A Japanese manufacturing company operating in Thailand

Japanese manufacturing companies operating in Thailand have accumulated extensive know-how through years of continuous improvement, including manuals, trouble reports, quality initiatives, safety practices, and productivity improvements. Traditionally, this knowledge has been transferred to overseas sites through experienced expatriates. However, these companies now face significant challenges:

• Limited speed and volume: Human-based transfer cannot keep pace with business needs
• Dependence on individuals: Know-how often stays in personal files and is hard to reuse
• Poor searchability: Finding the right document takes time and delays decisions; accessing files on the shop floor is particularly difficult
• Language barriers: Headquarters use Japanese, while local sites use English or local languages

In this project, the goal was to enhance knowledge management for Japanese manufacturing companies operating in Thailand by leveraging AI-driven, practical measures that could be applied directly to the workplace. Through these efforts, we promoted consistent improvement in knowledge utilization and operational efficiency across the entire group.

Specifically, by utilizing technologies such as instant summarization, semantic search, and multilingual support powered by AI, we improved the reusability of know-how that had previously been siloed, enabled faster decision-making on the shop floor, and facilitated smoother information transfer across language barriers. Initiatives were carefully designed to start with small-scale PoCs and gradually expand, ensuring that solutions were firmly embedded in daily operations.

Furthermore, rather than simply introducing new tools, we focused on comprehensive support for organizational learning, including employee training on effective AI usage and the establishment of robust governance and security frameworks. By balancing a group-wide perspective with an understanding of local realities, we provided strategic and practical support that contributed to solving our client’s management challenges.

ABeam Consulting provided end-to-end support for Japanese manufacturing companies operating in Thailand, leading the project from issue identification and solution design to PoC implementation and expansion. Our contribution was twofold:

1. Strengthening Knowledge Utilization through AI
   Leveraging the latest advancements in generative AI and large language models (LLMs), we introduced technologies such as instant summarization, semantic search, and multilingual support. This enabled improved reusability of know-how that had previously been siloed, accelerated decision-making on the shop floor, and facilitated smooth information transfer across language barriers. Beyond simply deploying tools, we supported the establishment of mechanisms that ensured employees could learn and embed AI utilization into their daily operations.
2. Gradual Operational Integration and Expansion via PoC
   We emphasized starting with small-scale PoCs to validate effectiveness and applicability in the field, then gradually expanded initiatives based on proven results. By deepening understanding among both management and frontline staff, we developed a practical roadmap for sustainable improvement and group-wide knowledge utilization.

Through these efforts, our client achieved effective AI adoption rooted in real operations, leading to significant advancements in knowledge management and operational efficiency.