Flevy Management Insights Q&A
What emerging technologies are most impactful in advancing Jishu Hozen practices for future readiness?


This article provides a detailed response to: What emerging technologies are most impactful in advancing Jishu Hozen practices for future readiness? For a comprehensive understanding of Jishu Hozen, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Jishu Hozen best practice resources.

TLDR Emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and AR are significantly advancing Jishu Hozen by improving predictive maintenance, empowering operators with real-time data, and enhancing training and skill development.

Reading time: 4 minutes

Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they related to this question.

What does Predictive Maintenance mean?
What does Empowerment of Operators mean?
What does Continuous Improvement mean?
What does Augmented Reality Training mean?


Jishu Hozen, or autonomous maintenance, is a cornerstone of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategies, focusing on empowering operators to maintain their equipment. This approach not only enhances the understanding and ownership among frontline staff but also significantly improves equipment efficiency and reliability. As we navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, emerging technologies are playing a pivotal role in advancing Jishu Hozen practices, making them more effective and future-ready. Among these technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Augmented Reality (AR) stand out for their transformative potential.

Internet of Things (IoT) in Jishu Hozen

The IoT is revolutionizing Jishu Hozen by enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. By equipping machines with sensors that gather and transmit data, organizations can monitor equipment status in real-time, predict failures before they occur, and schedule maintenance more effectively. This proactive approach to maintenance aligns perfectly with the principles of Jishu Hozen, where the goal is to prevent breakdowns and maintain optimal equipment performance. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, IoT applications in manufacturing could generate up to $3.7 trillion in value by 2025, much of which will come from enhanced predictive maintenance capabilities.

Real-world examples of IoT in Jishu Hozen include smart factories where sensors detect abnormal vibrations, temperatures, or sounds from equipment, signaling the need for maintenance before a breakdown occurs. For instance, Siemens has implemented IoT sensors in its gas turbine factories to predict maintenance needs, significantly reducing unplanned downtime and improving efficiency. This technology empowers operators to take immediate action, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their equipment.

Moreover, IoT facilitates a deeper understanding of equipment behavior over time, allowing for continuous improvement in maintenance practices. By analyzing historical data collected from sensors, organizations can identify patterns and root causes of equipment issues, leading to more effective Jishu Hozen strategies.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Jishu Hozen

AI is another powerful tool in advancing Jishu Hozen practices. Through machine learning algorithms, AI can analyze vast amounts of data from equipment sensors to predict failures with high accuracy. This capability enables organizations to transition from traditional, calendar-based maintenance to condition-based and predictive maintenance models. A study by Accenture revealed that AI could increase profitability rates by an average of 38% by 2035, with the manufacturing sector being one of the primary beneficiaries due to improved maintenance strategies.

For example, AI-driven analytics platforms can alert operators about potential equipment failures weeks or even months in advance, allowing for timely intervention without disrupting production schedules. General Electric’s Predix platform is a notable example, offering AI-powered insights that help operators predict and prevent equipment failures, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of Jishu Hozen initiatives.

Furthermore, AI enhances decision-making in maintenance by providing recommendations based on predictive analytics. This not only improves maintenance efficiency but also supports operators in developing a deeper understanding of equipment health, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Augmented Reality (AR) in Jishu Hozen

AR is transforming Jishu Hozen by providing operators with real-time, hands-free access to information and guidance during maintenance procedures. Through AR headsets or mobile devices, operators can view digital overlays of maintenance instructions, diagrams, and machine data directly on their field of vision, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Gartner predicts that by 2025, over 50% of field service management deployments will include mobile AR collaboration and knowledge sharing applications, up from less than 1% in 2019.

An example of AR in action is Porsche’s use of AR glasses in service centers, which allows technicians to receive remote support from experts, overlaying instructions and diagrams onto the physical equipment. This not only speeds up maintenance tasks but also enhances the learning and autonomy of operators, key principles of Jishu Hozen.

