Our Manufacturing Process
The flow of manufacturing and the people & jobs involved
Industry Structure
It is said that about 2~30,000 parts are used in automobiles. Each part and equipment is developed by a company in a specialized field and finally delivered to the finished vehicle manufacturer. In this process, we are developing in a position called Tier 1, which is closest to that of a finished vehicle manufacturer.
How can we realize the world envisioned by finished vehicle manufacturers and their design concepts with technology? We will work together with finished vehicle manufacturers to take on the challenge of research and development and deliver new mobility to society.
Flow of Manufacturing
Astemo has 80,000 employees around the world working as one team to provide a variety of products. Here, we will introduce the flow of manufacturing, as well as the types of jobs and work content involved.
Research & Development
We grasp industry trends and functions required of automobiles, and develop advanced technologies. We will also participate in the development of next-generation products and connect cutting-edge technologies with products.
As innovation called CASE accelerates, we are actively researching and developing technologies that have never existed before, and we will proceed with research in close cooperation with institutions.
The most rewarding aspect of R&D is that we can create a foothold toward the realization of a safe and clean society.
In addition, during the development of the technology, we will drive in an experimental vehicle in various environments and conduct evaluations.
You can feel a great sense of accomplishment when the technology or product you have created with your own hands works.
Business
We grasp the needs and issues of finished vehicle manufacturers, and propose products that exceed their expectations in cooperation with design and development, quality assurance, production technology, and material procurement. This is the starting point for new businesses and product creation.
We proceed with business negotiations while considering not only the technologies, costs, and schedules but also the production bases and delivery. In the case of a new proposal, it can take several years from the start of negotiations to the delivery.
You can feel the dynamism of seeing the results of your activities spread around the world and create new markets.
Design & Development
In order to meet the needs of finished vehicle manufacturers, we incorporate the advanced technologies created by R&D into product design. In addition to hardware design, we also design boards and software, and propose them to finished vehicle manufacturers in the form of modules and systems. In addition to meeting specifications, we consider costs and production processes to design products that can be mass-produced efficiently.
We work with OEMs around the world, so we work together with colleagues and suppliers in each region. The work of design and development, in which a team derives the optimal solution while incorporating various perspectives, is very stimulating.
Quality Assurance
From the stage where development starts, the work of quality assurance begins. In addition to confirming and verifying design specifications, we also demonstrate our skills in all situations, such as experimenting, analyzing, and evaluating quality using prototypes, managing the development process, and confirming the quality of materials and parts procured from suppliers.
As technology in the mobility industry evolves, so does the work of quality assurance. We will develop and consider the construction of a new test environment and data extraction methods that have never existed before. Our big mission to deliver peace of mind and comfort to drivers around the world will lead to a sense of fulfillment.
Production Technology
We will develop equipment technology and production processes for the production of designed products. Based on the design specifications of the product, we will examine the equipment specifications of the production line, and develop, install, and operate our own equipment. We are also responsible for the development of software and control programs that operate not only machines but also equipment and factories.
In recent years, we have been actively promoting digital transformation, such as the use of big data by AI and labor-saving through IoT. Not only does it require a deep understanding of the core technologies of the product and knowledge of equipment, but it also requires an inquisitive mind to create a production environment that makes full use of digital technology, so production technology is a job that is filled with the real thrill of manufacturing.
Material Procurement
Based on the design specifications, we search for suppliers from all over the world who provide the most suitable parts and materials and negotiate transactions. In addition to specifications, costs, and schedules, we will proceed while considering how to establish a system to achieve a stable supply. In order to create a strong partnership between our company and our suppliers, we will actively engage with many people, both inside and outside the company, and deepen our bonds.
In addition to the parts and materials required for production, we also procure a variety of equipment, machinery, software, etc., contributing to raising the level of development capabilities of the entire organization. It is a job full of fun that touches the unknown world and the fun of touching diverse values.
Production Management
Production management is a position that controls the production at a factory. We formulate a production plan and secure a production line to accompany it. We are responsible for arranging materials and parts, managing production progress, managing warehouses where parts and products are stored, and even logistics.
We also serve as a point of contact for factories in production for finished vehicle manufacturers. In the case of overseas transactions, it is necessary to have knowledge of trade as well as English skills. Given the wide scope of our activities, we collaborate with various people inside and outside the factory to make accurate decisions with a sense of speed.
As a command center for the manufacturing site, we will continue to cooperate with related departments to provide a stable supply of products to the world. We take on our day-to-day work with a great sense of responsibility and pride.
Quality Assurance
We will check the quality of mass-produced products and deliver products and systems to the world. After shipment, in addition to responding to inquiries about quality from finished vehicle manufacturers, we will strengthen our inspection system, review our production processes, and request suppliers to improve quality with the aim of achieving higher quality.
When a quality problem is found, we investigate the cause of the problem. In addition to coordinating with all departments within the company, such as design and development, production technology, and production management, we also request the cooperation of suppliers from whom we purchase parts to investigate the cause and formulate countermeasures.
Collaborate with internal and external members and share wisdom to create better products. It is a job full of pride to demonstrate teamwork and protect the Astemo brand that spreads around the world.