Kyocera Revolutionizes Inventory Management with SmartMat Cloud Solutions

Streamlining Inventory Management at Kyocera with SmartMat Cloud

In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, efficiency in inventory management is crucial. Kyocera Corporation, renowned for its commitment to innovation since its establishment in 1959, has set a benchmark by employing SmartMat Cloud, a cutting-edge IoT inventory management solution developed by Esmat Co., Ltd. This collaboration showcases how embracing digital transformation can effectively tackle traditional inventory challenges while optimizing operational workflows.

The Challenge: Fragmented Inventory Management

Kyocera's Kagoshima Kokubu Plant is involved in manufacturing ceramic substrates for LEDs and optical communication. This complex process requires a diverse array of chemicals and materials, each with unique management standards and usage. Historically, this led to individual team members managing their own inventory—resulting in fragmented visibility of stock levels across departments. As the organization expanded, this lack of cohesive inventory insights made it increasingly difficult to facilitate information sharing and make well-informed decisions regarding optimal stock levels.

Moreover, many supplies were stored in various remote and high-storage locations, necessitating on-site manual checks for inventory auditing and remaining stock counts. This not only consumed significant time and resources but also created gaps in information during staff transitions, ultimately impairing inventory management efficiency.

Consequently, the plant faced a scenario where certain areas were overstocked, while others struggled with shortages, leading to operational inefficiencies. Realizing the need for a fundamental re-evaluation of inventory practices, the plant's management turned towards implementing SmartMat Cloud.

Introduction of SmartMat Cloud

SmartMat Cloud serves as a comprehensive SaaS solution that utilizes IoT technology to visualize and automate inventory management at all levels. By transitioning to SmartMat Cloud, Kyocera has effectively minimized manual efforts previously necessary for inventory audits and has achieved real-time visibility of actual stock levels—an otherwise unattainable feat through manual monitoring alone.

Since its launch in winter 2018, SmartMat Cloud has already been adopted by over 1,200 clients spanning various sectors, including manufacturing, service industries, and healthcare institutions. This flexibility illustrates its capacity to meet diverse inventory management needs.

Given its transformative nature, SmartMat Cloud revolutionizes inventory management by completely automating order placements and enhancing overall inventory control. Through this innovation, Kyocera has not only streamlined processes but also achieved significant cost savings and better resource allocation.

Voices from the Field: Real Impact of SmartMat Cloud

Feedback from Kyocera's operations team highlights the pragmatic advantages they have experienced since deploying SmartMat Cloud. Employees report that they've witnessed a substantial reduction in time spent on manual inventory checks, allowing them to dedicate more resources toward strategic functions that drive production and innovation.

Management noted that the newfound capability to access real-time data on inventory levels has translated into better decision-making, thus enhancing overall productivity. Furthermore, by breaking down siloed information, departments can now collaboratively approach inventory needs, resulting in improved synergy and operational cohesion.

Conclusion: The Future of Inventory Management

In conclusion, the partnership between Kyocera and Esmat, fueled by the innovative SmartMat Cloud solution, serves as a critical case study in the realm of modern inventory management. It exemplifies how traditional practices can be optimized through advanced technologies to achieve a streamlined workflow.

As manufacturing continues to embrace digital transformation, initiatives like SmartMat Cloud will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of inventory management within the industry. This transformative journey not only elevates operational efficiency but also highlights the importance of incorporating smart solutions into everyday practices for maximum effect.

For more details on the implementation, visit the case study: SmartMat Cloud Case Study