Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Establishes Mathematical Optimization Center of Excellence

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (MCHC; Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hitoshi Ochi) has established a new Mathematical Optimization Center of Excellence (CoE*) in the Digital Transformation (DX) Group of its Emerging Technology & Business Development Office, with the goal of driving proactive and wider utilization of mathematical optimization techniques across the entire MCHC Group.
 

The CoE will promote the use of mathematical optimization techniques and business analytics to optimize operations in production and logistics. By establishing the CoE, MCHC aims to strengthen and accelerate its existing DX activities, including the optimization of energy management and global supply chain management.

Due to the globalization of MCHC Group business and its increasingly cross-functional nature, the need to optimize business operations grows every year. Furthermore, the applicability of mathematical optimization techniques is increasing in step with recent advances in the environment for data use, including the rapid evolution of IT hardware and software and mathematical optimization algorithms. These developments underscore the need for a proactive approach to adopting mathematical optimization techniques and broadening their application.

MCHC established the DX Group in 2017 to enhance various aspects of its business operations through the use of AI and IoT. The establishment of the CoE is in line with the DX Group’s missions.

MCHC expects the following results from the establishment of the CoE:
(1) Maximizing profits through operational reforms
 MCHC will introduce the latest technologies and promote operational reforms from the perspective of bridging across business and regional boundaries. Additionally, MCHC will sustainably maximize profits by keeping its systems up to date and operating seamlessly.
(2) Establishing a common technology platform and promotion system
 MCHC will standardize application techniques and methods by consolidating personnel distributed throughout the group and strengthening inter-organization collaboration. MCHC will also accelerate analysis through the effective use of external findings.

MCHC will continue to exploit digital transformation using internal and external resources to further strengthen its business.

*CoE refers to an entity that focuses on specific fields and develops advanced research and development activities, while serving as a stimulus for human resource development and business creation.