DX Initiatives dx

DX Initiatives

01DX objectives

'Narikoma is promoting DX in kitchen operations to solve problems faced in the field. We will reduce the burden on users and facility operators by improving the efficiency of cooking and clerical work and the quality of meal services by responding to a shortage of human resources and diversifying needs. Furthermore, we are pioneering the future of meal provision by utilizing digital technology to enable "highly personalized services that are tailored to each individual user". '

DX認定
We obtained DX certification on October 1, 2024.

DX vision

We are changing the way institutional kitchens work through digital means and responding quickly to diversifying needs to increase customer satisfaction and achieve sustainable food service operations.

Delivering tasty meals on a consistent basis is a “natural” value proposition.Our mission is to continue to respond quickly to the diversifying needs of society and our customers, and to realize the sustainable operation of medical and welfare food services.

The Narikoma Group views DX as not an option but a necessity in order to provide sustainable value without relying on manpower, and will aggressively invest in DX promotion.This is to ensure that our customers and visitors have a “tasty” time with us.

Meal service
DX strategy

Narikoma's advisors will lead the digital transformation of clients' kitchens based on the know-how cultivated through practical experience in kitchen outsourcing.

We support labor saving and stabilization of kitchen operations by proposing cook-chill and new cook-chill to improve efficiency of cooking and serving operations, and by reducing administrative workload through digitalization.Furthermore, the burden of providing highly individualized meals tailored to the health conditions of patients and users is also solved digitally.

In addition, we are not satisfied with our current services.We will continue to improve our services by consolidating and analyzing customer requests and other data and responding speedy. It is essential to reorganize our internal manufacturing system to achieve these goals.

Message

For speedy response

Narikoma's journey to date has always been with digital, including the manufacturing of 365-day menus in a central kitchen and cook-chill service. As the business grew, so did the demand for “meals that are easy for everyone to prepare” and “a certain level of quality,” and many people became involved in the business. For example, a variety of seasonal flavors, a quality that balances visual appeal and nutritional value, and consistent delivery. It was only with the help of digital technology that we were able to establish a menu that changes daily for 365 days. Narikoma's culture of solving problems digitally has taken root because of this reason.

We also believe that “information sharing” is an important element in DX promotion. We will gather the various opinions of our customers and find a single direction. Digital power will become increasingly necessary to respond in real time and with speedy. We think that everything, including the construction and maintenance of the system to date, is "the meal that Narikoma provides. We will continue to promote DX together with our customers by keeping an eye on the trends of the times and continuing to innovate our business.

President Yoshio Takeuchi

Narikoma Enterprise Co., Ltd.,

President Yoshio Takeuchi
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Adopt advanced technology solutions

We design the future of kitchens. Since our establishment, we has worked closely with many nursing care and welfare facilities and hospitals, listening to their voices, uncovering potential needs, and continuing to solve problems with advanced, right-suited technology. In 2022, we launched the DX Promotion Department and took on the challenge of promoting DX, mainly in central kitchens. When we receive requests for high-mix, high-volume manufacturing, we use ICT and the latest technology to maintain high quality and efficiency.

We also have developed our own core system (Narikoma Cloud), which handles manufacturing, sales, and administration, and we are strengthening data linkage with hospital management systems, electronic medical records, and nutrition management systems. By 2028, we will establish a system to increase the variety of meal selections and provide all menu items for caregivers. We will increase the use of big data and AI, and aim to DX kitchen operations in the future. We look forward to your continued support.

President, Katsushige Takeuchi

Narikoma Food Co., Ltd.,

President, Katsushige Takeuchi
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02Main initiatives

We utilize DX to improve the efficiency of kitchen operations, respond to diverse needs, and provide optimal service to each and every user to achieve our performance indicators. The following initiatives are shaping the future of meal provision.

Performance indicators

  • Improvement of
    operational efficiency
    on site

    To reduce cooking
    time and staff
    workload.

  • Improvement of user
    satisfaction

    To realize the ability
    to respond to
    individual needs and
    provide a variety of
    meal options.

  • Sustainable
    Operation

    To reduce
    environmental
    impact and establish
    a sustainable
    operation system.

