Introduction to Spacing Management
On August 29, 2025, International Electric Corporation, led by President and CEO Yoshikazu Sakuma, officially launched "Spacing Management," a cutting-edge SaaS solution tailored for the effective management of workspace in smart factories. This initiative is part of their broader GEMBA TOTAL MANAGEMENT series designed to empower frontline workers—specifically, site managers—by leveraging data collection, accumulation, and analysis technologies.
The Need for Smart Factories
Japan's manufacturing sector faces critical challenges, largely due to an aging population that results in labor shortages, coupled with the loss of skilled workers who have retired. Addressing these societal issues, International Electric aims to support site managers through the strategic integration of wireless communication, sensing, and AI technologies. By effectively capturing the movements within manufacturing settings and linking them to production systems, the company facilitates enhanced decision-making capabilities while eliminating waste, inconsistency, and inefficiency.
The Background of Spacing Management Development
Traditionally, site managers rely heavily on their judgment to oversee the movement of people and materials within the factory. However, the management of workspace dynamics often becomes a blind spot, mainly dependent on specific personnel who possess this crucial oversight. Common feedback from industry surveys indicated that:
1. There are no proper tools available for effective workspace management, leading to overreliance on individual judgment.
2. Site managers spend excessive time confirming project status and spatial occupancy, minimally productive tasks that can be automated.
3. Decisions are frequently based on intuition rather than standardized protocols, hindering the accumulation and sharing of best practices.
Such challenges were not only industry-wide but also prevalent within International Electric's own operations. Recognizing the need for a reliable workspace management system, they have developed Spacing Management to create safer, more efficient production environments devoid of overreliance on specific individuals.
Capabilities Offered by Spacing Management
The Spacing Management solution offers several capabilities to enhance workspace oversight:
1.
Integration with Existing Systems: It retrieves project engineering information, significantly reducing manual entry errors.
2.
Simulation of Space Layouts: This feature allows individuals other than designated administrators to engage in workspace management tasks, promoting a collaborative environment.
3.
Instant Space Situation Assessments: Users can select a date from a calendar, enabling swift understanding of future space availability for new projects and ensuring no opportunities are missed.
4.
Comprehensive Overview of Space and Project Status: The solution consolidates spatial data and project status, allowing for streamlined communication among stakeholders.
Future Development of Spacing Management
International Electric's Spacing Management is set to evolve in response to customer needs. The company plans to leverage its wireless communication, sensing, and AI capabilities to continuously expand and enhance this innovative service. Future integrations with other components of the GEMBA TOTAL MANAGEMENT series, including location-focused services, are in the pipeline to deliver added value to clients.
Moreover, the company is actively developing new services that capture other aspects of onsite movements, further advancing the digital transformation of frontline workers. As a member of the Nisshinbo Group, International Electric is dedicated to continually innovating and enhancing support for frontline managers in factory settings.
Conclusion
Spacing Management represents a significant step forward in utilizing advanced technology to tackle long-standing challenges within manufacturing environments. By creating a strategic and responsive approach to workspace management, International Electric is paving the way for a more efficient and effective manufacturing future. Interested parties can find detailed information on the company's website:
International Electric's Spacing Management.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please reach out to International Electric Corporation:
- - Location: 2-15-12 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- - Legal Department: TEL: 03-6734-9401
- - Contact Form: Inquiry Form
For product-related questions, please contact:
- - DX Division, Industrial Solutions Department: TEL: 050-3383-3545
- - Sales Headquarters, Partner Solutions Sales Department: TEL: 050-3383-3540