Kanematsu Corporation (“Kanematsu”) has launched “KG ZAICO,” a cloud-based inventory management software solution, for Japanese manufacturing companies operating in Mexico. Through its local subsidiary in Mexico, Kanematsu will expand the service to approximately 1,600 Japanese companies and local enterprises with operations in the country, promoting the digital transformation of inventory management at factories.
*Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Annual Survey of Overseas Japanese-Affiliated Enterprises
KG ZAICO English website:https://bc3.kanematsu.co.jp/kgzaico/en
[Background]
Mexico is home to many Japanese manufacturers, particularly in the automotive-related industries, that operate production facilities in the country. At the same time, changes in the labor environment have been accelerating in recent years, including legal reforms to gradually reduce statutory working hours from the current 48 hours per week to 40 hours and increases in the minimum wage. As a result, improving operational efficiency and productivity has become increasingly important for companies operating locally.
One issue that has become particularly apparent is the management of production equipment and supplies, such as molds, jigs, and tools, as well as consumables used on shop floors, including helmets and rubber gloves. While inventories of products and components are often managed rigorously, these items are still frequently tracked manually or using Excel. This creates a significant workload for frontline staff in areas such as receiving and issuing items, physical inventory checks, and replenishment decisions.
[About KG ZAICO]
KG ZAICO is a cloud-based inventory management application designed to visualize and streamline the management of such inventories. Users can easily manage stock movements, conduct inventory checks, and confirm stock levels from smartphones, tablets, or PCs, enabling real-time sharing of inventory information. Since its launch in Japan in July 2022, the solution has been adopted by more than 100 companies, ranging from major corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, primarily among automakers and auto parts manufacturers.
[Implementation Status in Mexico]
Kanematsu is currently proposing KG ZAICO and conducting pilot use at multiple factories operated by Japanese manufacturers in Mexico. One company is also preparing to move toward full-scale implementation.
By enabling real-time inventory checks and management via smartphones, KG ZAICO is expected to improve the efficiency of operations such as stock receiving and issuing and physical inventory checks, while also helping prevent stockouts and excess inventory. In addition, by allowing companies to quickly identify shortages of materials and supplies procured from Japan, the solution enables more systematic ordering and is expected to help reduce transportation costs by limiting the need for air freight to address urgent shortages.。
Under its medium-term management plan, “integration 1.1,” Kanematsu has set out to expand the value it provides. Leveraging the knowledge and experience it has developed in supporting digital transformation for manufacturers in Japan, Kanematsu will continue expanding KG ZAICO into Mexico and other overseas markets, helping companies improve operational efficiency and productivity.
【Contact】
◆ For inquiries regarding the service: https://bc3.kanematsu.co.jp/kgzaico/
◆ For press release inquiries: Tel: +81-3-6747-5000 https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/inquiry/