#Japan #Tokyo #Smart Manufacturing #JMAC #MzX Research Group

Launch of MzX Research Group for Overall Optimization in Manufacturing DX

On January 30, 2026, the Japan Management Association Consulting (JMAC), headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, officially launched the "Manufacturing Transformation (MzX) Research Group." This initiative aims to accelerate the digital transformation (DX) in Japan's manufacturing sector. The launch event, organized by the Japan Management Association (JMA) and managed by JMAC, marks the first step towards addressing the challenges faced by the industry, especially in fostering collaboration among businesses, academia, and government.

Background of the MzX Research Group

The establishment of the MzX Research Group is a response to the increasing significance of "Industry 4.0" and "DX" in the manufacturing sector. However, many initiatives have been limited to achieving "partial optimizations" within specific processes and have failed to generate overall business results. Additionally, pressing concerns like labor shortages and rising raw material costs have necessitated a substantial overhaul of manufacturing systems leveraging digital technologies. The MzX Research Group aims to support individual companies' efforts toward meaningful management outcomes while providing a practical model for the entire industrial sector through collaborative discussions to resolve common challenges.

Structure and Features of the Research Group

The MzX Research Group emphasizes an integrated approach, recognizing corporate activities not as isolated functions but as an interconnected "chain of value addition." Based on the Smart Manufacturing Development Guidelines (SMD Guidelines), the group will establish subcommittees centered around three key chains:

1. Engineering Chain (EC)
Focuses on product and process design, advocating for technological and informational integration across various manufacturing functions.

2. Production Chain (PC)
Utilizes internal manufacturing resources (personnel, equipment, methods, and know-how) to transform raw materials into finished products through a seamless process flow.

3. Supply Chain (SC)
Addresses the end-to-end 'goods' operations related to procurement to delivery aimed at meeting final consumer demands.

Focus for the Initial Year and Operational Structure

In its initial year, the MzX Research Group will primarily focus on the food manufacturing industry, encompassing seven participating companies, including Ajinomoto Co., Kagome Co., Kewpie Corporation, Kyotaru Co., Pasco, Fujikko Co., and Meiji Co. The food sector faces unique challenges, including rapid product launches driven by marketing demands and the necessity to adapt to a declining domestic population resulting in reduced demand. Therefore, establishing a speedy and efficient supply chain through digital innovations has been identified as a critical focal theme for the inaugural year.

Participating Companies and Operational Framework

The organizational structure of the MzX Research Group involves JMA as the host and JMAC as the planning and operational body. JMA has simultaneously launched the "Manufacturing Transformation (MzX) Award," designed to foster competition and innovation in the industry. The discussions within the research group will synergize with the MzX Award, contributing new insights aimed at the industrial sector.

In leading the various subcommittees, consultants from JMAC with extensive experience in drafting the SMD guidelines and DX support will facilitate discussions and offer expert insights. Additionally, representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, NEDO, and experts from the University of Tokyo will serve as observers, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for relevant dialogues based on real-world manufacturing scenarios.

Schedule of the Research Group

The MzX Research Group has planned a total of six meetings until November 2026, held bi-monthly, with the final session involving joint discussions from all three subcommittees. The topics discussed in the inaugural meeting on January 30, 2026, included sharing challenges faced by participating companies, with a goal to structurally understand bottlenecks resulting from specific business attributes and extract "common challenges" for deeper exploration in future phases.

Future Directions and Prospects

Going forward, the MzX Research Group intends to delve into specific priority areas based on the common challenges identified in the initial meeting. Its ultimate goal is to visualize the ideal state of digital transformation in food manufacturing and compile proposals for resolving the identified issues. Through this initiative, JMAC aims to systematically collect and organize practical knowledge from participating companies, thereby advancing the SMD guidelines and contributing to a real "Manufacturing Transformation," enhancing the competitiveness of Japan's manufacturing sector.

About Japan Management Association Consulting (JMAC)

Founded on April 1, 1980 (originating in 1942), JMAC is located at 3-1-22 Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo. With a capital of 250 million yen and approximately 370 employees, JMAC offers consulting services across various domains, including strategy, marketing, R&D, production, supply chain management, organizational development, BPR, and IT business services.