アステックコンサルティング List of Products and Services

Currently, it is difficult to recruit talent within Japan, and many companies are facing a labor shortage. While it would be ideal to improve productivity within the company to address this issue, many companies may have already implemented improvement activities and feel there are no further options left. In this seminar, we will explain how to fundamentally improve productivity and address the labor shortage by introducing a continuous production system. We will also discuss inventory reduction and lead time shortening, so we hope you will find it helpful.

• Employee training

Currently, it is difficult to recruit talent within Japan, and many companies are facing a labor shortage. While it would be ideal to improve internal productivity to address this issue, many companies may have already conducted improvement activities and feel there are no further options available. In this seminar, we will explain how to fundamentally enhance productivity and respond to labor shortages by implementing a continuous production system. We will also discuss inventory reduction and lead time shortening, so I hope you will find it helpful.

• Employee training

We will hold a DX seminar titled "DX Seminar for Successful Business of Small and Medium Enterprises to Strengthen Management" online. In the first session of the four-part series, we will host "DX Consultant Talks: Starting DX Promotion from Scratch." This session will explain promotion methods tailored to the DX level of companies as a foundational course on DX promotion. Additionally, we will hold sessions on "Creating On-Site Improvement DX through Visualization of Current Status," "Production Management DX to Overcome Changes," and "Concepts and Approaches for Reconstructing Production Management Systems." We will provide detailed introductions to specific tools and their improvement effects, so please feel free to join us.

• Employee training

◆Event◆ January 19 (Friday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] January 31 (Wednesday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] ◆About Online Participation◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, but there is no system usage fee. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆Participation Fee◆ Free ◆Instructor◆ Hiroshi Tani, Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ◆Program◆ 1. Characteristics and Issues of Machining Workplaces 2. Creating Flow and Strengthening Collaboration in Machining Workplaces 3. Bringing Out Operators' Abilities 4. Increasing the Density of Operators' Work ◆Application Method◆ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html#69

• Employee training

◆Event Details◆ January 11 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] January 23 (Tuesday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] ◆About Online Participation◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, and there is no system usage fee. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆Participation Fee◆ Free ◆Instructor◆ Toshihide Maeda, Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ◆Program◆ ❶ Can't increase production due to labor shortages? ❷ Breaking away from management left to the field ❸ Controlling the whole with production planning ❹ Creating a system that increases productivity! ◆How to Apply◆ Please apply from our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html#68

• Employee training

■Event■ December 6 (Wednesday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online December 14 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online ■Participation Fee■ Free ■Instructor■ Takeshi Uehara, Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ■Program■ 1. Issues faced by inspection and analysis equipment manufacturers 2. Effectively utilizing personnel through overall workforce management 3. Selecting production methods according to the situation 4. Changing the manufacturing management system ■How to Apply■ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html#67

• Employee training

■Event■ December 6 (Wednesday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online December 14 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online ■Participation Fee■ Free ■Instructor■ Takeshi Uehara, Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ■Program■ ❶ Issues faced by inspection and analysis equipment manufacturers ❷ Effectively utilizing personnel through overall workforce management ❸ Choosing production methods according to the situation ❹ Changing the manufacturing management system ■How to Apply■ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html#67

• Employee training

Recommended for such workplaces: - I know about the seven basic tools of QC, but I am not very familiar with the new seven tools of QC. - I want to analyze language data using the new seven tools of QC. - I want to carry out improvement activities using the new seven tools of QC. - I want to learn about matrix data analysis methods.

• Employee training
• others

**A Day at the Manufacturing Site** Manufacturing Department Work Leader O: "Well, let's tally up and transcribe the work report for today. Huh? This report is so poorly written that I can't read it. What does it say?" --The Next Day-- Manufacturing Department Work Leader O: "T, about yesterday's work report, I couldn't read some of the writing. What did you write here?" Manufacturing Worker T: "I'm sorry, O. I rushed while filling it out, and it turned out hard to read. I'll correct it right away." Manufacturing Department Work Leader O: "When you write by hand on paper, sometimes it can be unreadable. It can't be helped. If there are no mistakes, I can transcribe it too." Manufacturing Worker T: "If you're going to transcribe it to the computer anyway, I think it would be easier for us on-site to fill it out on tablets or something. It would save everyone time." Manufacturing Department Work Leader O: "Exactly! Just the other day, I thought about whether we could digitize the paper reports and decided to consult about it. The cost is low, and it seems quite good." Haven't you filled out the paper report yet? Managing paper as important data can be very challenging, right? Let's promote digitization and continuously improve work efficiency!

