JTEKT Column Systems Corporation, a key player within the automobile parts industry, announced its adoption of the innovative cloud-based RISE with SAP offering. The new move is part of its ambitious digital transformation (DX) project aimed at leveraging advanced technology to redefine business processes, streamline operations, and drive decision-making efficiency.
Founded in the scenic locale of Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture, JTEKT Column Systems Corporation has steadily solidified its status as an industry pioneer in manufacturing and selling top-notch automotive parts, including steering columns, shifters, and engine drive parts. Under the visionary leadership of President Shikihiro Akiyama, the company initiated a profound management reform last year, setting its sights on becoming the world’s number one column supplier.
The launch of the company’s DX project marked a significant turning point in its journey to industry dominance. The project reflects a concerted effort to reduce operational costs, improve work efficiency, and standardize processes across the board. The company turned to RISE with SAP to bolster these objectives, impressed by the cloud offering’s adaptability and globally acclaimed track record. (InsideSAP Asia often references articles from websites in other languages to bring you as much information as possible.)
RISE with SAP Offering: Fueling Digital Innovation
At the core of the RISE with SAP offering is a comprehensive, intelligent suite designed to usher businesses into the cloud era. SAP’s solution combines the power of SAP S/4HANA Cloud, the robust SAP Business Technology Platform, and the wealth of knowledge and expertise from SAP’s global partner ecosystem. This cloud offering has gained significant traction in the Asia-Pacific-Japan (APJ) region, particularly Japan, where it has catalyzed transformative digital strategies across diverse sectors.
The decision to integrate RISE with SAP into its DX project was a strategic one for JTEKT Column Systems. The cloud-based ERP solution provides a reliable platform to nurture a data-centric environment, thereby streamlining the decision-making process and bolstering adaptability to future environmental changes. Furthermore, the company decided to return to SAP for its maintenance support, reflecting its commitment to seamless project execution and rapid responses to evolving business requirements.
Navigating the Digital Transformation Process
IPS Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based company specializing in system development and support, has been a pivotal partner since the early planning stages of the DX project. Boasting a rich portfolio of more than 150 companies served, IPS continues to play a critical role in shaping the overall project plan and guiding the system construction for JTEKT Column Systems.
One of the most anticipated outcomes of the new system is a marked shift in management style. By promoting frequent applications of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, the company will enable managers, administrators, and project leads to respond proactively to changes and potential risks. This means transitioning from the conventional “report type” approach to a more dynamic, data-driven “proposal type” style, enhancing overall business performance.
As JTEKT Column Systems takes this monumental step towards embracing the RISE with SAP offering, it is not just making a significant leap in its own journey but also setting a benchmark for the automotive parts industry. This decision showcases the potential of adopting advanced technologies to drive industry transformation, promising an exciting era for the automobile parts sector.
Charting the Course Ahead
With the adoption of RISE with SAP, JTEKT Column Systems has taken a bold leap into the digital age. The company has affirmed its commitment to staying at the forefront of technology adoption, setting a benchmark for other automotive parts manufacturers to emulate. As the company moves forward, it will be fascinating to observe how these digital initiatives reshape its operational dynamics and contribute to achieving its vision of becoming the world’s top column supplier.
The successful integration of RISE with SAP within JTEKT Column Systems will also likely encourage other businesses in the APJ region to consider this powerful ERP solution.
