The Japanese manufacturing industry depends on the extent to which quantum computing can be implemented in the next generation of PLM.

In a move that could revolutionize the manufacturing industry, Japan is set to embrace quantum computing technology to develop next-generation Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). The country's renowned attention to detail, emphasis on quality, and love for human interaction will be combined with the power of quantum computing to create a new era of PLM that promises to change the game for manufacturers.

Quantum computing, a technology that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations beyond the capabilities of classical computers, has the potential to transform various industries, and manufacturing is no exception. With the ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, quantum computing can optimize production processes, improve product quality, and reduce costs.

Japan, known for its strong manufacturing sector, is now looking to harness this technology to create next-generation PLM systems. By integrating quantum computing into PLM, manufacturers will be able to analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including supply chain information, production line data, and customer feedback. This will enable them to make data-driven decisions, optimize production processes, and create higher-quality products that meet customer needs more effectively.

Moreover, quantum computing will enable the creation of digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical products and production lines. These digital twins can be used to simulate production processes, test new designs, and optimize production before actual production begins. This will help manufacturers to identify and eliminate potential problems before they occur, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

The integration of quantum computing into PLM will also facilitate the creation of new business models. For example, manufacturers could offer personalized products and services tailored to individual customers' needs, or develop predictive maintenance services that can help customers prevent equipment failures before they happen.

People living in Japan tend to be good at the following jobs

1. high perseverance and concentration on detailed work.
2. have a high awareness of manufacturing and technological development.
3. high awareness of quality control and the ability to produce products with high precision.
4. high ability to propose improvements to increase work efficiency.
5. high levels of teamwork and cooperation, and the ability to demonstrate manufacturing capabilities as an organisation.

However, there is no doubt that in the future, excessive quality and unbalanced inquisitiveness will be seen as a problem for companies that are out of step with the times. This is also the reason why Japanese samurai are disappearing from the times.

Nowadays, not a day goes by without hearing the term 'digital transformation' (DX) in Japan. DX is now a major theme for Japanese companies and society, which had lagged behind in digitalisation partly due to the Corona disaster, and is advancing rapidly.

In many cases, however, the focus is on digital technology itself, the 'D' of DX, which the Japanese love, and only on the technologies and means of 'utilising IoT' and 'utilising AI'. However, the essence of DX lies in the 'X' part. We as a company should focus more on what we want to change, what we want to become and what we want to achieve.

The means of digital technology have already created many options and prices are falling due to commoditisation. In other words, this area is becoming less important. In the Industry 5.0 era, the 'X' that we should focus on is becoming more complex and does not fit within the framework of a single company.

We need to consider not only 'business', but also 'sustainability', including social issues, the global environment and governance; 'experience', including employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders; and their ecosystem. This is an essential element of digital business. We need to add more resolution to these three areas and focus on the 'X'. Japan is very far behind when it comes to carbon neutrality and circular economy initiatives.

We need a range of tools and quantum computing to make this happen. This is the position of digital technology and design thinking. Thus, digital technology itself is not the essence. What is important is what kind of 'X' you want to create. Companies need to discuss this point thoroughly. The companies that will survive in the increasingly complex era of Industry 5.0 will be those that have achieved these three X's. Under the Society 5.0 vision, Japanese companies are expected to rebuild their competitiveness through these three X's and become companies that continue to be sought after by the international community, starting with quantum computing.