Challenge the Invisible, and Beyond

Furuno’s vision for “Marine DX” is rooted in protecting the ocean’s bounty and the communities that depend on it. By connecting vessels and operators around the globe through our advanced electronics and unified marine data, we stand alongside those who make their living at sea. This mission reflects our deep commitment to giving back to the waters that sustain us all.

Top Message

President and CEO Yukio Furuno

In 1948, Furuno changed the course of the marine industry by introducing the world’s first commercial Fish Finder, revolutionizing fishing practices that once depended solely on experience and intuition. This groundbreaking innovation marked the beginning of Digital Transformation (DX) in the maritime world.

Today, we continue that spirit of innovation with a twofold approach to DX: transforming our business operations through external initiatives and improving internal processes to enhance product development. This dual path allows us to deliver new value while equipping our customers with optimal solutions.

Externally, Furuno is advancing initiatives such as autonomous navigation and intelligent systems to support efficient fisheries and aquaculture. We are also building a robust marine data platform to collect and consolidate vital information from the sea. As the ocean - covering nearly 70% of our planet - faces growing challenges like workforce shortages, environmental shifts, and resource depletion, we remain committed to creating meaningful solutions that support the maritime industry.

Internally, we’re streamlining manufacturing processes through Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and the Smart Factory Project. Recognizing that successful transformation requires skilled people, we’re fostering a new generation of talent through cross-company initiatives and project leadership opportunities - cultivating individuals ready to create lasting value on a global scale.

As we look ahead to our 100th anniversary in 2048, we’ve set our sights on a long-term goal: “100-Year Company VISION: Bringing the Benefits of the Sea to All Living Things.” To realize this vision, we will continue to expand and deepen our company-wide DX initiatives.

At Furuno, we do more than make the invisible visible. Once hidden realities come into view, new possibilities take shape - reshaping the lives of those at sea and far beyond. We are dedicated to taking on bold challenges, delivering value, and making a lasting contribution to society.

DX Business Vision

Challenge the Invisible, and Beyond

In its long-term management plan, FURUNO GLOBAL VISION “NAVI NEXT 2030,” Furuno has outlined its goals leading up to the year 2030, with a business vision to “Achieve better safety, security, and comfort to bring about a society and sea navigation that considers the needs of people and the environment.”
To bring this vision to life, we’ve introduced a new DX business initiative - “Challenge the Invisible, and Beyond.” Through this commitment, Furuno will continue driving forward our Marine DX efforts, creating innovative solutions that shape the future of navigation and ocean sustainability.

FURUNO GLOBAL VISION "NAVI NEXT 2030"

*1　Reference:Furuno Electric Corporate Site / Corporate Governance

*2　Reference:DX Related Products and Services

external DX

External DX Initiatives

Across our three core maritime sectors - commercial shipping, fisheries, and leisure - Furuno is harnessing digital technologies to strengthen connections with stakeholders and deliver enhanced value and experiences within our existing businesses. At the same time, we are actively pursuing medium- to long-term initiatives aimed at creating new value for emerging markets and future customers.

  1. STEP01
    Strengthening existing businesses

    We are advancing the integration of marine electronics on board vessels to build a connected environment that enables the seamless collection and utilization of valuable marine data.

  2. STEP02
    Create value around existing businesses

    By leveraging digital technology, we aim to deliver new value and enhanced experiences to our customers—expanding the impact of our existing solutions and deepening customer engagement.

  3. STEP03
    Solving social issues through new value creation

    Through the utilization of marine data, we are committed to supporting the sustainable management of marine resources and advancing global environmental conservation efforts.

External DX Initiatives
Global service through Remote monitoring and maintenance

Our goal is to ensure that FURUNO products consistently operate at their peak performance. We accomplish this by developing devices that enable remote monitoring and operation, along with offering remote services via internet connectivity, all while adhering to strict cybersecurity standards. Additionally, we provide fast, high-quality maintenance services globally through our extensive service network.

Remote Monitoring through Furuno's Global Network

Remote Monitoring through Furuno's Global Network
Build Data Platform

The cornerstone of “Marine DX” is in the collection and consolidation of marine data. Equally important is creating an environment where this data can be quickly and seamlessly integrated to generate high-value insights. To support this, our group is developing a comprehensive data platform that facilitates the effective utilization of ocean data.

Build Data Platform

internal DX

Internal DX Initiatives

Building FURUNO's version of PLM system

By implementing a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, we aim to reduce waste and inefficiencies by optimizing operational rules and processes, particularly in the design and development phases. We will establish robust management practices to ensure compliance with complex regulations, minimizing related costs. Our goal is to drive the adoption and company-wide implementation of the PLM system, enhancing operational efficiency, profitability, and product competitiveness.

Building FURUNO's version of PLM system
Smart Manufacturing

The Miki Plant is committed to creating "a plant that is flexible to change" and "a plant that integrates open production and sales." Through the visualization and quantification of production activities, we have made significant progress in identifying issues and monitoring the effectiveness of implemented improvement activities. We will continue to advance our smart factory initiatives, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective products to our customers when they need them.

Improvement activities using MDOS

Smart Factory Project
  • A factory where operations
    flow smoothly
    • ・Better planning cycle (needed parts on hand at the needed time)
    • ・1/2 manufacturing lead time (hourly production planning)
  • Daily finished production
    • ・Start and complete manufacturing as planned
    • ・Ensure production capacity for sales requests
  • Site where anomalies
    can be detected
    • ・Clear visualization of abnormalities on site
    • ・Progress understanding through automatic recognition technology
Strengthen DX Human Resources

Strengthening DX talent to lead and execute digital transformation initiatives is critical to the success of our DX efforts. The FURUNO Group has launched a company-wide project to spearhead DX, appointing several leaders to drive progress and develop DX expertise through hands-on project implementation. We are also providing DX training to all employees, enhancing foundational skills and fostering a culture of transformation. Additionally, expanding our global sales and service networks is key to DX success, and we are dedicated to recruiting and nurturing global talent to support these initiatives.

VALUE through GLOBALIZATION and SPEED
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