Ishii Seiko, a Rubber Mold Manufacturer, Implements 'MISUMI floow' at Its Katsushika Factory
Ishii Seiko, a mold manufacturer, implemented MISUMI's 'MISUMI floow' indirect material management service at its Katsushika factory. This first-ever implementation of the drawer-type vending machine model reduces procurement time by 70%, allowing staff to focus on production and DX.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 22:33 (8h 1m after Collected)
MISUMI Group Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Ryushin Shimizu) announced that its indirect material total cost reduction service, 'MISUMI floow,' has been implemented at the Katsushika Factory of Ishii Seiko Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sumida-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Takashi Ishii), a company specializing in the design and manufacture of rubber molding dies. This marks the first implementation case of the new 'drawer type' vending machine model.
Ishii Seiko is a mold manufacturer celebrating its 67th anniversary, with a factory in Katsushika-ku, Tokyo. They design and manufacture rubber molding dies for various sectors, primarily the automotive industry, as well as medical, semiconductor, and construction materials. They also develop original products like 'scented' accessories using their unique processing technologies.
In their processing stages, they daily use a wide variety of indirect materials, such as cutting tools. There was a need to create an environment where tools could be ordered and obtained without stopping the workflow. Against this background, the drawer-type model of the MISUMI floow vending machine was adopted for its ability to efficiently manage tools and parts within limited factory space.
Evaluation from Ishii Seiko:
Yohei Ishii, Director & General Manager: 'In preparation for future labor shortages, we believe it is important to clearly distinguish between tasks performed by humans and those that can be supplemented by AI. We feel MISUMI floow is one solution to review tool management and promote DX in the factory.'
Hiroshi Kubota, Ordering Person: 'When tools ran out, we had to interrupt design work to place orders, and sometimes we forgot to do it. As a result, we over-ordered for spares or had to wait until the next day for unexpected tool needs. With MISUMI floow, such cumbersome ordering tasks have decreased. Securing enough time for design and processing preparation allows us to deliver better molds to customers faster.'
Ryohei Aizawa, Field Staff: 'Before MISUMI floow, I had to move to another room, change shoes, and go to the manager to receive tools. Now I can get necessary tools on the spot without leaving the site, even if the manager is away. Reduced time for movement and confirmation allows us to focus on work and preparation, expanding what we can do, such as utilizing 3D printers and product development.'
About MISUMI floow:
MISUMI floow is a service that realizes the streamlining of indirect material procurement in factories by providing products through optimal channels based on customer demand data. It saves procurement staff the trouble of ordering and visualizes inventory levels, reducing procurement time by 70%. It is a 'Toyama medicine chest' model where MISUMI delivers consumables to factory-installed vending machines. Since the inventory is MISUMI's asset, customers avoid excess inventory. Facial recognition or ID pass is required for removal, preventing over-use. The service received the Good Design Award and IT Award in 2025.
Ishii Seiko is a mold manufacturer celebrating its 67th anniversary, with a factory in Katsushika-ku, Tokyo. They design and manufacture rubber molding dies for various sectors, primarily the automotive industry, as well as medical, semiconductor, and construction materials. They also develop original products like 'scented' accessories using their unique processing technologies.
In their processing stages, they daily use a wide variety of indirect materials, such as cutting tools. There was a need to create an environment where tools could be ordered and obtained without stopping the workflow. Against this background, the drawer-type model of the MISUMI floow vending machine was adopted for its ability to efficiently manage tools and parts within limited factory space.
Evaluation from Ishii Seiko:
Yohei Ishii, Director & General Manager: 'In preparation for future labor shortages, we believe it is important to clearly distinguish between tasks performed by humans and those that can be supplemented by AI. We feel MISUMI floow is one solution to review tool management and promote DX in the factory.'
Hiroshi Kubota, Ordering Person: 'When tools ran out, we had to interrupt design work to place orders, and sometimes we forgot to do it. As a result, we over-ordered for spares or had to wait until the next day for unexpected tool needs. With MISUMI floow, such cumbersome ordering tasks have decreased. Securing enough time for design and processing preparation allows us to deliver better molds to customers faster.'
Ryohei Aizawa, Field Staff: 'Before MISUMI floow, I had to move to another room, change shoes, and go to the manager to receive tools. Now I can get necessary tools on the spot without leaving the site, even if the manager is away. Reduced time for movement and confirmation allows us to focus on work and preparation, expanding what we can do, such as utilizing 3D printers and product development.'
About MISUMI floow:
MISUMI floow is a service that realizes the streamlining of indirect material procurement in factories by providing products through optimal channels based on customer demand data. It saves procurement staff the trouble of ordering and visualizes inventory levels, reducing procurement time by 70%. It is a 'Toyama medicine chest' model where MISUMI delivers consumables to factory-installed vending machines. Since the inventory is MISUMI's asset, customers avoid excess inventory. Facial recognition or ID pass is required for removal, preventing over-use. The service received the Good Design Award and IT Award in 2025.