スマート工場研究所 List of Products and Services

**Theme and Overview** AWS Generative AI Utilization Guide: Basics This seminar is aimed at those considering the business application of generative AI, providing an explanation of the services offered by AWS and how to use them safely and cost-effectively.

• Business Skills Seminar

In corporate management, it is becoming standard to implement ERP as a management tool; however, the application range of ERP is insufficient for factories, which require a system that can manage them with the management mesh they need. Nevertheless, the reality is that factories do not have sufficient systems in place for factory management. Without this, it is impossible to promote the smart transformation and DX of factories. In the manufacturing industry, factories are not cost centers but profit centers. The Smart Factory Research Institute strongly recommends the introduction of systems, specifically FRP (Factory Resource Planning), to make factories a source of profit. The third installment of "Recommendations for Smart Factories" will specifically explain 'FRP'.

• Other core systems

What does the management expect from DX? With changes in society and the business environment, companies are facing various management challenges such as enhancing added value, improving productivity, and ensuring business continuity. Are you able to break down and quantify these management challenges in a way that aligns with your business characteristics, and formulate strategies and initiatives to achieve them? In this seminar, we will overview and organize the connection between management challenges and IT investments across the entire business. Additionally, we will focus on the role and expected benefits of PLM and various systems and their integration, highlighting why PLM is gaining attention. From the perspective of management challenges and overall DX strategy, we hope you can use this as a means to organize the relationship between PLM and surrounding systems and strategically advance your PLM implementation projects.

• PDM

Words like "AI" and "DX" have many meanings and interpretations. For example, "AI" can refer to "an air conditioner that can automatically adjust the temperature," "a cleaning robot," or "self-driving cars," but it is easy to imagine that the levels and implications of each are different. So, what about "DX"? There is a vast amount of diverse information circulating, but in the manufacturing industry, do you have a clear image of what to tackle and what needs to be achieved for it to be considered DX? Many of the people we have met so far often express, "I am collecting information, but the scope is too broad and I don't really understand," or "I don't know where to start." In this first installment of the "Manufacturing Industry DX × IT Strategy Series," we will organize the key points toward manufacturing DX, particularly focusing on the foundational MES and clarifying its relationship with various systems. We hope this will serve as a helpful resource for those responsible for promoting DX in formulating their IT strategies.

• Production Management System

【Themes and Overview by Date】 1. Accelerating DX in Manufacturing with Generative AI - Introducing Utilization Methods from Streamlining White-Collar Operations to Innovating Manufacturing Processes - Held on June 19 Recently, generative AI has undergone remarkable evolution. While there is great anticipation for its potential, many may still wonder, "How can we specifically utilize it in our company?" This seminar will clearly introduce the transformations brought about by generative AI and specific utilization methods for those in the manufacturing industry facing such concerns. 2. Transforming the Workplace! Utilizing AI Agents in Manufacturing - Held on June 26 The movement to utilize generative AI as "AI agents" is accelerating in the manufacturing sector. Conversational AI, like ChatGPT, has exploded in popularity due to its user-friendly chat interface and is designed with a focus on human communication. However, AI agents can think and act independently to achieve goals. This seminar will provide a clear explanation of the mechanisms of AI agents and present examples of tasks they can handle in manufacturing settings.

• others

The introduction of a system is a significant step, and without digitalization, factory DX cannot be achieved; without the introduction of the core system, MES, a true smart factory cannot be born. However, it is important to note that the "introduction of a system" is not the goal but the starting point, and the system (software) is merely a tool; how it is used is ultimately up to the customer. On the other hand, it may be challenging for customers to repeatedly experience the introduction of large-scale systems like MES. Therefore, based on our past experiences, we would like to organize and convey key points that should be considered. In the manufacturing industry, the wave of smartization has reached a point where choosing to maintain the status quo out of fear of risks during implementation itself becomes a significant risk. Let us prepare for a safe and secure MES introduction.

• Production Management System

The "BOM (Bill of Materials)" is often thought to belong solely to the design department; however, it is actually a crucial information asset that deeply involves the operations of all departments, including sales, manufacturing, maintenance, and purchasing. In reality, many companies manage different BOMs in separate systems for each department, leading to information silos and individual reliance. As a result, even if a customer requests a change in specifications, the sales team may not be able to respond quickly with delivery dates or make better proposals, potentially leaving customers dissatisfied with the feeling that "in the end, it became an expensive purchase." This can erode the company's competitiveness, even if they are producing good products. Now is the time to maximize the functionality of PLM to strengthen data collaboration among sales, design, manufacturing, purchasing, and maintenance, thereby enhancing the company's competitiveness. In this seminar, we will clarify the types of BOMs (Technical BOM, Sales BOM, Manufacturing BOM, Maintenance BOM, Purchasing BOM) and their roles, and we will clearly introduce the expected business transformations in each department. Organizing the BOM is one of the important elements in preparing for PLM implementation, so we encourage those in the early stages of considering PLM implementation to attend.