• Electronic document system

■Event■ November 9 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online November 21 (Tuesday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online ■Participation Fee■ Free ■Instructor■ Hiroshi Taniyo, Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ■Program■ 1. Characteristics and Issues of the Valve Industry 2. Eradicating Delays in Machining 3. Initiatives to Reduce Work-in-Progress and Product Inventory 4. Creating Capacity through Productivity Improvement ■How to Apply■ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html#66

• Employee training

■Event■ November 9 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online November 21 (Tuesday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online ■Participation Fee■ Free ■Instructor■ Hiroshi Taniyo, Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ■Program■ 1. Characteristics and Issues of the Valve Industry 2. Eradicating Delays in Machining 3. Initiatives to Reduce Work-in-Progress and Product Inventory 4. Creating Capacity through Productivity Improvement ■How to Apply■ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html#66

• Employee training

We will be offering the DX seminar held in July 2022, titled "Accelerating Business Review through DX in Indirect Departments," for a limited time as a "Free On-Demand Release"! For more details, please check below! We will send the viewing URL and password to those who download the PDF!

• Employee training

■Event■ November 2 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online November 16 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online ■Participation Fee■ Free ■Instructor■ Kazuto Matsuyama, Senior Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ■Program■ 1. Unique issues in film and sheet manufacturing 2. Moving away from reliance on skilled workers for production 3. Approaches to improving productivity 4. Creating accurate production plans and ensuring adherence ■How to Apply■ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html#65

• Employee training

■Event■ November 2 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online November 16 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online ■Participation Fee■ Free ■Instructor■ Kazuto Matsuyama, Senior Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ■Program■ 1. Unique issues in film and sheet factories 2. Moving away from reliance on skilled workers for production 3. Approaches to improving productivity 4. Creating and reliably adhering to production plans ■How to Apply■ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html

• Employee training

Currently, it is difficult to recruit talent within Japan, and many companies are facing a labor shortage. While it would be ideal to respond by increasing productivity within the company, many companies may have already conducted improvement activities and feel there are no further options left. In this seminar, we will discuss that there are still ways to address the labor shortage by approaching it from new perspectives and angles, as well as explaining methods for improving the direct-to-indirect ratio in factories and reviewing product strategies. We hope you find this information useful.

• Employee training

◆Event◆ 12/6 (Wed) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] 12/14 (Thu) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] ◆About Online Participation◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, and there are no system usage fees. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆Participation Fee◆ Free ◆Instructor◆ Takeshi Uehara, Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ◆Program◆ 1. Issues faced by inspection and analysis equipment manufacturers 2. Effectively utilizing personnel through overall workforce management 3. Choosing production methods according to the situation 4. Changing the manufacturing management system ◆Application Method◆ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html

• Employee training

Recommended for workplaces like this: - Frequent delays in the issuance of design drawings - Lack of visibility in schedules due to reliance on specific individuals for design - Frequent changes in design and production plans causing confusion on-site - Increase in urgent orders leading to chaos in the procurement department - Extended lead times resulting in delivery delays

• Employee training
• others

Recommended for such workplaces: - There are many product varieties, making it difficult to establish production plans. - Frequent changes to production plans are causing confusion on the shop floor. - The increase in urgent orders is causing chaos in the procurement department. - It is difficult to reduce inventory. - The manufacturing lead time has lengthened, resulting in delivery delays.

• Employee training
• others

Recommended for workplaces like this: - Unable to respond to fluctuations in production volume - Want to flexibly respond to multi-product production - Engaged in line production and troubled by inventory issues - Want to implement cell production but don't know how - Have implemented cell production but productivity has recently declined

• Employee training
• others

Recommended for such workplaces: - Quality improvement efforts are becoming ad-hoc. - Want to prevent quality defects before they occur. - Want to connect quality improvement with the seven QC tools. - Want to know specific ways to utilize the seven QC tools.

• Employee training
• others

Recommended for this type of workplace: - I want to know how to create histograms. - I want to know effective ways to utilize histograms. - I want to know how to create control charts. - I want to know effective ways to utilize control charts.

