Improving productivity Rely on digital technologies to do the tasks that do not require human intervention
Improving operational efficiency and creating value by utilizing both human resources and digitization
Improving operational efficiency and creating value by utilizing both human resources and digitization
Kirin is working to improve operational efficiency by relying on digital technologies to do the tasks that do not require human intervention.
To achieve this, it is important to clarify the roles of employees and digital technologies (AI, RPA, robotics) and to appropriately allocate tasks.
We will position digital technologies as a support role that complements employees’ intellectual activities. By doing this we will speed up operation and decision-making.
Also, employees will be in an environment where they can focus on tasks that only they can do, and the Company will shift human resources to creative tasks, such as learning about customers, developing products, and designing new businesses.
Case Study 1: Vendy
Kirin Beverage began using AI-powered vending machine operation service “Vendy” (provided by SoftBank Corp.) in October 2024.This service uses AI to analyze sales data, patrol cost, etc. It automatically suggests optimal product lineups, efficient patrol schedule and routes, and restocking amount.
“Vendy” is expected to reduce labor hours by about 10% and increase sales by about 5%.Furthermore, it can help brand development through product lineup suggestions, thus creating more satisfied customers.Vendy will address the vending machine industry’s labor shortage and waste.By initiating the use of Vendy ahead of the industry, we expect that Kirin Beverage will improve operational efficiency and service. Thus, we will achieve sustainable operations by having more time to develop new vending machine locations and training staff.The introduction of Vendy, an advanced system that makes full use of AI and big data, symbolizes Kirin Beverage's digital transformation.This is expected to have a wide range of effects, not only improving operational efficiency but also developing employees and cultivating new locations for vending machines.”
Case Study 2: BuddyAI
Kirin Holdings has launched the “KIRIN BuddyAI Project” to promote the use of task-specific AI use for the approximately 15,000 employees in Japan.
This project aims to improve business efficiency and promote employees’ creativity.
As the first step, “KIRIN BuddyAI for Marketing” was introduced to approximately 400 employees in the marketing department in November 2024.We expect to reduce annual labor hours by approximately 29,000 hours.This tool has approximately 15 types of prompt templates specific to marketing tasks, and it supports a wide range of marketing-related tasks including market analysis, creative advertising, and strategy planning.The Kirin BuddyAI Project allows employees to efficiently carry out their work while utilizing AI suggestions, even if they do not have specialized knowledge.
Furthermore, we will expand the project to other departments, such as sales and R&D, and introduce it to all employees in Japan by the end of 2025.
As a result, we will promote the department-specific use of AI and accelerate DX across the company.