• PDM

In the second installment of the "Recommendations for Smart Factories" series, I will discuss insights gained from visits to smart factories abroad. I have previously touched on Siemens' smart factory visit in another seminar, so there may be some redundancy. However, since another member of our company visited as part of a different project recently, I will include new insights as well. I hope to introduce the state of cutting-edge factories and the initiatives that support them, to the extent that I am able to share.

• Production Management System

This month's PLM seminar will continue from last month, focusing on themes aimed at solving the challenges faced by those who have taken on the mission of planning and realizing factory DX and smart factory strategies. "I struggle with the rework and inter-departmental adjustments that arise with every design change." "It takes a lot of effort to find design information scattered across Excel and emails." "Feedback from manufacturing engineering is not utilized in design." If you resonate with these issues, the concept of PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) may be effective for you. In this seminar, an instructor with ten years of experience in design to mass production will clearly explain the basics of PLM as an information infrastructure that spans design to manufacturing, particularly focusing on the organization of BOM/BOP, incorporating real-world experiences. By clarifying how to solve common on-site challenges through BOM/BOP organization and the expected benefits, you will likely feel compelled to try out what you learn, and understand why companies are reconsidering and implementing PLM now more than ever. This is important information that we would like all responsible personnel to be aware of at this time, so please do join us.

• PDM

Starting this month, we will be holding a series of seminars titled "Recommendations for Smart Factories," inspired by the bestselling book "Encouragement of Learning" by Yukichi Fukuzawa from the Meiji era. "Encouragement of Learning" not only emphasizes the importance of education but also advocates for a change in consciousness among the citizens of a modern nation. In the same way, it may be difficult for smart factories to succeed solely through clever tricks, even while utilizing cutting-edge technologies. We have had the opportunity to work with many manufacturing clients, and I hope that the insights and knowledge we have gained will be beneficial to everyone. The first session will focus on common concerns that we often hear from our clients. I will base my discussion on our past experiences and real examples, so if you are looking to organize your path toward building a smart factory, please join us.

• Management Seminar

This month's MES seminar will continue from last month, focusing on solving the challenges faced by those who have taken on the mission of planning and realizing factory DX and smart factory strategies. To realize a smart factory, it cannot be achieved by simply implementing a single system; it is essential for other members within the company to have a broad understanding of how each system implementation activity connects to the next. Misunderstanding this point can lead to unnecessary backlash or excessive expectations. This time, while organizing the roles and expected effects of the MES system, which is at the core of the smart factory, we will convey a phased approach to realizing the smart factory concept. As this is important information that we would like the responsible personnel to be aware of during this time, we encourage you to participate.

• Production Management System

【Themes and Overview by Date of Event】 1. Transforming On-Site Records into Data Assets: Structuring Unstructured Data with ChatGPT - May 22 In manufacturing sites, there exists a wealth of "unstructured data" such as free-text sections in daily reports, trouble report memos, inspection records, and emails, which lack a standardized format. These pieces of information are actually a "treasure trove" of hints for site improvement and predictive maintenance, but due to their varied formats, they are not being effectively utilized. This seminar will introduce methods to easily structure and organize such unstructured data using the ChatGPT API. 2. Evolving Quality Management and Traceability through DX - May 29 The introduction of cutting-edge technologies such as cloud, AI, and IoT is facilitating a shift from traditional, person-dependent, paper-based management to real-time, data-driven operations. This transition is making the detection of quality defects, visualization of the entire supply chain, and operational efficiency improvements a reality, creating new value. This seminar will clearly explain the changes that DX brings to quality management and traceability, along with practical examples and key points for implementation.

• Technical Seminar

What is needed to realize the smartification of factories? The key to the ideal smart factory is the optimization of the entire factory. Partial optimization does not lead to increased productivity. Therefore, we believe that it is crucial to establish an IT system, what we call a "factory management system," to control the site, centrally manage site information, and visualize it as actual vs. planned. In this seminar, we will discuss the connections that the three systems—PLM, ERP, and MES, which are components of the "factory management system"—should have, and how MES, as the intersection with the supply chain, should be considered when starting from PLM, which is the engineering chain. We will focus on the role that PLM should play based on insights and achievements related to ERP and MES, making this content essential for those responsible for considering system mapping for the entire factory, as well as for everyone in the design and development departments.

• PDM

【Themes and Overview by Date of Event】 1. Building a Network as the Foundation for DX in Manufacturing Industry - Held on April 17 This seminar will clearly explain the key points of factory network design and construction. We will provide know-how useful for promoting DX, including measures to address stability and scalability challenges arising from the increase in IoT devices and the use of real-time data, security measures, and cloud integration, along with case studies. 2. Creating Research Support Tools Using AI - No Programming Required DeepResearch Construction Seminar - Held on April 22 This seminar will provide a step-by-step explanation of how to build a powerful AI assistant called "DeepResearch" for all business professionals using a no-code platform called Dify. Participants will learn the process of creating tools useful for simple searches and research on the latest trends through actual operations. Those without experience in AI or programming are welcome to join.

