As automation gains momentum, Toyota Motor North America is taking a more proactive approach. The company has shifted its automation focus into high gear with a range of hyperautomation tools centered on the cloud. By employing a disciplined approach that emphasizes rapid process identification, vetting, and automation, Toyota claims to have saved $10 million so far, at a rate of approximately $5 million annually.
Toyota has identified cloud computing as a key driver for automation, with tools for development and engineering practices. This article takes a closer look at Toyota’s hyper-automation tools, how they are being deployed, and potential benefits.
Toyota’s automation agenda is based on hyperautomation tools, which are designed to integrate technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning into automation projects. This approach provides a more comprehensive way of process automation, resulting in significant cost savings and operational efficiency.
Hyperautomation Defined and Its Benefits
Hyperautomation “is a disciplined approach for doing three things: rapidly identifying, vetting, and automating as many processes as possible,” says Karamouzis. The primary benefit of hyperautomation is that it enables a company to automate processes that have traditionally been challenging to automate. These processes usually involve complex workflows that require human intelligence.
Toyota is keenly focused on cloud engineering and development practices, which enable all business units to exploit cloud automation features for their needs. The company has invested heavily in cloud computing infrastructure to manage its massive global operations. It has also developed cloud-based tools to facilitate development and engineering practices such as Agile and DevOps.
The use of AWS Foundational Services
By implementing AWS foundational services, such as Backstage, developers and end-users can write Python scripts and build applications without worrying about security. Toyota has leveraged this service to create a unified platform that can be used by all its business units. The platform provides a centralized repository for all development projects and ensures that all projects adhere to standard practices and guidelines.
Cost Savings and Increased Data Availability Through Hyperautomation
In addition to providing significant cost savings, Toyota IT’s hyperautomation in the cloud makes far more data available to business groups for analysis. It facilitates the creation of models and unlocks hidden insights, enabling better decision-making across the company.
Example of Toyota’s Use of Automation in Testing
One of Toyota’s vehicle build tests involves using thermal imaging to test the welding of the frame. Automated visual inspection technology enables quick and in-depth analysis of thousands of pixels. This use of automation ensures that build tests can be completed faster, more accurately, and more cost-effectively.
Insights from IDC on Spending on Automation
According to IDC, over $150 billion was spent on automation between 2017 and 2021. The growing demand for automation is being driven by several factors, including the need to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness.
Toyota’s Commitment to Automation as a Competitive Advantage
“Automation is the way we can be better than our competitors,” says Toyota’s Kurzar. Toyota’s automation agenda is designed to gain a competitive advantage by leveraging advanced technologies and best practices. By investing in hyperautomation, Toyota can automate more processes, providing cost savings and operational efficiency while driving better business outcomes.
In conclusion, Toyota has taken a proactive approach to automation by investing in hyperautomation tools and cloud engineering practices. By leveraging these tools, Toyota can automate processes that have traditionally been difficult to automate, resulting in cost savings and operational efficiency. As more businesses adopt automation, it will become a key driver for competitiveness, attracting customers seeking products and services delivered with speed, efficiency, and high quality standards.