TDK’s Digital Transformation Initiatives
Message from the CDXO
Driving Sustainable
Innovation in Electronics:
TDK’s Digital Transformation
Initiatives
Roshan Thapliya
Chief Digital Transformation Officer,
Management System HQ &
DX Promotion Group GM
Driving Companywide DX with Our Proprietary
Framework and TDK GenAI Platform
Our DX framework is companywide, encompassing sales and marketing, manufacturing, and sustainability. In sales and marketing, Agentic AI transforms CRM systems into intelligent growth engines, continuously monitoring opportunities, detecting risks, and guiding teams for optimal results. In manufacturing, for example, DX is used to augment frontline expertise with digital tools, achieving industry-leading operational efficiency. Smart Manufacturing*/Industry 4.0 initiatives include quality assurance, predictive and prescriptive maintenance, energy efficiency, and supply chain optimization—all powered by AI and data integration. In Sustainability Transformation (SX), embedding advanced digital technologies into every facet of the company’s sustainability journey, our DX efforts are making a difference. By integrating AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making, we assist in minimizing our carbon footprint across all operations and supply chains, while enhancing energy productivity and decarbonization efforts. Through this synergy of DX and SX, TDK is not only transforming itself but also setting a new standard for sustainable growth in the technology industry.
* An initiative leveraging digital technologies to optimize the entire manufacturing process
Notably, one of our backbones to drive these transformations is the introduction of our secure TDK GenAI platform, which features a multi-layered architecture: a tool/retrieval layer for accessing data and APIs, an orchestration layer for task management, a reasoning layer powered by large language models (LLMs) and domain-specific AI, a feedback/learning layer for continuous improvement, and a security/compliance layer for robust governance. TDK’s internal generative AI services powered by the TDK GenAI platform and API gateway further enable scalable, secure deployment of Agentic AI solutions across the organization, thereby turbo-charging workflow optimization and productivity outcomes. We are proud to say that we are one of the first adopters of GenAI technologies integrated as a production-level system built in-house and deployed globally within TDK Group, symbolizing TDK Venture Spirit DNA to tackle and adopt promising technologies boldly in the context of predictable market dynamics.
Our commitment to internal workflow transformation is powerfully realized through our strategic focus on DX, AI and a new task force-style DX initiative. This recently introduced initiative deploys dedicated task forces into operational environments for short, intensive periods (typically less than one month, up to two months) to identify and implement high-impact, AI-driven solutions. The primary objective is to achieve significant cost savings and workflow efficiency improvements using Agentic AI combined with our Domain AIs that have been developed using our domain-specific data accumulated through years of experience and R&D. The new task force-style DX process implementation symbolizes collaboration and the integration of diverse technological and workflow components, ensuring rapid, measurable transformation. We have seen rapid adoption and impact on our workflows ranging from back-end administrative work to factory floors, reducing operational cost by automating “indirect” work.
Comprehensive Training Programs and Zero Trust Security Powering Business-Process DX
Our commitment to DX is celebrated globally through the DX Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in business impact, outcomes, and effort, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Employee engagement is at the heart of TDK’s DX journey, with Management System HQ and its DX Management/AI Center/IT Infrastructure driving governance, responsible AI policies, and robust information sharing across the organization.
Upskilling and reskilling are prioritized through comprehensive DX training programs, including basic and expert IT courses, practical field deployments, and specialized modules on cybersecurity, privacy, and responsible AI. Networking and connectivity are enhanced through global collaboration, with internal and external DX communications facilitated by events, digital communiques, and interaction platforms. TDK also promotes external engagement via the Digital Transformation (DX) Certification it received from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as through social media and participation in international conferences, strengthening its presence in the wider digital community. These initiatives collectively create a vibrant network where people, technology, and knowledge intersect. Through these efforts, TDK not only empowers its workforce but also sets new standards for digital leadership and connectivity in the industry.
Cybersecurity and Privacy are core to TDK’s DX. One of our major initiatives is the implementation of a robust Zero Trust security framework to protect our infrastructure and information assets both in the cloud and internally. This approach is structured around five key technical areas—Authentication and Authorization, Network Access Control, Device Control, Network Segmentation, and AI Monitoring—along with comprehensive Governance. For each area, TDK defines four progressive security levels: Level 1 (Security Baseline), Level 2 (Enhanced Protection), Level 3 (Semi-automatic Detection and Response), and Level 4 (Automatic Detection and Response). This layered and adaptive strategy ensures that security measures are continuously strengthened, with increasing automation to detect and respond to threats. By adopting the Zero Trust architecture globally, TDK demonstrates a proactive and dynamic approach to safeguarding its digital environment and critical assets even as newer AI-driven threats become commonplace.
In summary, TDK is driving transformation with a sophisticated blend of DX and AI, embodied in agile methodologies, robust AI platforms, and a culture of continuous learning and ethical innovation. We believe that these efforts collectively position TDK at the forefront of operational excellence and digital leadership, surpassing our customers’ and society’s expectations as an electronics manufacturer.
