Award-Winning Collaboration: TED Ver.3.0 Transforms Small Manufacturing Sector

In an impressive showcase of innovation, Profect Co., based in Tokyo, has garnered a prestigious accolade for its production management system, TED Ver.3.0. This system, co-developed by eight small manufacturing companies, was awarded the Excellence Award at the 38th Small and Medium Enterprises Outstanding New Technology and New Product Awards, co-hosted by the Resona Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion and Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun.

The Significance of the Award

This award is backed by notable entities including Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, highlighting exceptional new technologies and products that contribute to industrial advancement in Japan. TED Ver.3.0 has emerged as a front-runner in this category, being recognized not just for its innovation, but also for its practicality and relevance to the manufacturing sector.

Key Features of TED Ver.3.0

Real-Time Information Sharing: TED Ver.3.0 stands out with its industry-first full-functional environment, enabling immediate data sharing among staff, management, and executives. This integration markedly enhances decision-making speed and accuracy.

Elimination of Bottlenecks: The digital Kanban system visualizes all processes from order to invoice, enabling effortless adjustments in production sequences. This feature is designed specifically to mitigate chaos in low-volume, varied production settings.

Tailored TPS Approach: Leveraging Toyota Production System (TPS) principles, TED Ver.3.0 aims at reducing waste and improving operational efficiency by engaging front-line employees in profit-driven decision-making.

Enhanced Analytical Capabilities: With real-time analytics on defect rates, revenue, and costs, TED Ver.3.0 fosters data-driven management strategies, which is particularly crucial for small manufacturing firms seeking to thrive in a competitive landscape.

The accolades given to TED Ver.3.0 were primarily due to its grounding in practical, field-based solutions and the tangible benefits it delivers.

Demonstrable Success in Field Applications

Hiroshima Metal Work Co., a company that integrated TED into its operations, achieved remarkable growth. Over five years, its revenue tripled without increasing machinery count, thanks to the system's user-friendly interface, which eliminated limitations imposed by previous software models. Before switching to TED, the reliance on costly input devices hampered productivity and led to frequent operational delays.

TED's model allows every employee to access devices at no additional cost, empowering staff to enter and check information directly on the shop floor. Such advancements in real-time data management ensure everyone—from the factory floor to the boardroom—operates with the same insights, enhancing both productivity and sales.

To quantify their success:

- Value-added productivity increased by 300%
- Defect rates decreased by 97%
- Labor hours were reduced by 15.9%
- Sales per employee rose by 8.6%

These figures illustrate TED's capacity to uplift both profitability and quality within Japan's manufacturing landscape, affirming its role as an indispensable operational tool.

Dominating IT Subsidy Applications

In a climate where IT support eligibility has tightened, particularly for small enterprises, Profect Co. has made significant strides. The firm has successfully secured about 13% of applications under the IT Subsidy 2025 program, symbolizing its leadership and the strategic value of TED Ver.3.0.

In today's market, the question of which IT solutions to choose has shifted towards discerning trusted partnerships—illustrating that selecting the right ally is as critical as the technology itself.

Continuation of Recognition and Value

Following last year's reception of the Excellent Award for the Japan DX Awards 2025, Profect Co. continues to attract attention for its impactful DX initiatives. The joint development of TED by small manufacturers embodies a movement towards revitalizing Japan's manufacturing industry, which is pivotal during these transformative times.

Message from the CEO

Shiro Abe, the CEO of Profect Co., expressed immense pride in the recognition received for TED Ver.3.0. The system was born from direct involvement with small manufacturing firms confronting their operational challenges. This hands-on development approach shifts away from theoretical frameworks and centers on tangible utility and profitability.

As the landscape for small businesses continues to evolve, Profect Co. reaffirms that the focus must shift from merely selecting systems to the importance of collaboration with capable partners. The recent accolades and achievements are a testament to the acceptance of their guiding philosophy.

Profect Co. is committed to enhancing the capabilities of TED Ver.3.0 and strengthening its support framework to help a broader spectrum of small manufacturers achieve remarkable outcomes through practical DX.