AR also facilitates better training and skill development for operators, enabling them to perform maintenance tasks with greater precision and confidence. By simulating equipment problems and maintenance procedures, AR provides a safe and effective training environment, further strengthening the capabilities of the workforce in line with Jishu Hozen objectives.

These emerging technologies, by enhancing predictive maintenance, empowering operators with real-time information, and improving training and skill development, are significantly advancing Jishu Hozen practices. As organizations adopt these technologies, they will be better positioned to achieve operational excellence and future readiness in an increasingly competitive and complex manufacturing landscape.

Best Practices in Jishu Hozen

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Explore all of our best practices in: Jishu Hozen

Jishu Hozen Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Jishu Hozen, take a look at these case studies.

Autonomous Maintenance Initiative for Maritime Shipping Leader

Scenario: The organization, a prominent player in the maritime shipping industry, is grappling with inefficiencies in its Autonomous Maintenance program.

Read Full Case Study

Operational Excellence in Power & Utilities

Scenario: The organization is a regional power utility company that has been facing operational inefficiencies within its maintenance operations.

Read Full Case Study

Autonomous Maintenance Transformation for Beverage Company in North America

Scenario: A mid-sized beverage firm, renowned for its craft sodas, operates in the competitive North American market.

Read Full Case Study

Autonomous Maintenance Enhancement for a Global Pharmaceutical Company

Scenario: A multinational pharmaceutical firm is grappling with inefficiencies in its Autonomous Maintenance practices.

Read Full Case Study

Autonomous Maintenance Initiative for Packaging Industry Leader

Scenario: A leading packaging firm in North America is struggling to maintain operational efficiency due to ineffective Autonomous Maintenance practices.

Read Full Case Study

Enhancement of Jishu Hozen for a Global Manufacturing Firm

Scenario: A large multinational manufacturing firm is struggling with its Jishu Hozen, a key component of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

Read Full Case Study

Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

What role does organizational culture play in the successful adoption of Autonomous Maintenance?
Organizational Culture is crucial for Autonomous Maintenance success, emphasizing Continuous Improvement, Empowerment, and Proactive Behavior, with leadership and strategic alignment playing key roles in overcoming challenges and achieving Operational Excellence. [Read full explanation]
What impact does the increasing use of AI and machine learning have on the traditional roles in Jishu Hozen?
The integration of AI and ML into Jishu Hozen is transforming traditional maintenance roles, enhancing Predictive Maintenance, requiring new skill sets, and promoting a culture of proactive maintenance, thereby impacting Strategic Planning and Operational Excellence. [Read full explanation]
What metrics should companies track to measure the effectiveness of Jishu Hozen implementation?
To measure Jishu Hozen effectiveness, track Operational Performance (e.g., OEE, MTBF, MTTR), Financial (Maintenance Cost Reduction, ROI, Inventory Reduction), and Cultural metrics (Employee Engagement, Safety Rates, Training Rates), reflecting improvements in machinery efficiency, cost savings, and workforce engagement. [Read full explanation]
How can companies integrate Autonomous Maintenance with existing digital transformation efforts?
Integrating Autonomous Maintenance with Digital Transformation enhances Operational Excellence by focusing on Strategic Planning, Technology Integration, Employee Empowerment, and Continuous Process Optimization for improved productivity and equipment reliability. [Read full explanation]
How can the principles of Jishu Hozen and Total Productive Maintenance be harmonized to improve quality control?
Harmonizing Jishu Hozen and Total Productive Maintenance improves quality control by integrating proactive maintenance, employee involvement, and continuous improvement for Operational Excellence. [Read full explanation]
In what ways can Jishu Hozen contribute to a company's sustainability and environmental goals?
Jishu Hozen, as a component of Total Productive Maintenance, optimizes resource use, extends machinery lifespan, and cultivates a culture of Continuous Improvement, significantly contributing to organizational sustainability goals. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Jishu Hozen Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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