The Creative Potential of Generative AI - OMRON's Attempt to Streamline Customs Procedures

The Creative Potential of Generative AI - OMRON's Attempt to Streamline Customs Procedures

These days, customs duties have become a major concern for businesses operating globally. When trading internationally, countries often make free trade agreements (FTAs*1) to apply preferential tariffs. Using FTAs correctly not only makes tariffs fairer but also helps companies become more competitive and trusted in the global market. However, this system has some downsides, like the complicated process of applying for certificates and the associated administrative workload.

This is also true for OMRON. Learning about origin determination, a part of customs procedures, and the significant working hours it requires was identified as an issue. To address this ongoing challenge, Akiyuki Asakawa from the Global Procurement, Quality and Logistics HQ (GPQ) suggested using generative AI. He joined AIZAQ, OMRON's participative generative AI project launched in 2023, to pursue his initiative of streamlining customs procedures through the use of generative AI.

*1 A treaty among countries or regions that reduces or eliminates tariffs and other trade restrictions, aiming to promote trade and investment by realizing free trade among member nations and regions.

Advancing DX at OMRON and the Benefit for the Manufacturing Industry

"This generative AI project, I believe, has a pioneering impact on customs procedures," said Asakawa proudly. His initiative to introduce generative AI to customs procedures addressed key challenges facing OMRON, such as inefficiency in customs procedures and depending on only a few people for certain tasks. Additionally, it could be a helpful example for other Japanese companies dealing with similar challenges in international trade.

Sharing knowledge about procedures with the assistance of generative AI is also effective in addressing common challenges faced by companies, such as labor shortages and disparities in work quality. Since the customs process he created using machine learning and generative AI can be used for other specialized tasks, it is expected to motivate companies currently considering its adoption to move forward with their plans.

Asakawa is planning to share the knowledge he has gained about using generative AI for customs procedures, hoping that other OMRON employees will also become skilled in generative AI as he is. He also talked about two visions that he hopes to achieve using generative AI. The first one is to utilize generative AI for training employees on customs procedures, and the second is to promote its adoption among companies facing similar challenges in international trade through FTAs.

OMRON will continue to actively use generative AI and other advanced technologies. We also aim to resolve social issues and create new value. We will keep challenging ourselves to bring about further innovations by applying the knowledge and technologies learned from AIZAQ's activities in other areas. We hope you will look forward to OMRON's endeavors.

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