• Employee training
• others

Recommended for such workplaces: - The cause of quality defects is often unclear. - I don't know how to use a cause-and-effect diagram. - I want to learn how to create a cause-and-effect diagram. - I want to know effective ways to utilize a cause-and-effect diagram.

• Employee training
• others

Recommended for such workplaces: - I want to select the appropriate graph for the problems that arise. - I want to know how to create graphs. - I want to know effective ways to utilize graphs. - I want to know how to create scatter plots. - I want to know effective ways to utilize scatter plots.

• Employee training
• others

Astech Consulting, which has been solving challenges in the manufacturing industry for over 20 years, has started a video service to stream past webinars on the internet!

• Employee training
• others

■Event■ November 2 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online November 16 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Online ■Participation Fee■ Free ■Instructor■ Kazuto Matsuyama, Senior Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ■Program■ 1. Issues specific to film and sheet factories 2. Moving away from reliance on skilled workers for production 3. Approaches to improving productivity 4. Creating and reliably adhering to production plans ■How to Apply■ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html

• Employee training

We will be offering the highly acclaimed "DX Initiatives You Can Start Tomorrow" seminar from June 2023 for a limited time as a free on-demand release! For more details, please check the basic information! We will send the viewing URL and password to those who download the PDF! We will introduce how to promote DX at different levels! It will be explained clearly from the basic level.

• Employee training

◆Event◆ November 9 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Recorded Distribution November 21 (Tuesday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Recorded Distribution ◆About Online Participation◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, and there are no system usage fees. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆Participation Fee◆ Free ◆Instructor◆ Hiroshi Tani, Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ◆Program◆ 1. Characteristics and Issues of the Valve Industry 2. Eradicating Delays in Machining 3. Initiatives to Reduce Work-in-Progress and Product Inventory 4. Creating Capacity through Productivity Improvement ◆How to Apply◆ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html

• Employee training

◆Event◆ November 2 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Recorded Distribution November 16 (Thursday) 13:30-14:30 [60 minutes] Recorded Distribution ◆About Online Participation◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, and there are no system usage fees. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆Participation Fee◆ Free ◆Instructor◆ Kazuto Matsuyama, Senior Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ◆Program◆ 1. Issues specific to film and sheet factories 2. Moving away from reliance on skilled workers for production 3. Approaches to improving productivity 4. Creating and reliably adhering to production plans ◆Application Method◆ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html

• Employee training

Improvement on-site is not progressing well... Are you thinking that if we did it this way, the work would go faster and smoother? For you, a tool that accelerates on-site improvement activities through digital work analysis is ideal! By using this improvement tool, you can digitize employee movements and behaviors. You can also create optimization manuals using the finely analyzed data, making it a popular choice for companies promoting IT and DX initiatives. By sharing the analysis results among veteran and new workers, you can improve behaviors and enhance efficiency.

• Analysis and prediction system
• Other Software

We have received questions from many food companies about how to increase production capacity amidst the ongoing labor shortage. This mini-seminar will be extended by 30 minutes to explain five key strategies for enhancing production capacity in such circumstances. We hope you take this opportunity to participate and achieve significant results. ◆ Event Details ◆ September 29 (Friday) 13:30–15:00 [90 minutes] Recorded Distribution October 12 (Thursday) 13:30–15:00 [90 minutes] Recorded Distribution ◆ About WEB Participation ◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, and there is no system usage fee. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆ Participation Fee ◆ Free ◆ Instructor ◆ Kazuto Matsuyama, Senior Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd.

• Employee training

◆Event◆ 9/29 (Fri) 13:30～15:00 [90 minutes] Recorded Distribution 10/12 (Thu) 13:30～15:00 [90 minutes] Recorded Distribution ◆About Online Participation◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, and there is no system usage fee. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆Participation Fee◆ Free ◆Instructor◆ Kazuto Matsuyama, Senior Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ◆Program◆ ❶ Create production plans by the minute!? ❷ From reducing time to reducing personnel ❸ Don't neglect even when busy! Equipment maintenance you can start on ❹ Visualization and indicator management ❺ This is the training for personnel during increased production! ◆Application Method◆ Please apply from our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html

