to failure. In the article we are introducing this time, we will present key points that management should keep in mind to successfully implement IT adoption and DX in the manufacturing industry, along with reference examples. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

Many manufacturing companies that handle raw materials, such as those in processing and blending industries, face challenges with inventory management. In fact, it is common to hear concerns such as "not being able to accurately grasp the inventory levels" and "delays in delivery due to shortages of raw materials," highlighting the need for more efficient inventory management. In the article we are introducing this time, we will discuss common challenges in raw material inventory management, the benefits of utilizing production management systems, and examples of improvements. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

Currently, manufacturing companies are working on DX (Digital Transformation), and among these, the conversion from paper to digital data has become a significant challenge. The digitization of paper-based field forms is an important initiative that can be considered the first step in manufacturing DX. In the article we are introducing this time, we will discuss the current state of manufacturing DX in Japan, the reasons why DX is not progressing in Japanese manufacturing, the benefits and specific methods of digitizing field forms, and provide case studies. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

In the manufacturing industry, if one cannot accurately grasp "how many products there are" and "how many parts are needed for production," it may lead to delays in delivery due to stock shortages or deterioration of cash flow due to excess inventory. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the inventory levels of parts appropriately. In the article we are introducing this time, we will discuss the challenges of inventory management in the manufacturing industry, management methods utilizing production management systems, and examples of improvements. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

The manufacturing industry today is facing various challenges such as labor shortages and intensified international competition. AI is gaining attention as a technology to address these challenges, and the number of companies implementing and utilizing it is gradually increasing. In this context, we will explain how AI can be utilized in the manufacturing industry, including examples and key points for implementation. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

In the manufacturing industry, many companies that engage in forecast production conduct demand forecasting based on past sales performance and other factors. However, demand forecasting tends to be subjective, and many companies face challenges with poor forecasting accuracy. Recently, high-precision demand forecasting utilizing AI has become possible, leading to the streamlining of various operations in the manufacturing sector. This article will summarize and introduce an overview of AI-driven demand forecasting, implementation methods, and case studies. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

In the manufacturing industry, stopping the production line is one of the troubles we want to avoid as much as possible. However, many may feel that it is difficult to prevent sudden equipment failures and abnormalities with traditional management methods that rely on human hands. Recently, methods for failure prediction and anomaly detection using AI have been established, and their implementation in the manufacturing industry is progressing. In fact, there are cases where utilizing AI has allowed for the identification of previously unknown failure trends and causes, thereby improving the operational efficiency of production lines. This article will introduce an overview of AI-based failure prediction and anomaly detection, methods of implementation, and case studies. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

The special site "Production Management Navi" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various helpful column information, ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we present an article submitted by the Chubu Industrial Federation, a group of on-site improvement consultants in the manufacturing industry, titled "What is Management Accounting? The Purpose and Benefits of Implementation in Small and Medium-sized Manufacturing Enterprises." If you are interested, please refer to the details through the "Related Links" below.

For manufacturing sites, improving yield is one of the important themes. However, even when trying to tackle yield improvement, there is the challenge that the causes of defects are complex and difficult to identify, often leading to failure. Recently, the introduction of AI in manufacturing has progressed with the realization of yield improvement and quality prediction using AI. By actually utilizing AI, there have been cases where previously unclear causes of defects were identified, leading to successful yield improvement. In the article we are presenting this time, we will introduce an overview of yield improvement and quality prediction using AI, methods of implementation, and case studies. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

The special site "Production Management Navigation" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various helpful columns, ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we present an article submitted by the Chubu Industrial Federation, a group of on-site improvement consultants in the manufacturing industry, titled "What is 5S Activity? The Purpose and Effective Implementation in Manufacturing Sites." 5S is often heard in manufacturing sites. While many companies understand its importance, they struggle to maintain it continuously. 5S is not just an extension of cleaning or simple tidying up. It requires a clear purpose to be effectively implemented. By practicing it well, productivity can be greatly improved, leading to stable management. This article will explain the purpose of 5S activities and specific implementation methods, incorporating practical examples. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

The special site "Production Management Navigation" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various helpful columns, ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we will present "What Should Production Management Look Like in Small and Medium-sized Manufacturing Enterprises." In today's rapidly accelerating trend of IT and DX, many companies are once again focusing on production management. However, simply implementing a production management system does not guarantee progress in IT and DX. The true goal of a company is not merely "to introduce a system," but rather to improve productivity, quality, and overall operational efficiency in production management itself. The system is merely a means of production management, and there are many tasks to be addressed both before and after its implementation. We will explain what production management should look like in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, as well as introduce the systematization of production management necessary for a positive cycle of human resources and specific approaches to take. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

