#Japan #Tokyo #CADDi #AI Data Platform #OMRON

CADDi Partners with Omron for AI-driven Manufacturing Innovation

In a significant move towards digital transformation in manufacturing, CADDi Inc., based in Tokyo's Taito Ward, has begun implementing its AI data platform, CADDi, in collaboration with Omron Corporation, headquartered in Kyoto. This partnership aims at enhancing design quality on a company-wide scale within Omron, which has long been known as a leader in automation through its innovative 'Sensing & Control + Think' technology.

Challenges and Background

Omron is committed to leveraging a variety of data acquired through its control devices, healthcare solutions, social systems, and electronic parts. However, a pressing challenge looms: the aging workforce among designers involved in manufacturing processes brings about a decrease in resources. This has led to a loss of the invaluable 'tacit knowledge' that has been developed over many years. Furthermore, fragmented information across departments has created obstacles for younger engineers attempting to access the necessary knowledge they require.

To tackle these issues and enhance quality across development, purchasing, procurement, and quality assurance—which are integral to improving product QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery)—the need for establishing a strong 'design quality foundation' at the upstream development stage became clear. In response to urgent calls from engineers for knowledge transfer, Omron initiated a practical verification of CADDi as part of its quality inspection efforts led by its global procurement, quality, and logistics division.

Implementation Benefits

Before CADDi's introduction, knowledge existed mainly as tacit expertise tied to veteran employees, resulting in substantial labor efforts required to search for information. However, the introduction of the CADDi platform has initiated the process of digitalizing technical data and consolidating it into valuable assets. As a result, immediate access to cross-departmental knowledge has become feasible, allowing younger employees to autonomously tackle challenges. This shift is leading to a rise in overall organizational productivity.

Key Achievements from CADDi Implementation

• - Digital Asset Creation: Transforming the tacit knowledge of senior experts into digital assets has minimized dependency on individuals for technical information.
• - Immediate Expert Identification: The platform facilitates quick identification of knowledgeable experts, promoting effective knowledge transfer.
• - Cross-functional Knowledge Utilization: Knowledge from different departments can be utilized interchangeably, thereby enhancing the design quality across various business units.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the utilization of CADDi beyond the departments currently involved in the verification phase, aspiring for company-wide implementation. By sharing and integrating the technical know-how held at key development bases on the CADDi platform, Omron aims to create a system that allows immediate access to optimal technical information regardless of location, further strengthening global competitiveness. Additionally, the platform is expected to enhance connections among personnel through knowledge sharing, facilitating a communication and relationship-building environment that promotes a DX-friendly transformation of development and purchasing processes across the company.

Insights from Omron’s Leadership

Shinichi Kuae, Group Leader of the Machinery Development Procurement Department at Omron, emphasized that the primary objective behind introducing CADDi is to improve 'design quality of components.' He noted that through enhancing component quality during the design phase, they can prevent issues after development and reduce defects during mass production. The ability to access technical documents from various departments and identify knowledgeable personnel has significantly improved the resolution of the question, 'whom should I ask?' This transition is viewed as a major advancement. Kuae envisions future developments where not only will employees connect with others, but that their 'tacit knowledge' will also be effectively passed down to newer generations.

About CADDi

CADDi Inc. is dedicated to unlocking the potential of the manufacturing industry by transforming scattered data and experiences into valuable assets via its AI data platform, CADDi. It aims to enhance decision-making and production activities through data analysis and insights. With a strong presence in Japan, the USA, Vietnam, and Thailand, CADDi is poised to revolutionize the global manufacturing landscape, backed by a cumulative equity funding of 25.73 billion yen.

For more information, visit CADDi's official website.