• Employee training

A scene from the production management department about a year after the system was implemented. Production Management Department Head A: "We introduced the production scheduler, but in the end, we aren't using it effectively. We haven't been able to properly maintain the master data, and there are still many areas where we're managing things with Excel." Production Management Department B: "That's right. We chose the current scheduler after considering various options, but we still haven't been able to effectively maintain the master data or obtain the necessary data to manage the scheduler." Production Management Department Head A: "The management team is asking whether we are seeing a cost-benefit effect and has requested reports on our results, but the reality is that we aren't seeing clear outcomes... What should we do?" Despite implementing systems and tools, we are not able to use them effectively. Do you have similar concerns as you advance your digital transformation (DX)? In such cases, why not seek a second opinion with Astec Consulting's "DX Diagnosis"?

• Process Control System
• Construction and process management software
• Inventory Management System

< A Scene from a Management Meeting Involving the Factory Manager > Factory Manager M: "It seems that we have been able to gather work performance data recently, but how accurate is that data?" Site Manager T: "Since the workers are recording their performance at the end of the day, it's still far from being called precise data." Factory Manager M: "I heard that standard times are essential when introducing a production scheduler. If the accuracy of the standard times doesn't improve, won't it be difficult to create good plans?" Site Manager T: "That's right. The accuracy of the standard work times for each process will determine the accuracy when scheduling the production plan." Factory Manager M: "I see. Before we introduce the production scheduler, how can we improve the accuracy of the performance data?" Site Manager T: "If we don't keep the operations simple, it will ultimately become a burden for the workers. Hmm, let me see if I can find something good."

• Process Control System
• Construction and process management software
• Inventory Management System

■A Scene in the Manufacturing Department■ Manufacturing Department Head A: "I want to promote improvements on the shop floor to enhance productivity, but I can't really tell if the workers' movements are truly becoming more efficient just from the daily reports and production results..." Manufacturing Section Chief B: "A, regarding the data needed for the improvements you instructed, we can extract some from the daily reports, but how should we analyze it?" Manufacturing Department Head A: "Analyzing it is also your job. First, think about how to improve the shop floor based on the data." Manufacturing Section Chief B: "(Analyzing is tough...) Understood. Is it okay to use some kind of tool to facilitate overall sharing while considering this?" Manufacturing Department Head A: "As long as it produces results, there’s no problem. Start immediately." The perfect solution for such concerns is 'InQross Kaizen Maker.'

• Information and communication equipment and infrastructure
• Other Software

■A glimpse of daily life in the Production Management Department■ Sales Department A: "Excuse me! We have a sudden order, is there any way you can help us? We want to respond to the delivery date as soon as possible!" Production Management Department S: "I understand that the Sales Department is working hard to get orders, but when a rush order comes in, it takes time to redo the plan in Excel, and it's quite a hassle." Procurement Department C: "Another rush order? I hope you understand that it's tough to procure materials when we don't have stock..." Manufacturing Department B: "Another change to the production plan? That's troublesome. When a rush order comes in, it adds unnecessary switches and decreases productivity." Sales Department A: "If we could understand the production plan and the load situation, I think we could find a way to deal with it... Is there any way to make the situation visible?" Production Management Department S: "It takes time to reschedule, I wonder if there's a better way." Production Management Department K: "The other day, I heard about how to utilize production schedulers at an Aztec seminar; I should look into it more closely." Perfect for such concerns! ● Achieve rapid delivery date responses. Capable of handling rush orders from customers. ● Minimize setup time through order planning and optimization. ● Reduce lead time. ● Visualize load and inventory situations.

• Process Control System

◆Event◆ September 21 (Thursday) 13:30–14:30 [60 minutes] Recorded Distribution September 27 (Wednesday) 13:30–14:30 [60 minutes] Recorded Distribution ◆About Online Participation◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, and there is no system usage fee. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆Participation Fee◆ Free ◆Instructor◆ Yasuki Yoshihisa, Chief Consultant, Astec Consulting Co., Ltd. ◆Program◆ 1. Short lead times for cast products as a competitive advantage 2. Why is the manufacturing lead time in foundries long? 3. Methodologies for lead time reduction 4. Steps for lead time reduction ◆Application Method◆ Please apply through our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html

• Employee training

< A Day in the Life of the Manufacturing Department > Field Worker A: "Today we're producing 30 lots. It's quite challenging to work while also recording the results on paper..." Field Worker B: "I was just called by the production manager and told there was a mistake in my record... I got scolded. I need to eliminate mistakes while working, but it's tough!" Field Worker A: "I wonder if there's a good method for this. When writing by hand, mistakes happen with a certain frequency, and since I have to transcribe, it's easy to make errors..." The perfect solution for such concerns is 'Voicetant Writer.'

