In April 2021, we established the DX Promotion Department to promote Groupwide DX. To respond to swift changes in the business environment and gain competitive advantages, we must harness data and digital technology to uncover even greater value. We recognize the importance of creating a custom digital strategy, improving operational efficiency through data utilization, and overall optimization of existing business through PSI* as the form of supply chain management.
Our DX Promotion Department is responsible for creating new value and promoting business reform through digital technology in these efforts, while also promoting the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the core operational systems and IT infrastructure that form the basis for these efforts, as well as information security and IT human resource development in an integrated manner to improve efficiency and control.

The Group has defined two stages for realizing this digital strategy. In the first stage, we will promote the digitization of sales and indirect operations, development, production, production management, and quality assurance operations, and take steps to optimize existing businesses. Concurrently, we will aim to make our employees more attuned to changes wrought by advancements in digital technology, and more emotionally aware of the need for self-transformation. In the second stage, we will aim for true DX and make efforts to create new customer value by integrating our technological strengths with digital technology and reforming our business model.

Our DX Promotion Department is responsible for creating new value and promoting business reform through digital technology in these efforts, while also promoting the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the core operational systems and IT infrastructure that form the basis for these efforts, as well as information security and IT human resource development in an integrated manner to improve efficiency and control.

We viewed Phase 1 (FY2021–FY2024) of SHIFT2030, our Medium- to Long-Term Business Plan, as a period for building a platform for digital utilization, and implemented various measures accordingly. The main theme for this phase was optimizing existing businesses. Specifically, we took steps to digitize and visualize operations, such as eliminating manual input and going paperless for production and indirect operations in current processes, as well as incorporating tablets and other devices for digitizing data and systematizing operations. We are also promoting the creation of environments where everyone can experience DX while improving operational efficiency. Additionally, we are implementing a next-generation ERP system, upgrading our networks, and strengthening IT governance and security.

We believe that fostering a corporate culture and developing human resources capable of utilizing data is extremely important for effectively promoting DX. Along with actively recruiting digital human resources, we are also taking steps to find and develop them among our employees, and are promoting rank-specific educational programs based on the Digital Human Resource Development Tower. We also provide information security and digital literacy training for all employees, digital utilization training useful for improving operations and efficiency, and onsite personnel searches to develop key people who can promote applications and program development. As a cornerstone of future business reform, the DX Promotion Department aims to provide highly specialized training in cloud computing, security, and other areas to create a system that promotes digitization in collaboration with business departments.