The special site "Production Management Navi" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various helpful columns, ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we present "A Focus on Manufacturing! What is the product development and sales promotion method 'Makuake' for general consumers?" The manufacturing industry is facing a new phase due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More companies are transitioning from BtoB manufacturing to BtoC products aimed at general consumers. Subsidies and business restructuring grants that support challenges for companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises aiming for new business development, are also promoting this trend. Therefore, we will introduce the Makuake service as one of the new options for BtoC expansion. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

The special site "Production Management Navigation" operated by Otsuka Shokai provides various helpful column information, from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we present "The Basics of Web Marketing - Lead Acquisition and Nurturing Edition." In the manufacturing industry, new customer development has long relied on face-to-face sales. However, with the difficulties in adopting such sales methods during the COVID-19 pandemic, web sales have gained attention. Nevertheless, there are many companies that have a website but are not utilizing it effectively. To use the site like a sales representative, there are key points to consider. Among the five steps in web marketing (site construction, attracting visitors, lead acquisition, nurturing, and negotiations/orders), we will explain lead acquisition and nurturing this time. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

The special site "Production Management Navi" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various helpful columns, ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we present "The Basics of Web Sales - Website Construction and Customer Attraction." With traditional face-to-face sales becoming difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, web sales are gaining attention even in the manufacturing industry. A website is essential for web sales, but many companies in manufacturing, which have primarily relied on face-to-face sales, seem unsure about what kind of website they should create. Web marketing for conducting web sales consists of five steps: website construction, customer attraction, lead acquisition, nurturing, and negotiations/orders. In this article, we will introduce "Website Construction" and "Customer Attraction." If you are interested, please refer to the details through the "Related Links" below.

The special site "Production Management Navi" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various helpful columns, ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we will deliver "Methods for Developing New Customers and Expanding Sales in Manufacturing through Web Utilization." Various changes have been forced upon us due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As work styles and communication methods undergo significant changes, it is time to reassess new customer development and current sales methods. Even in the manufacturing industry, where face-to-face sales have long been the mainstream, companies are beginning to shift towards web-based sales strategies. In this article, we will explain the reasons why web utilization is necessary and specific marketing measures. For those interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

The special site "Production Management Navi" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various useful column information, ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we will deliver "The Key to Promoting Manufacturing DX: BOM Construction and Reuse/Standardization Design." BOM is gaining attention due to the promotion of digital transformation (DX) that strengthens the corporate transformation capabilities of manufacturing companies. Many companies are re-evaluating supply chain management (SCM), which has been a concern during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, but the concept of engineering chain management (ECM) at the design stage is also becoming increasingly important. Therefore, we will introduce tips for promoting DX in the manufacturing field, as well as BOM construction and reuse/standardization design. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

The special site "Production Management Navigator" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various helpful column information, ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we will deliver "The Flow of Implementing a Production Management System <Operational Phase>". In the manufacturing industry, one of the key terms for on-site improvement is the production management system. By streamlining individual tasks and generalizing operations that are prone to being dependent on specific individuals, productivity can be enhanced. To avoid failure in implementing a production management system, let's proceed with the implementation by focusing on key points in the three phases of consideration, implementation, and operation. This time, we will introduce tips for successfully navigating the operational phase. If you are interested, please refer to the details in the "Related Links" section below.

The special site "Production Management Navi" operated by Otsuka Shokai publishes various helpful column information, from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we present "The Flow to Implementing a Production Management System <Implementation Edition>." When considering daily business improvements and productivity enhancement, one option that comes up is a production management system. If implemented successfully, it can achieve the expected results. To avoid failure in implementing a production management system, let's make sure to grasp the key points in the three phases of consideration, implementation, and operation. This time, we will introduce the points for FIT & GAP analysis and parallel operation conducted during the implementation phase. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

The special site "Production Management Navigation" operated by Otsuka Shokai provides useful column information ranging from basic explanations about production management systems to the digital utilization and DX promotion in manufacturing. This time, we present "The Process Leading to the Introduction of a Production Management System <Consideration Phase>." A production management system is a tool that enhances productivity in the manufacturing industry and aids in business improvement. By clarifying your objectives and successfully implementing it, you can achieve significant results. However, if you do not carefully consider the implementation, it may lead to failure. The process of introducing a production management system consists of three major phases: consideration, implementation, and operation, each with important points to consider. This time, we will introduce the key points of the consideration phase. If you are interested, please refer to the details from the "Related Links" below.

In the manufacturing industry where production takes place, there are various documents such as drawings, procedure manuals, and instructions. Documents that articulate years of know-how, experience, and knowledge are indeed valuable knowledge and intellectual property, and it is essential to share and utilize them as intellectual assets within the company. Therefore, it is important to manage documents from the perspective of knowledge management. We will introduce the methods for doing so.