CMA
Smarter Manufacturing with Improved Efficiency

Efficiency is a key priority for small and medium-sized manufacturers to thrive amid limited resources and growing customer expectations. However, many software solutions for managing production and operations are one-size-fits-all and overcomplicated with extraneous features. They often fail to adequately address the specific challenges of SMEs, making them ponder the question, “Is there a solution that offers the required flexibility?”

CMA answers this question with a resounding “yes.”

It offers Othello Connect, a SaaS-based production management system specifically designed for small and midsized manufacturers, at a relatively low cost. The system has a wide range of features, allowing clients to choose only those that are effective for solving their particular challenges. This high level of flexibility facilitates continuous operation and process improvement for clients.

“Our innovative solution has been a key factor for our success in Japan,” says Tetsuo Sumi, president.

In Japan, companies are challenged with rising material and labor costs. This diminishes product profit margins. Othello Connect helps optimize procurement, visualize non-utilization cases and streamline process scheduling. Clients can prioritize procedures and manage raw material costs.

Many enterprises still rely on Microsoft Excel, often managed by multiple team members and stored locally. This results in inefficiencies and scattered information.

They also seek to improve operations and visualize progress to meet the demands of manufacturing sites with increasingly short delivery times.

Since Othello Connect is a cloud-based system, data is centralized, and clients can easily track ordering status, including externally placed products, without relying on phone calls or manual checks. Its dedicated customer success team guides clients in transitioning their Excel- or paper-based data into Othello Connect, supporting them every step of the way. Through remote consultations, the team ensures a smooth data migration.

In one instance, CMA engaged with Kanagawa-based Ameroid Corporation, looking to upgrade its on-premise system and enhance invoicing support. The client was using a mix of on-premise systems and Excel, which required manual updates and limited their ability to share information efficiently. The system also restricted the number of devices that could access data, preventing employees from viewing information remotely. After adopting Othello Connect, the client unlocked the highest IT convenience and could access data anytime, anywhere. The client is using the system to reap substantial long-term benefits by gathering data to forecast future trends and optimize operations.

While Othello Connect is primarily a production management system, SMEs need additional systems to manage their HR, accounting and other back-office functions. Its ability to integrate with platforms like Microsoft and Ginger ERP makes it a total solution for smooth coordination across all business areas. CMA is also looking to integrate with artwork management platforms to handle production designs and process management tools for manufacturing operations.

With deeper integration comes greater responsibility for data protection. Clients using their own servers often lack continuous monitoring, limiting visibility and control. Othello Connect servers are monitored 24/7 throughout the year, with alerts automatically sent to the relevant teams in the event of any anomalies. Businesses benefit from a secure, reliable and fully managed solution.

CMA ensures that every customer’s transition to Othello Connect is smooth and results-driven, with an experience-based approach to solution-delivery. Initially, clients are provided with a trial program that allows them to evaluate effectiveness and risks while using Othello Connect. After the free trial, the customer success team engages with clients to understand their key operations, challenges and help them decide on features that best enhance their efficiency. It offers hands-on assistance during implementation until the system goes live. The team continues to stay in touch with clients to identify areas for improvement or address any challenges post-implementation.

Steering ahead, CMA continuously enhances Othello Connect to keep pace with evolving client requirements worldwide, delivering updated features and versions for a more responsive experience.