The World Economic Forum Welcomes Hitachi to the Global Lighthouse Network

Just weeks into 2020, we have had many exciting developments to share – from our integration with Hitachi Consulting to our intent to acquire Waterline Data, Inc. Today, I’m proud to share that on January 10 the World Economic Forum (WEF) officially welcomed Hitachi’s Omika Works to its Global Lighthouse Network, a group of advanced manufacturing facilities that are applying the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

I had the pleasure of participating in the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, this past January. At the conference, I was struck by how digitalization is advancing more rapidly than ever in today’s global economy, and that companies and countries are proactively seeking new business and societal frameworks.

I believe that the Omika Works, one of the very first Japanese factories to receive a Lighthouse accolade, will bring great opportunities for Hitachi Vantara as we strive to expand our digital business. It is critical that we seize this opportunity and build a marketing strategy in partnership with our Japan colleagues to ensure swift execution.

I am humbled to be part of the advanced thinking and innovation at Hitachi.

This recognition identifies Hitachi’s Omika Works, which produces products for social infrastructure systems, including electricity, traffic, steel making, and water supply/sewage, as part of a network that is a beacon for Industry 4.0 advancement. Committed to setting a new standard for modern manufacturing, these Global Lighthouse Network facilities are adopting and integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing and data analytics, to maximize efficiency, transform business models, drive growth, augment the workforce and protect the environment.

The WEF spotlighted Hitachi’s Omika Works for its commitment to optimization and sophistication including its use of Hitachi’s Lumada internet of things (IoT) technologies and data analytics to establish high-efficiency production. Using these innovations in the design and manufacturing of hardware, the facility has reduced production lead times by 50 percent. It has also created highly reliable and scalable systems with an autonomous decentralized framework in the design and development of software, strict quality control using a digital twin simulator, and maintenance support in the areas of cybersecurity operations.

We are extremely proud of this achievement not only for Hitachi’s technological accomplishments, but for the recognition of our commitment to Powering Good for society, the environment and the economy.

Looking forward, Hitachi Vantara will continue to explore how our Lumada offerings and capabilities can drive Social Innovation to help solve many of the world’s biggest challenges – from advanced manufacturing to energy and transportation. We can extend our learning and successes from the Omika Works to our customers and partners across the globe to help them transform for tomorrow.

Truly, the possibilities are limitless. Hitachi is ready to lead the way.