#Japan #Tokyo #Fictiv #Missumi Group #Manufacturing Survey

Introduction

Missumi Group Headquarters, a prominent player in the manufacturing industry based in Tokyo, Japan, in collaboration with its US subsidiary Fictiv Inc., has recently unveiled their 11th annual report on the state of the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. The report was developed through surveys targeting over 300 executives around the globe. It provides valuable insights into how companies are leveraging AI and digital platforms to bolster competitiveness and enhance the resilience of their supply chains amidst rising uncertainty.

Insights from Leaders

Ryu Takumi Ohno, CEO of Missumi Group

"The global manufacturing sector is entering a pivotal phase where quality, compliance, and transparency have never been more crucial. This survey illustrates the escalating expectations of customers for consistent performance amid increasing regional, regulatory, and technological complexities."

Dave Evans, CEO of Fictiv Inc.

"Data from this year's survey clearly indicates that the factors driving competitiveness have shifted towards speed, predictability, and resilience. Companies that proactively utilize AI and digital manufacturing platforms, along with having robust global networks and quality foundations, are now leading the pack."

Key Findings of the Survey

The 11th annual report, released on February 23, revealed several critical trends and insights:

1. Acceleration of AI and Digital Transformation

The survey highlighted that companies are navigating continuous uncertainties due to geopolitical risks, regulatory tightening, soaring raw material costs, and labor shortages. In this challenging environment, the integration of AI and digital manufacturing platforms has become essential for achieving sustainable growth. Key findings include:

• - 95% believe AI integration is crucial for future success.
• - 97% consider digital manufacturing platforms essential for production activities.
• - 97% have already incorporated AI into their core operations.

2. Challenges in Supply Chain Management

While AI is seen as a solution to workforce shortages, many companies acknowledge that it cannot entirely replace specialized skills. Respondents indicated a pressing need to create environments where engineers can focus on high-value tasks. Key insights include:

• - 95% view AI and automation as effective solutions for workforce shortages.
• - 81% reported excessive time and cost burdens in supplier procurement.
• - 83% noted that engineers spend over four hours weekly on procurement tasks.
• - 93% believe that externalizing or automating management tasks can enhance productivity.
• - 99% emphasized the need for expertise in tariffs and compliance when selecting suppliers.

3. Restructuring of Supply Chains

The survey responses revealed that organizations are increasingly focusing on not just cost optimization, but also on factors such as supply stability, quality assurance, and regulatory adherence, which are pivotal for enhancing supply chain resilience. Key findings included:

• - 93% cited onshoring as a major priority for manufacturing strategies.

Strengthening Missumi and Fictiv's Value Proposition

Through this survey, it has become evident that the future of manufacturing is evolving towards a model centered on AI, digital foundations, and high-value services. Missumi aims to continue deepening collaborations within the group, including with Fictiv, to promote solutions that integrate digital technology with a global network, thus delivering high-quality, transparent, speedy, and resilient value.

About Fictiv

As a subsidiary of Missumi Group, Fictiv supports companies in overcoming traditional barriers related to costs, complexity, and risks in global expansion. With manufacturing bases in India, Mexico, China, and the USA, Fictiv provides its clients with access to high-quality manufacturing services while optimizing their supply chains and reducing risks. This enables a smooth and assured transition from prototype to mass production. To date, Fictiv has supplied over 39 million commercial and prototype parts to a wide range of clients from startups to large corporations, accelerating their innovation cycle, effectively utilizing valuable resources, and promoting profitable growth.

About Missumi

Missumi plays a crucial role in the manufacturing realm by providing machinery parts, tools, and consumables to over 323,000 global companies as of March 2025. Combining the capabilities of a manufacturer with those of a trading company for other branded products, Missumi's unique business model and robust infrastructure ensure 'Global Reliable Short Delivery Times,' contributing to enhanced customer convenience.