Digital Transformation (DX)

We will transform our operations to meet the needs of the new era. We will achieve digital transformation by promoting production innovation using digital technology and by advancing a digital platform for business throughout the Company.

Strengthening Digital Platform

Digital Talent

We are expanding the number of personnel who can carry out AI and data utilization in-house, including at domestic Group companies.
Fiscal 2023 cumulative total: 320
Fiscal 2030 target: A roughly threefold increase to 1,050

AI Infrastructure

At our production sites, AI is being implemented mainly by highly trained digital personnel.
We are proceeding with verification of the effectiveness and risk of using generative AI in each business area.

Data Integration/Communication

Data integration: We are gradually expanding the integrated data infrastructure that connects production to business.
Communication: We are strengthening the communication network that supports digital transformation by expanding IT devices, utilizing images, etc.

Increasing Productivity with Field Operation Zero

At the Tomatoh Manufacturing Site (Hokkaido), which is scheduled for launch in May 2024, we will improve productivity by fully automating the medical device production line.
We will promote the introduction of renewable energy using our own photovoltaic power generation systems and realize a manufacturing site with a low environmental impact.

Field-Led AI and Data Utilization That Is Unique to Kaneka

At each site, highly trained digital personnel take the lead in using AI and data infrastructure to solve problems. As of the end of fiscal 2023, we have taken on 120 themes, of which 30 projects have yielded results of approximately 600 million yen per year.
We aim to train up to 1,050 AI and data utilization personnel by 2030, and will promote 100 themes per year (results: approximately 2 billion yen/year).

Expansion of Human Resources Utilizing AI and Data

AI and Data Utilization Themes		Impact (Millions of yen/year)
Optimal operation Automatic control	Optimal automatic operation of the drying process Automatic adjustment of molecular weight in culture processes, etc.	300
Anomaly prediction (Equipment and quality)	Detecting equipment anomalies to improve operating rate Prediction system for foaming conditions, etc.	200
Image and sound analysis	Reducing losses by monitoring the coating furnace exit Detection of print stains, etc.	50
Plan optimization (Production/sales/inventory)	Optimization of inventory provisions Production planning optimization, etc.	50
Total		600

Manufacturing Strategies