#Japan #Tokyo #Asset Management #EMLink #Infrastructure Tech

EML: Pioneering Asset Management for Manufacturing

EMLink, developed by the Equipment Maintenance Research Institute, is a state-of-the-art cloud service designed to optimize maintenance operations and risk management specifically for manufacturing and infrastructure. Recently, EML announced a significant milestone in its journey with the completion of a pre-Series A funding round, which will enable the company to enhance its offerings, particularly through the development of a new feature, `EMLink Intelligence`. This innovation, set to roll out in June 2025, aims to integrate AI capabilities into the platform, significantly improving operational efficiencies.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Equipment in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors consists of thousands to tens of thousands of various mechanical components, often customized to each specific location. This uniqueness presents a challenge as operators must discern the condition and degradation trends of their assets to ensure timely maintenance activity, including repairs and upgrades. However, three structural challenges persist which hinder effective maintenance operations:

1. Shortage of Skilled Technicians

According to an analysis by Meister Engineering Co., there is a projected decline of nearly 30% in the number of mechanical repair technicians, including those related to plant operations, between 2020 and 2045. This shortage affects not only the technical personnel within owner companies but also the external maintenance contractors tasked with the actual upkeep of equipment. The situation highlights the pressing need for new solutions to ensure knowledge transfer and retain skilled professionals within the industry.

2. Fragmented Information and Low Productivity

The nature of maintenance work often leads to a disorganization of crucial information. Maintenance logs, repair records, investment strategies, and inspection data typically exist across numerous spreadsheets and physical documents, resulting in wasted time while searching for essential information. Such fragmentation leads to an underutilization of past experience and data, perpetuating inefficiencies in maintenance decision-making.

3. Lost Opportunities for Investment Decisions

Investment in equipment updates or new installations can easily reach tens of millions of yen. However, due to a lack of data, making sufficiently substantiated decisions remains challenging. Consequently, industry professionals sometimes rely on instinct or past experiences rather than analytical evidence, often resulting in missed opportunities for optimizing maintenance costs and enhancing safety measures.

The EML Solution: Bridging the Gap

EMLink provides a comprehensive solution designed to meet these challenges from both operational and managerial perspectives. Building on the principles of asset management, the platform integrates the following capabilities:

• - A unified data management system for maintenance activities, enhancing operational efficiency.
• - Tools that enable management to base decisions on solid evidence, improving accuracy and reliability in their judgment.

By reimagining maintenance processes in manufacturing and infrastructure, EML aims to elevate operational efficiency and safety across the industry. EML is committed to fostering effective asset management through innovative solutions, helping businesses improve their maintenance practices significantly.

Affordable and Comprehensive Service

EMLink's cloud services are targeted toward the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, where they are particularly effective. The platform addresses issues such as cost reductions, resource efficiency, and enhanced management systems. Aimed at various industries, including petroleum refining, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, food, and automotive, EML is widely adopted across Japan. With a starting price of approximately 98,000 yen per month per factory for its Basic Plan, EML's solution is economically accessible and offers an all-in-one functionality to its users.

Key Features in the Basic Plan:

• - Integrated asset ledger management
• - Maintenance history and performance analysis
• - Development and management of maintenance plans
• - Supplies and material management
• - Workflow and communication features
• - Investment and maintenance cost management
• - Smart inspection (compatible with iOS)
• - Advanced security configurations (two-factor authentication, etc.)

About the Equipment Maintenance Research Institute

The Equipment Maintenance Research Institute focuses on offering digital transformation solutions specifically tailored for plants and factories. Through innovative services such as EM Link and various consulting services, the institute aims to promote industrial digital transformation in equipment maintenance activities. Under the leadership of CEO Shogo Aihara, the organization is positioned to be a key player in enhancing operational excellence within the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

For more information, visit their website at EMLink.

Investor Comments

The investment community has taken a keen interest in EML’s mission to tackle maintenance challenges. Yoshi Kurosawa, the managing partner at DNX Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about their investment, emphasizing the critical role that EML plays in supporting Japan’s industrial backbone amidst the current inefficiencies seen in equipment maintenance management. Similarly, Yusuke Nagano, principal at Delight Ventures, highlighted how EML’s focus on the industry's labor shortages and aging infrastructure represents a vital step towards improved sustainability in the sector, bolstered by a team of experts committed to transformative solutions.