#Japan #Ibaraki #Hammock #WOZE #Toyota Mobility Parts

Enhancing Efficiency at Toyota Mobility Parts

Toyota Mobility Parts Ibaraki Branch has made a significant leap in operational efficiency by integrating the cloud-based data entry service, WOZE, into its workflow. This transition was necessary due to the increasing demands of handling automotive parts, specifically genuine Toyota parts, and accessories, which include oils, batteries, navigation systems, and tires. As a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, their mission extends beyond mere parts supply to supporting local dealerships and the automotive service industry, thus contributing substantially to regional automotive life.

The Need for Change

The supply management department at Toyota Mobility Parts was faced with a considerable hurdle. They utilized paper documents for direct delivery, leading to excessive time spent on manual data entry and inventory checks. On particularly busy delivery days, staff were dedicating up to two hours solely for entry and an additional four hours for cross-referencing data, creating a culture of early morning shifts that were becoming the norm. The staff found themselves overwhelmed by repetitive tasks, leaving scant time for in-depth analysis and improvement initiatives.

Key Challenges:

• - Manual Entry: Each morning, staff would spend 1.5 to 2 hours inputting delivery notes into core systems, necessitating early starts.
• - Inventory Checks: Approximately four hours daily were required for inventory checks, leading to significant operational strain.
• - Error-Prone Processes: Manual entry frequently caused errors impacting subsequent processes, resulting in time-consuming rectifications.
• - Impact on Core Activities: Time spent on these tasks hindered the department from focusing on root cause analysis and proactive measures to prevent issues.

Choosing WOZE

In light of these challenges, the supply management group pursued an OCR solution capable of addressing their needs efficiently. The reasons behind opting for WOZE were compelling:

• - High Accuracy Rate: WOZE employs patented technology called WOCR, achieving over 99.9% accuracy through a combination of technology and oversight by remote workers.
• - Streamlined Checks: Their unique system selectively extracts only the necessary details that require verification, significantly reducing the workload for checking processes.

Positive Outcomes Post-WOZE Implementation

After deploying WOZE, significant improvements in operational efficiency and employee satisfaction were noted:

• - Automation of Tasks: The data entry and checking of delivery documents were automated, dramatically improving speed and reliability.
• - Time Savings: The time previously required for these tasks decreased by approximately 3.7 hours daily, equating to the workload of about 0.6 full-time employees.
• - Improved Work-Life Balance: Reductions in early shift demands led to a healthier work-life balance for employees.
• - Focus on Core Initiatives: More time became available to engage in core operational activities and small group projects that drive the department's goals.

Insights from Key Personnel

Takayuki Kumooka, Supply Management Group

“Many other OCR solutions achieve only 70-80% accuracy, despite some incorporating AI technology. Often, manual checks by staff become necessary for corrections. WOZE, with its patented WOCR system, allows us to effectively manage verification by focusing only on areas that need attention. This level of efficiency has made it much easier to trust the data throughout the processing stages.”

Yuichi Isaka, Quality Control Group

“Previously, we would frequently encounter situations where input errors forced us to arrange replacements for defective parts in subsequent processes. Now, those errors and needed corrections have nearly disappeared, freeing us to work on analyzing root causes and implementing preventive measures, which is crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction.”

Takashi Sugaya, Group Manager of Supply Management

“The implementation of WOZE has notably decreased the operational burden on our team, enhancing both ergonomics and accuracy. It’s vital that we expand these results beyond Ibaraki, fostering improvement ideas across the entire group. The system serves as a tool, requiring the needs of our teams to ensure successful implementation, and we aim to keep adapting our strategies based on frontline feedback.”

About Toyota Mobility Parts Ibaraki Branch

For more information, visit Toyota Mobility Parts Ibaraki.

Understanding WOZE

WOZE provides a comprehensive solution for data entry and verification tasks across various operations, automating previously manual processes to enhance efficiency dramatically. By combining distinct OCR technologies and cloud-based oversight, WOZE helps liberate staff from monotonous tasks, allowing them to focus on higher value activities and supporting an effective workplace.

About Hammock Ltd.

Hammock is a software company dedicated to providing innovative IT solutions aimed at solving business challenges efficiently. Their mission is reflected in their philosophy of delivering high-quality functions at competitive prices while ensuring speedy development. For further details visit Hammock.