2/19/2021
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
ACCESS CO., LTD.
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (head office: Nagaokakyo, Kyoto; president: Norio Nakajima; hereinafter “Murata”) and ACCESS CO., LTD. (head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; president & CEO: Kiyo Oishi; hereinafter “ACCESS”) are collaborating to develop solutions that will advance digital transformation (DX) in a wide range of industries, and together they will drive market expansion. As part of this initiative, the companies jointly developed JIGlet, a smart manufacturing support tool which will be launched through their respective sales channels in Japan beginning on February 19.
Japan’s manufacturing industry accounts for approximately 20% of all industries in terms of GDP. It is a key industry with a wide-ranging impact on employment levels and ongoing innovation. However, as the trend of shifting to smart factories advances globally, companies are facing challenges such as installation costs, resistance to adoption on the frontlines due to complicated use, and complex ROI assessments. In response to these industrial challenges, Murata will combine its manufacturing expertise with ACCESS’ consulting and software development prowess in the DX and IoT fields to develop manufacturing support tools that can drive frontline-led improvement activities.
JIGlet has three types of sensor devices with built-in data communication SIMs: (1) an “illumination device” that detects whether a lamp is on or off; (2) a “button device” to count numbers by pressing a button; and (3) a “dice device” that records time by operating it at any working time. It consists of single-finger data collection, a visualization screen, and a chat app for notifications. By using these in combination depending on the application, even manufacturing floor workers without IT knowledge can easily record and accumulate data on the status of equipment and people, enabling visualization on graphs of process variation and waste, leading to various improvement activities and quick problem solving. Furthermore, JIGlet devices can be attached to existing equipment, making them easy to adopt without the need for large-scale equipment installation and investment.
Features of JIGlet
1. Easy initial setup and device installation
Each sensor device has a built-in data communication SIM and uses a mobile communication network, eliminating the need for complicated gateway installation and network settings such as in-house wireless LAN, and can be easily installed as an add-on.
2. Easy data collection
Data can be collected with no need for programming, using a user interface that can be easily operated with a single finger.
3. Easy data utilization
The collected data can be automatically displayed in time series and in real-time, and can be checked immediately on site.
Three easy steps for JIGlet setup
Examples of JIGlet application
Addressing the need for continuous improvement in manufacturing productivity, JIGlet’s dice device and dedicated management screen can easily aggregate and graph data of a manufacturing site, allowing operators to quickly assess the productivity of the equipment and the workforce.
Examples of JIGlet applications
Click for details about JIGlet.
Click for the JIGlet channel (how-to videos).
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Sales start date
February 19, 2021
Future Development
The two companies will continue to develop solutions that meet market needs and contribute to the advancement of DX not only in the manufacturing industry but also in other industries. JIGlet will be made available to manufacturing sites outside Japan, and efforts will be made to drive continuous development by enhancing the device sensors to meet a variety of needs.
About Murata
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section Index, 6981) is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components & solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. Murata is committed to the development of advanced electronic materials and leading edge, multi-functional, high-density modules. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.
About ACCESS
Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. (Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section Index, 4813) has been providing advanced IT solutions centered on mobile and network software technologies to telecom carriers, consumer electronics manufacturers, broadcasting and publishing companies, the automotive industry, and energy infrastructure providers around the world. The company develops mobile software solutions that have been installed on over 1.5 billion devices, and network software solutions that have been used by more than 350 telecommunication equipment manufacturers. Utilizing its development expertise and knowledge, the company is currently focusing on the development and commercialization of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that combine embedded and cloud technology. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company maintains subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe, and the United States to support and expand its business globally.
*JIGlet is a trademark of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Murata in Brief
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components & solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. Murata is committed to the development of advanced electronic materials and leading edge, multi-functional, high-density modules. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.
For more information, visit Murata's website