Qualica Implements 'KOM-MICS' at Star Micronics' New Factory to Support Productivity and Environmental Sustainability

Qualica Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Teruaki Akutsu), a member of the TIS INTEC Group, announced the implementation of 'KOM-MICS,' a factory productivity improvement system, at the new factory of Star Micronics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture; President: Mamoru Sato). The new factory, Kikugawa South Factory, commenced operations in December 2025.

KOM-MICS is a cloud-based system that supports productivity improvement by visualizing equipment status across manufacturing floors and utilizing data from machining processes to optimize conditions and support improvement activities. At the new factory, 54 machines—approximately 80% of the equipment—were connected to KOM-MICS, enabling unified monitoring of machine tools from various manufacturers.

Prior to full-scale implementation, verification at Star Micronics' existing Kikugawa North Factory using three machine tools resulted in a reduction of 940 machining hours per year. Key benefits confirmed include:

- Unified Monitoring: Achieved visibility across 54 machines regardless of manufacturer or control format. - Machining Time Reduction: Optimization of cutting resistance led to a reduction of 940 hours per year in the verification phase. - Tool Cost Savings: Optimized tool selection based on cutting data saved approximately 200,000 yen annually. - Energy Efficiency: Visualizing power consumption through optional sensors confirmed an energy reduction of 1,080 kWh per year for the tested machines.

This initiative aligns with Star Micronics' strategy to promote DX (Digital Transformation) and achieve high production efficiency alongside environmental performance in their smart factory operations.