• Information and communication equipment and infrastructure
• Other Software

**[A's Concerns as Production Management Section Chief]** A from the Production Management Department: "There is quite a significant gap in the work hours for each process... If we don't standardize the work, the load will vary when planning production. Still, why is it taking so much time? Hmm. How can we make this work better...?" B from the Manufacturing Department: "A, do you know about this? It seems you can easily visualize work hours using a smartphone. It also appears that you can analyze the data, so using this might help you achieve what you want!" "Jobtan" is a tool that visualizes the work hours of workers, which can often become a black box, through the integration of a smartphone app and the web. By simply tapping a button on your smartphone, you can accumulate a history of daily work activities. The collected data can be managed and aggregated collectively via the web! You can easily analyze the aggregated data using a variety of analysis tools.

• Analysis and prediction system
• Other Software
• Database

Currently, it is difficult to recruit talent within Japan, and many companies are facing a labor shortage. While it would be ideal to improve internal productivity to address this issue, many companies may have already conducted improvement activities and feel there are no more options left. In this seminar, we will discuss how there are still ways to address the labor shortage by approaching it from new perspectives and angles, as well as explaining methods for improving the direct-indirect ratio in factories and revising product strategies. I hope you will find this information useful.

• Employee training

Currently, it is difficult to recruit talent within Japan, and many companies are facing a labor shortage. Ideally, they would like to improve productivity within the company to address this issue, but many companies may have already conducted improvement activities and feel there are no more options left. In this seminar, we will discuss that there are still ways to address the labor shortage by approaching it from new perspectives and angles, as well as explaining methods for improving the direct-indirect ratio in factories and reviewing product strategies. I hope you will find this information helpful.

• Employee training

In the casting industry, there are frequent changes to plans for various reasons, and due to the highly specialized nature of many tasks, we often hear that production is not proceeding as planned, leading to confusion on the shop floor. In this seminar, we will explain tools for easily collecting performance data and a scheduler that enables production according to plan, specifically for the casting industry. By implementing budget and performance management, we aim to contribute to improvements that enhance productivity.

• Employee training

Many food manufacturers are unable to pass on the rising costs of raw materials and increased labor expenses to their prices, which is putting pressure on their profits. As a result, there is a demand for efficient production planning and personnel allocation, but very few companies are implementing specific improvement measures. In this seminar, we will explain the necessary tools for creating improvement measures, such as performance tracking tools for food factories, production planning tools, and personnel management tools.

• Employee training

In the metal processing industry, I often hear voices expressing the desire to establish efficient production plans but not knowing how to do so, and being unable to create production plans that match the realities of the site due to a lack of performance data. This seminar will explain how to utilize the "DX Tool Set for the Metal Processing Industry," which combines DX tools and production schedulers to improve productivity.

• Employee training

◆Event◆ June 23 (Friday) 13:30 - 14:30 Recorded Distribution June 28 (Wednesday) 13:30 - 14:30 Recorded Distribution ◆About WEB Participation◆ We will use Cisco Webex Meetings. Only software installation is required, and there is no system usage fee. If installation is not possible, you can also participate via a browser. (Recommended browsers: Latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.) ◆Participation Fee◆ Free ◆Program◆ 1. The appearance of a factory that can meet deadlines 2. Why do delays occur? 3. Reasons for inventory accumulation ◆Application Method◆ Please apply from our company website. https://www.ast-c.co.jp/seminar/technology.html

• Employee training

For those who want to start DX but are unsure where to begin, we will hold a seminar to understand what DX is. < A moment when the president gives instructions for promoting DX > President: "Our company needs to adopt DX to keep up with the times, or we will be left behind. Manager A, can you promote DX?" Manager A: "Yes... Indeed, promoting DX is necessary." (Inner voice... What exactly is DX? What should I do?) President: "You think so too, Manager A. Please go ahead and promote DX! I'm counting on you!"

• Employee training