Kanematsu Launches Inventory Management Software 'KG ZAICO' in Mexico, Accelerating Global Expansion

Kanematsu Corporation (hereinafter 'Kanematsu'), a partner of ZAICO Inc. (Headquarters: Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture; Representative Director: Toshie Tamura; hereinafter 'the Company'), has begun providing 'KG ZAICO,' a cloud inventory management software based on the Company's system, to Japanese manufacturing companies operating in Mexico.

Going forward, through Kanematsu's local Mexican subsidiary, the service will be widely expanded to approximately 1,600 Japanese-affiliated companies (※1) and local enterprises with operations in the country. As the system provider, ZAICO will support inventory management digital transformation (DX) at local factories through Kanematsu's global business network.

(※1) Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Survey on Overseas Business Locations of Japanese Affiliates, 2024 results

Announcement page: https://www.zaico.co.jp/2026/07/14/release_kgzaico_mexico

Background of the Mexico Expansion

Numerous Japanese manufacturing companies, particularly in the automotive sector, have established factories in Mexico. However, in recent years, the country's labor environment has been undergoing significant changes, including a phased reduction in statutory working hours (from 48 to 40 hours per week) and rising minimum wages. Against this backdrop, the importance of improving on-site operational efficiency and productivity has been increasing.

While inventory management for products and components is well-established, challenges have emerged in managing 'production supplies' such as molds, jigs, and tools, and 'consumable work items' like helmets and rubber gloves. These items are still largely managed manually or via Excel by staff, resulting in significant labor hours for tasks such as inbound/outbound tracking, inventory counts, and restocking (ordering) decisions, placing a heavy burden on factory operations.

About KG ZAICO

'KG ZAICO' is a cloud-based inventory management software provided by Kanematsu to address these on-site challenges and streamline complex inventory processes. Built on ZAICO's cloud inventory management system 'zaico,' it enables simple operations via smartphones, tablets, or computers, allowing real-time inventory tracking, stocktaking, and information sharing.

ZAICO and Kanematsu have collaborated since 2022 to achieve inventory management DX across a wide range of enterprises, aiming to leverage the simplicity of 'zaico' and Kanematsu's business network for global expansion. Since the launch of 'KG ZAICO,' it has been implemented by over 100 companies in Japan, including major automotive manufacturers, parts suppliers, and SMEs.

Mexico Expansion Details

To enable factory staff to easily operate the system on-site using smartphones, a Spanish-language version of the KG ZAICO app (for Android) will be provided. Additionally, an English-language web application will be available for management tasks performed on computers.

KG ZAICO English site: https://bc3.kanematsu.co.jp/kgzaico/en

Japanese site: https://bc3.kanematsu.co.jp/kgzaico

### Current Implementation Status in Mexico

Kanematsu is currently proposing and conducting trial implementations at multiple Japanese manufacturing plants in Mexico, with some companies nearing full-scale deployment.

By enabling real-time inventory visibility via smartphones, the following benefits are expected:

- Improved efficiency in inbound/outbound operations and inventory counts - Reduction of stockouts and excess inventory - Early detection of inventory shortages, reducing emergency shipping (air freight) costs

Future Outlook

Analog inventory management using Excel or manual methods, along with the resulting dependency on specific personnel and excessive labor, is a common challenge not only in Japan but worldwide. Starting with this expansion into Mexico, ZAICO will strongly support overseas deployments through Kanematsu's global network, leveraging the key strengths of 'zaico'—its intuitive simplicity and ease of use.

ZAICO will continue to serve as 'infrastructure for physical goods information,' promoting inventory management DX and productivity improvements for companies both domestically and internationally, transcending language and borders.

About ZAICO Inc.

Founded to solve inventory challenges at the CEO's family warehouse in Yamagata, ZAICO Inc. operates under the mission of 'creating information infrastructure for physical goods, collecting, organizing, and providing information to improve societal efficiency.' The company develops and provides operational efficiency solutions tailored to on-site needs, including the cloud inventory management system 'zaico.'

### Company Overview

- Founded: October 18, 2016 - Representative Director: Toshie Tamura - Business: Development and sales of cloud inventory management system 'zaico' and related solutions - URL: https://www.zaico.co.jp/ - Headquarters: 331 Hanazawa, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture

Media Inquiries

ZAICO Inc. welcomes media inquiries on this announcement and the following topics. Please feel free to contact us.

- Case studies of SaaS-driven operational efficiency improvements amid worsening labor shortages - Latest inventory management DX leveraging AI technology - The 'on-site-first' development story born from solving challenges at the CEO's family warehouse business