Hitachi partners with Microsoft for automation
Hitachi and Microsoft Corp announced a partnership yesterday to develop digital and automation solutions for the manufacturing and logistics sectors in Southeast Asia, North America and Japan, with services expected to be available in Thailand next month for the first time.
The two companies will work together to meet growing demand for predictive maintenance and process automation in remote areas and support enterprises responding to challenges posed by the pandemic.
Hitachi will integrate its existing industry solutions, such as its data analytics service Lumada and its Internet of Things-ready industrial controllers HX Series with Microsoft’s cloud platform to help businesses increase their workforce productivity and operational efficiency.
Lumada provides advanced digital solutions, services and technologies to turn data into insights to drive digital innovation.
“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Microsoft and combine our OT, IT and product excellence to provide manufacturing and logistics companies with digital solutions,” said Jun Abe, chief executive of the industry and distribution business unit under Hitachi.
“We use Lumada to provide total seamless solutions to solve challenges by connecting cyberspaces with physical spaces.”
Through this collaboration with Microsoft, we will be able to accelerate our customer’s digital transformation, and continue to deliver social, environmental and economic value.”
The firms will also work together to support digital skill initiatives for workers.
Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to increase manufacturing productivity, optimise logistics with data analytics and provide predictive maintenance and remote assistance services.
Going forward, Hitachi intends to extend the roll-out to North America and Japan, as well as additional industries.
“Building resilient and flexible digital supply chains is critical for growing a business and meeting customer needs in today’s fast-changing environment,” said Caglayan Arkan, vice-president for manufacturing at Microsoft.
“By expanding our collaboration with Hitachi, we’ll unlock new opportunities for manufacturing and logistics companies as they strive to lead in their industries and pioneer with a data-driven mindset and digital capabilities.”