• Technical Seminar

The initiative for the digitalization of manufacturing, known as Industrie 4.0 (the Fourth Industrial Revolution), began in Europe in 2011. Four years prior, in 2007, Siemens has been seriously working on the digitalization of manufacturing processes. The goals are to build a system that can accommodate diverse user requirements through mass-customized production and to improve productivity by maximizing the efficiency of internal resources. Siemens has applied various combinations of DX technologies in its factories, achieving overwhelming improvement results. Siemens' concept of a digital enterprise consists of two elements: the "Digital Thread" and the "Digital Twin." The "Digital Twin" refers to the virtual and real twins, contributing to speed and quality improvement by validating in a virtual space before actual design and production. The difference from simulation is that it allows coexistence with real data. In this seminar, the latest technologies related to the "Digital Twin" will be introduced with the help of videos. *This is a rebroadcast of the seminar from December 2024.

• Production Management System

As we move towards a full-fledged start of factory DX and smart transformation, many new members have likely been appointed. In today's market, where keywords like smart factory and factory DX are abundant, we have met with many of these individuals. However, the reality is that few customers can grasp the overall picture amidst the multitude of smart factory keywords. Engaging in activities without a clear vision of the overall picture that the company should aim for carries significant risks, not just limited to the smart transformation of factories. Therefore, at the Smart Factory Research Institute, we propose an overall picture centered around MES as one solution for our customers. In this seminar, we will introduce the role of the MES system, taking into account the overall picture of smart factories. This seminar is a must-see and must-hear for those who feel the necessity of MES intuitively but struggle to visualize it concretely. *This seminar is a rebroadcast of the same titled event in November 2024.*

• Production Management System

1. AI Application Development Seminar Realized with Dify - March 13 We will introduce the open-source AI application development platform "Dify" for DX personnel in companies facing the challenge of "how to utilize generative AI within the organization." This seminar will explain the basic usage of Dify, characterized by its no-code AI application development features and intuitive interface. Additionally, we will present a demonstration of how to develop applications utilizing the latest AI technologies such as ChatGPT and GPT-4. 2. IoT in Manufacturing Utilizing Node-Red - March 21 Node-RED is a flow-based programming tool used for purposes such as IoT. It is gaining attention for its ability to create flows by connecting functional units called nodes, allowing for visual application design. In this seminar, we will explain what Node-Red is and present case studies of its application in the manufacturing industry.

• Other production management systems

Organizing the key points on the use of MES in the assembly manufacturing industry! In the assembly manufacturing sector, the introduction of MES has not been widely promoted until now, but we have been receiving many inquiries as MES is essential for achieving smart factories. In this seminar, we will touch on the utilization of MES in the assembly manufacturing industry and its differentiation from core systems, explaining the key design points on how to use MES based on the characteristics of the industry. *This is a rebroadcast of the seminar held in June 2024.

• Process Control System

What is the future of manufacturing woven with digital threads? Following the first and second installments, we will be re-broadcasting this! It is one of the highly rated seminars of 2024. The initiative for the digitalization of manufacturing, known as Industrie 4.0 (the Fourth Industrial Revolution), began in Europe in 2011. Siemens has been seriously working on the digitalization of manufacturing processes since 2007, four years prior to that. The goals are to build a system that can accommodate diverse user requirements through multi-variety variable production and to improve productivity by maximizing the efficiency of internal resources. Siemens has applied various combinations of DX technologies in its factories, achieving overwhelming improvement results. The digital enterprise proposed by Siemens consists of two elements: "digital thread" and "digital twin." The "digital thread" refers to connecting the data of various systems and processes that exist within the factory through threads. In this seminar, we will introduce the importance of the "digital thread" through concepts and results.

• Technical Seminar

What smart factories should aim for is "maximizing productivity." Are you stopping your factory for inventory every month on the 1st, for more than 12 days a year? By utilizing drones for inventory tasks, you can reduce the number of days your factory is halted! The issues raised by companies that stock products outdoors include: - Difficulty in managing where each product is located - Time and manpower required for inventory, leading to a decrease in actual operating days - Resulting in decreased productivity Under the conditions of "having a wide variety of products," "needing to utilize limited space," and "not having only skilled workers," various methods were tried but did not lead to a solution. Therefore, we proposed automating inventory using aerial footage captured by drones. No complicated operations are required, and productivity will dramatically increase. You can start with a trial demonstration, so if you are interested, please contact us. Contact information >>> http://smartfactory-labo.co.jp/contact/

• Other services