#Japan #AI Solutions #Tokyo #Microsoft #Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Refreshes Asset Management Solutions with Microsoft AI

Hitachi Energy, a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., has recently announced an exciting collaboration with Microsoft Corp. aimed at revolutionizing the management of critical infrastructures such as electrical networks and transportation systems. Unveiled in Zurich, Switzerland on January 28, this partnership intends to amplify safety, reliability, and economic efficiency through the integration of advanced AI technologies.

The collaboration focuses on a new and unified solution combining Hitachi’s Ellipse Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) with Microsoft technologies like Dynamics 365, Microsoft Fabric, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. By integrating data management, analytics, and operational processes, this enhanced system aspires to redefine asset management by providing an agile and reliable framework for critical infrastructure maintenance.

Critical assets, including power transmission networks, railways, and factories, face numerous challenges such as aging components, increasing demands, and the effects of climate change. Failures in these infrastructures can lead to extensive blackouts, safety risks, environmental damage, and significant economic losses. In order to combat these issues, Hitachi Energy plans to leverage its extensive expertise in infrastructure management combined with Microsoft's advanced AI capabilities. This integration will allow operators to shift towards proactive, data-driven lifecycle management, reducing reliance on reactive measures.

Massimo Danieli, the executive officer of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Automation Business Unit, emphasized the company’s decades of experience in supporting and operating essential infrastructures. Through Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology, he aims to enhance the value delivered by Ellipse, providing innovative solutions that empower service providers to operate in more advanced and sustainable ways.

Diane Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Manufacturing and Mobility Division, added that operators of critical infrastructure require insightful tools for effective management. She noted that through the collaboration with Hitachi Energy, they could combine AI, cloud, and enterprise systems to bolster proactive approaches, enhancing the reliability and potential value of the services that underpin society.

The solution offers the integration of advanced digital tools, enhancing visibility across the network’s asset conditions through effective management of valuable data sets. Additionally, it can suggest optimal maintenance schedules based on supply chain, human resources, and financial data. This will lead to improved operational efficiencies and investment planning, ultimately increasing service reliability while reducing the need for costly emergency interventions.

Traditionally, EAM systems operated independently from other critical systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), which resulted in data silos and inefficiencies. By combining EAM with ERP and CRM systems to create a singular, reliable information source, Hitachi aims to streamline decision-making and compliance processes.

These enhancements will include:

• - End-to-end Visibility: Establishing a unified information source for equipment, finance, and operations improves decision-making.
• - Optimized Asset Management: Real-time data connection between EAM and ERP ensures accurate budgeting and asset allocation.
• - Enhanced Reliability and Resilience: Preventive maintenance based on integrated data reduces downtime and prolongs asset life.
• - Process Efficiency: Elimination of repetitive tasks speeds up workflows, enhancing service quality.
• - Regulatory and Sustainability Compliance: Integrated reporting supports environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives and compliance.

Hitachi Energy's partnership extends to its network of system integrator partners, including Hitachi Solutions, a recognized leader in implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance. Their extensive experience in large-scale digital transformations ensures the acceleration of this innovative solution’s deployment while consistently delivering high-quality value to clients.

Soichiro Ohara, the Chairman and CEO of Hitachi Solutions America, expressed pride in contributing to this strategic solution reconstruction, which aims to significantly improve efficiency in crucial operational technology domains. They are committed to enhancing the implementation, integration, and results to maximize the benefits of advanced AI-driven solutions for their clients.

This innovative solution not only enhances digital transformation efforts but also encourages customers to transition from reactive to proactive operations. By leveraging advanced analytics, organizations can effectively manage costs and deliver greater value to end users. The collaboration between Hitachi and Microsoft signifies a shift from traditional data repositories to dynamic platforms capable of data integration, process automation, and improving efficiency across the corporate landscape.

As part of the digital suite, the Ellipse solution contributes to the HMAX Energy portfolio, which aims to revolutionize social infrastructure through the power of AI. The Hitachi group is committed to expanding its digital service offerings, including HMAX, to meet the evolving needs of various industries.

About Hitachi
Hitachi Ltd. is at the forefront of social innovation efforts, leveraging IT and operational technology to create a harmonized society that balances environmental sustainability, public welfare, and economic growth. With a robust global presence, Hitachi is set to address pressing societal challenges through its innovative business segments.

About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy provides innovative grid technologies that support a sustainable energy future, powering the lives of over three billion people worldwide. With over a century of expertise, Hitachi Energy focuses on decarbonizing power systems while addressing the rapidly growing energy demand.

About Hitachi Solutions
Hitachi Solutions is dedicated to enabling sustainable business transformations through tailored advisory, consulting, and technology solutions. The company emphasizes collaboration with clients to drive meaningful business outcomes across various sectors and global markets.