Construction of the digital infrastructure

1.Construction of the digital infrastructure

  • Development of cloud infrastructure

    We build a cloud-based system to integrate recipes, nutritional information, inventory, order data, etc.

  • Installation of IoT devices

    We used non-contact ICs and cameras about inspection to improve efficiency at the food preparation site.

Enhancement of operational efficiency

2.Enhancement of operational efficiency

  • Big data analysis

    We identify disposal rates and consumption trends and provide useful data for on-site improvements.

  • Introduction of proposal-based AI

    We streamline cooking operations and food procurement by using AI to automatically generate menus and forecast demand.

Improvement of individual response capability

3.Improvement of individual response capability

  • Individualized Nutrition Management System

    We implement nutrition management tools that allow for personalized attention based on health status and preferences.

  • Development of mobile apps

    We provide a mechanism for clients and facility staff to review and provide feedback on nutritional information.

Realization of smart kitchen

4.Realization of smart kitchen

  • Robotics technology

    We automate cooking operations in the central kitchen to improve efficiency and accuracy.

  • Energy management

    We optimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact.

Enhancement of digital collaboration and transparency

5.Enhancement of digital collaboration and transparency

  • Block-chain

    We ensure transparency in the food supply chain and improve safety and reliability.

  • Digital collaboration with related institutions

    We share information and facilitate collaboration with medical and social service institutions.

03Results and performance

  • DX installed in<br>over 700 facilities<br>nationwide
    01

    DX installed in
    over 700 facilities
    nationwide

    We have implemented digital platforms to streamline food preparation and nutrition management in senior care, medical, and assisted living facilities across Japan. Customized to meet the needs of each facility, many facilities are improving the quality and efficiency of their meal delivery.

  • Reduction of kitchen<br>operations time by<br>approximately 30%<br>and staff workload
    02

    Reduction of kitchen
    operations time by
    approximately 30%
    and staff workload

    Kitchen operations were streamlined through the use of cook-chill and digital management systems. The average workday has been reduced by 30%, easing the burden on staff and allowing them to focus on care tasks.

  • Realization of optimal<br>menu proposals<br>through data<br>utilization
    03

    Realization of optimal
    menu proposals
    through data
    utilization

    AI-based data analysis is used to propose menus that meet users' health conditions and preferences. We deliver “the joy of eating” by optimizing nutritional value and reducing food loss.

04Manufacturing system

Manufacturing system

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Narikoma develops a big data infrastructure for manufacturing planning and menu creation and build a system in which AI makes proposals and automatically creates menus to reorganize the manufacturing system which is indispensable for DX promotion, thereby both reducing the burden on the front line and improving user satisfaction.

05Human resources and environment

Narikoma is focusing on the development of human resources and the environment to promote DX throughout the company. Through cross-organizational projects and the development of digital human resources, we aim to improve on-site efficiency and create new value.

  • DX promotion across the entire company

    We have not only launched the DX Promotion Department, but also a cross-divisional structure. Strengthening departmental collaboration will lead to an expansion of the project scale and create new synergies.

    DX promotion across the entire company

  • Secure and develop human resources

    We are strengthening the hiring of specialized personnel and improving the digital skills of all employees by supporting the acquisition of IT Passport qualifications. We will train at least 50% of our employees to be business digital professionals by 2028.

    Secure and develop human resources

  • Enhancement of core systems

    We have modified our self-developed “Narikoma Cloud” to enhance multi-product manufacturing and data linkage. Easy-to-use U I/UX design supports on-site efficiency improvement.

    Enhancement of core systems

System target

We will develop human resources and an environment that supports DX promotion and achieve an annual manufacturing capacity of 600,000 meals by 2028. We aim to build a flexible and sustainable organization that leverages digital technology.

06Security measures

SECURITY ACTION

Actions to enhance information security

We have declared “SECURITY ACTION” (two stars) and are acting to enhance information security.
On the soft face, we are promoting information literacy education, focusing on security engineers who can appropriately utilize cutting-edge technologies such as AI. On the hard face, we have a robust data center, backup system, and 24-hour surveillance (SOC) to prepare for disasters and cyber-attacks on the medical and welfare sectors to ensure safe and sustainable business operations.