The Nippon Denko Group has classified the areas in which DX Vision will be realized into the three categories of “Production,” “Operation,” and “Business” and we will create new value in each of these areas. Production DX targets plants and strengthens manufacturing competitiveness through the introduction of smart factories. Operation DX targets back-office operations and focuses resources on high value-added services by improving operational efficiency. Business DX promotes the optimal allocation of management resources and creation of new businesses for business growth. We are also building a foundation for DX promotion by developing a system to improve productivity and quality of work, as well as a promotion system to autonomously realize DX while developing workers with specialized skills.

DX Road Map

DX Initiatives

Operational efficiency improvement through the adoption of generative AI

As part of the digitalization of routine work, we adopted generative AI in August 2023 and started using it company-wide. This is an initiative to improve the efficiency of gathering and organization of information and preparation of documents to concentrate resources on high value-added operations. Specifically, we are working to improve the efficiency of routine work such as the collection of ideas and case studies, the summarization of documents, the preparation of minutes, and the preparation and translation of documents.

Upgrading plant operations

We are promoting the installation of a traceability system that records the processes from manufacturing to shipment, including production, inspection, and warehouse operations, and digitalizes approval processes. We will also install a system that can analyze the data collected through digitalization from various perspectives to visualize the data in order to reduce inventory and improve operations.
In addition, we have built a system in a cloud-based environment that is highly resistant to disasters and has high security performance. By accumulating and sharing data in such an environment, anyone can immediately obtain necessary information. It has also made it easier to conduct analysis and create graphs, which can be used for project progress management. In this way, we are promoting the transformation of our operations to digital technology-based operations.

Purchasing management systems

The purchasing management system adopted at the Tokushima Plant has been installed in other plants. The digitalization of purchasing records improves operational efficiency, strengthens internal control, and reduces purchasing costs. In the future, we will develop our systems so that sales, cost calculation, and other systems can be used in a single system and improve operational efficiency by utilizing data.

Cybersecurity

In recent years, cyber-attacks against corporate information systems have increased rapidly and have become more specialized and sophisticated in nature. In order to protect our sensitive information assets from such attacks, we are focused on enhancing our cybersecurity.
Firstly, we have installed advanced firewalls to prevent intrusions and monitor unauthorized access. This prevents unauthorized intrusions and protects information assets.
However, anti-intrusion measures alone are not sufficient. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) was adopted to grasp the intrusion status of the attacker in real time and prevent the risk of spread of intrusion, information leakage, and system destruction even if an intrusion is allowed. This enables us to respond as quickly as possible and minimize the damage.
Furthermore, for employees who may face risks on the frontlines, we regularly conduct targeted e-mail training and information security comprehension tests to ensure that they understand security risks and take appropriate action. By raising the security awareness of each and every employee, the security level of the entire group can be improved, and the overall defense capability can be strengthened.
Through these efforts, we have established a robust defense system and will continue our efforts to ensure safety.