Digitalization: Kuraray

Kuraray Europe GmbH Company Strategy Digitalization

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Digitalization

Digitalization as a disruptive force? Absolutely! From cloud platforms to big data and artificial intelligence, the industry has recognized the potential of digitalization and is increasingly using it for new products, systems, and processes. Innovative digital solutions are also changing the way we produce and collaborate at Kuraray. They are at the heart of our product development and numerous strategic initiatives. Our newly formed organization for Digital Transformation (DX) and Information Technology (IT) is driving this development at Kuraray Europe GmbH and cooperating closely with the company's business and service units. Together, we are creating customized digital solutions that combine efficiency with sustainability and maximum customer focus.

Chatbot piloting at Kuraray

When the digital colleague takes over

Do we have a 3D printer in the office? What was that application that everyone thinks is so great good for again? And how do I actually apply for educational leave? Questions upon questions ... The sometimes laborious search for answers will soon be a thing of the past. In future, Kuraray's chatbot will take care of it – interactively, quickly and around the clock. It not only provides targeted information, but also shares in-depth knowledge, provides application support and learns new things every day. Oh yes, and it is also multilingual, of course. With regard to chatbots or, in other words, the automation of office and administrative processes using AI-controlled dialog systems, the company is currently running two pilot projects, from which we are hoping for a lot.

Artificial intelligence robot with notebook.

It's about saving time, barrier-free access to information, and the simplified onboarding of new employees, to name just the most important benefits. The interim results are encouraging and there are plans for chatbots to provide support in other areas in the future – including in operations during maintenance and troubleshooting or in customer service.

5G research project in Troisdorf

Science meets Industry

The fast data transmission of the new 5G mobile communications standard enables communication almost in real time. This means that 5G technology also opens up unimagined possibilities for industry. At Kuraray's site in Troisdorf near Bonn, Germany, a unique project is currently underway that is putting scientific findings directly into practice. Seven partners are conducting cross-sector research into how 5G can make industrial processes more efficient and sustainable. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport is funding the network with around 3.6 million euros.

As part of the project, Kuraray is conducting a pilot of a 5G toolbox that incorporates a mixed reality headset capable of receiving and playing back real and virtual 3D content. This high-tech device enables remote monitoring and maintenance of production facilities. By using 5G, the company's expert knowledge can be networked even more effectively and deployed flexibly, which will also open up new paths for customer service assignments in the future.

Another topic of development is real-time sensors, which can enhance production quality, minimize waste, emissions, and energy consumption. Together with ZWi Technologies, another Troisdorf-based company, Kuraray is also testing an intelligent control system for the forklift trucks used on site.

In addition to Kuraray and ZWi Technologies, the project involves partnerships with the City of Troisdorf's business development department and the municipal utilities subsidiary Troiline. The project also benefits from the scientific support provided by The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology (FIT), the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management at RWTH Aachen University and the Institut Leistung Arbeit Gesundheit (ILAG).

5gtroisdorf.de

Digital Upskilling

Fit for the digital future

The digital transformation is bringing radical changes to the world of work. That means massive changes for our employees – but it also offers great opportunities. Specific support is necessary to make sure no-one is left behind. Digital upskilling is the key: people with digital skills are not simply fit for work; they are empowered to actively shape change.

Therefore, the Kuraray Group has introduced an ambitious training programme that is currently being rolled out worldwide. It is part of Kuraray’s digitalization strategy and has been developed in conjunction with the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Center at RWTH Aachen in Germany.

The DX Talent Development Programme gives participants the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need for the digital era. While the bronze course offers basic digital knowledge for everyone, the silver and gold courses prepare employees to successfully drive forward digital projects in their field. As well as gaining an understanding of the strategic dimension of the digital transformation, participants are given insights into creating digital content, methods of data analysis and how to use artificial intelligence.

The development of this programme was preceded by an intensive digital review, including digital maturity assessments of several business units.

Fit for the digital future

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