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リーダーの考え/LEADER'S VIEW

The New Meaning of

Smart Factory

It is undeniable that Industry 4.0 has been the most talked about topic in the manufacturing industry in 2016. Since Thailand
is well-known as the world automation parts producer, Industry 4.0 will affect Thai manufacturers in almost every way
possible. Manufacturers have become accustomed to using manual labor which result in errors and inconsistency in both
quality and cost. With the help of automation and advanced machine systems, these errors can be avoided.

In the past, providing just a machine was enough for a technology of experience make them reliable and knowledgeable about
creator but that is not effective in today’s world. Customers expect Industry 4.0 in Thailand. Due to increasing labor costs and the need
to have tailor-made solutions, solutions specially designed for each for higher quality products, automation is the best answer. The
problem and more customers are also requesting full production center was created to showcase examples of what Panasonic can
line installations or upgrades to automation in specific parts of the do to help manufacturers solve their problems. Automotive,
production line. electronic devices and household applications are the three main
industries which Panasonic focus in Thailand.
This center not only features Panasonic’s latest chip mounter and
welding machine but also features peripheral equipment from other Panasonic Solution & Innovation Center Thailand
partners which include component towers and inspection machines.
This synergy highlights the importance of network compatibility and There are four business segments under the Panasonic group with
technological interconnectedness which are important to the companies in Appliance, AVC Networks, Eco Solutions and
development of Industry 4.0 and IoT support. Automotive & Industrial Systems (AIS) each with their own distinct
R&D, production and sales functions. The AIS is responsible for 30%
Each country or region has its own problems which require different of total company revenue and its Smart Factory Solution
solutions which is why Panasonic have already launched Factory Business Division accounts for 10% of the AIS. While there are a
Automation Showrooms in Jakarta, Indonesia and Hanoi, Vietnam number of solution centers in the market, Panasonic believes that
and Chicago, USA. They will continue to expand their factory their strengths will make them stand out.
automation business globally in order to get closer with customers.
One strength is in the power of connectivity. Most of the time when
Thailand 4.0 smart machines communicate data or important information between
other machines within a plant, functionality is restricted to machines
Panasonic first entered Thailand in 1961 and their relationship with of the same brand which can be complicated for manufacturers who
Thai manufacturers have grown strong and steady ever since. Years already own machines of different brands. This is not a problem for
Panasonic machines since Panasonic own both machine and
software technology. Machines from Panasonic can integrate with
machines from other brands. Manufacturers do not need to change
Panasonic is one of the world leaders in developing smart Bringing Latest Technologies to The World an entire production line to be more productive but upgrade
manufacturing technology. At the special celebration event of the components where needed saving both time and money.
opening ceremony of the new Panasonic Solution & Innovation On 9 September 2016, Panasonic Corporation officially opened the
Center Thailand, Asia Pacific Plant Management had the ‘Panasonic Solution & Innovation Center Thailand’ at New With around 25 years in automation and solutions for the manufac-
opportunity to meet with Yasuo Yamada, Director of Business Petchaburi Road. In today’s highly digitized world, demand for smart turing industry, Panasonic has an advantage with experience having
Innovation Center Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), phones, wearable devices and other electronics continue to expand faced all kinds of manufacturing scenarios. A team from Panasonic
Panasonic Factory Solutions Asia Pacific and Hiroyuki Aota, rapidly. There are three main problems manufacturers often face will work closely with clients to analyze their problems before
Vice President of Automotive & Industrial Systems Company, when upgrading to Industry 4.0 including the rising cost of labor, proposing solutions and with their expertise and experience, the
Panasonic Corporation to discuss about Industry 4.0 in Thailand adaptation of new technologies and the production of smaller work most suitable solution will be made.
and the role of the new center. pieces. All of these problems are what has driven Panasonic in the
quest of finding the best solutions for each manufacturer’s needs. Got a question ? Please scan QR code on page 61

58 Asia Pacific Plant Management October - November 2016 59