North Star IT/OT architecture for a global auto manufacturer

A global automotive leader initiated a multi-year Manufacturing Digital Transformation strategy. It needed a digital foundation to enhance manufacturing performance and enable rapid pivots as the automotive sector continues to transform. ​ 

• Focus areas: It targeted improvements in machine reliability, production, quality, and logistics.​ 

• IT/OT strategy: It required a robust IT/OT architecture to steer its transformation efforts. ​ 

• Strategic partner: Hitachi Digital Services was selected as a strategic partner, bringing expertise in manufacturing innovation and digital capability integration.  

• Hands-on expertise and capability mapping: With deep domain knowledge in manufacturing, Hitachi Digital Services assessed the company’s manufacturing digital transformation objectives in its four areas of focus – machine reliability, production, quality, and logistics – and identified the digital capabilities they would need to achieve these goals. ​ 

• Tech integration: The Hitachi Digital Services team then identified the technical layering – the infrastructure services and technological foundations, such as Cloud services, digital twin, IIoT, Gen AI and more – required to support those digital capabilities. ​ 

• Future focus: This has resulted in the design of a North Star IT/OT Architecture for the automotive manufacturer that will support it through its manufacturing digital transformation journey. ​ 

• Agile strategy: The North Star architecture allows the auto leader to transform operations ‘in motion,’ aligning technology investments 
  with evolving priorities. ​ 

• Strategic progress: Hitachi’s guidance 
  ensures strategic progress in machine reliability, production, quality, and logistics while supporting rapid pivots in response to market demands. ​ 

• Internal upskilling: We also assist to train workers with interest and aptitude, empowering them to adopt and leverage new technologies. ​ 

• Expert support: Hitachi’s manufacturing integrators, Flexware Innovation and JR Automation, provide expertise in automation, enabling the company to achieve an affordable, future-ready transformation over time.