CMA Corporation: SaaS-Based Production Management for Manufacturers
Tetsuo Sumi, PresidentBuilt on principles of flexibility and affordability, Othello Connect addresses the common challenges SMEs face—high costs, complex maintenance, and rigid system requirements— providing a practical solution for businesses ready to modernize without overwhelming resources.
“We offer a SaaS-based production management system specifically designed for small and mid-sized manufacturers at a relatively low cost. This has been a key factor in our success in Japan,” says Tetsuo Sumi, president.
Breaking away from traditional models, Othello Connect requires minimal upfront investment and eliminates the need for IT expertise or server maintenance. Unlike conventional systems burdened by high costs and complicated upkeep, this SaaS solution allows businesses to scale efficiently without draining their resources.
Drawing inspiration from the strategic board game Othello—where every move can change the game’s outcome— the system empowers companies to implement only the needed features. This tailored approach avoids the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all solutions that often saddle manufacturers with unnecessary expenses. Clients customize the system to mirror their unique workflows, ensuring seamless integration with real-world operations.
In a strategic shift, CMA moved from building custom systems to offering a shared cloud system. It provides access to vital digital tools without requiring extensive investment or specialized IT expertise.
“We Offer A Saas-Based Production Management System Specifically Designed For Small And Mid-Sized Manufacturers At A Relatively Low Cost. This Has Been A Key Factor In Our Success In Japan”
The results speak for themselves. CMA Corporation attributes its growing client base—28 companies and counting—to Othello Connect’s adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of implementation.
Modular by Nature
Despite its world-class technical capabilities, Japan’s manufacturing sector has lagged in IT adoption. SMEs are grappling with the challenge of affordable modernization. Tight budgets prioritize production equipment and workforce needs over costly IT systems.
Traditional ERP solutions only exacerbate the problem. Requiring large upfront investments and complex setups, these systems frequently exceed smaller manufacturers’ needs and budgets. Unable to reap the benefits of digital transformation, SMEs are left behind in an increasingly competitive market.
CMA Corporation offers a different approach with Othello Connect.
Recognizing the demand for affordable and adaptable solutions, CMA designed Othello Connect as a cloud-based, modular production management system. It includes essential modules for production management, inventory tracking, procurement, sales and payments. This modular design empowers clients to implement only what they require.
Accessible entirely on the cloud, Othello Connect allows businesses to manage end-to-end production tasks—such as order processing, viewing drawings, and issuing invoices—from any location. Businesses can now benefit from the new work model, where on-site and remote tasks are seamlessly integrated, supporting a modern, efficient approach to manufacturing management.
Making IT Accessible and Adaptable
A clear philosophy guides CMA—making IT accessible, easy to use, and visible. This commitment is reflected in the Othello Connect’s flexible design, which allows clients to access data anytime, anywhere, on any device, empowering companies that depend on fast, accurate decision-making to remain competitive.
CMA’s innovation doesn’t stop in software development. Recognizing that adopting new technology raises critical questions—“Is it the right fit?”, “Can we sustain it long-term?”, “Do we need specialized skills?”
To address these concerns, CMA ensures a smooth onboarding experience through a hands-on, knowledgeable customer success team. They understand that successful implementation requires more than just delivering a product; it demands a partnership that guides clients through every step.
With deep experience in the manufacturing industry, this team actively supports clients in adapting Othello Connect to fit their unique needs and challenges, assisting before, during, and after implementation. Their firsthand knowledge provides a deep understanding of Japanese manufacturing companies’ challenges today, allowing CMA to address these issues and maximize Othello Connect’s potential.
Before clients fully commit, CMA offers a trial period to help them evaluate Othello Connect’s fit for the business. During this phase, CMA’s team conducts a thorough risk analysis and fit & gap assessment, comparing the client’s objectives with the platform’s capabilities to ensure alignment. This pre-implementation process reduces risks, aligns the system closely with the client’s operations, and builds a foundation for success. With this supportive, partnership-driven approach, CMA has cultivated long-term relationships, positioning itself as a service provider and a committed partner in each client’s digital transformation journey.
Benefits of Othello Connect Implementation
An example of Othello Connect’s impact can be seen with Kanagawa-based Ameroid Corporation. Faced with upgrading their on-premise system and enhancing invoicing support, Ameroid adopted Othello Connect to streamline IT convenience and accessibility.
Previously, the company used a mix of another provider’s on-premise system and Excel, which required manual updates and limited their ability to share information efficiently. Their system also restricted the number of devices that could access data, preventing employees from viewing information remotely.
Recognizing the demand for affordable and adaptable solutions, CMA designed Othello Connect as a cloud-based, modular production management system. It includes essential modules for production management, inventory tracking, procurement, sales and payments. This modular design empowers clients to implement only what they require.
Accessible entirely on the cloud, Othello Connect allows businesses to manage end-to-end production tasks—such as order processing, viewing drawings, and issuing invoices—from any location. Businesses can now benefit from the new work model, where on-site and remote tasks are seamlessly integrated, supporting a modern, efficient approach to manufacturing management.
Making IT Accessible and Adaptable
A clear philosophy guides CMA—making IT accessible, easy to use, and visible. This commitment is reflected in the Othello Connect’s flexible design, which allows clients to access data anytime, anywhere, on any device, empowering companies that depend on fast, accurate decision-making to remain competitive.
CMA’s innovation doesn’t stop in software development. Recognizing that adopting new technology raises critical questions—“Is it the right fit?”, “Can we sustain it long-term?”, “Do we need specialized skills?”
To address these concerns, CMA ensures a smooth onboarding experience through a hands-on, knowledgeable customer success team. They understand that successful implementation requires more than just delivering a product; it demands a partnership that guides clients through every step.
With deep experience in the manufacturing industry, this team actively supports clients in adapting Othello Connect to fit their unique needs and challenges, assisting before, during, and after implementation. Their firsthand knowledge provides a deep understanding of Japanese manufacturing companies’ challenges today, allowing CMA to address these issues and maximize Othello Connect’s potential.
Before clients fully commit, CMA offers a trial period to help them evaluate Othello Connect’s fit for the business. During this phase, CMA’s team conducts a thorough risk analysis and fit & gap assessment, comparing the client’s objectives with the platform’s capabilities to ensure alignment. This pre-implementation process reduces risks, aligns the system closely with the client’s operations, and builds a foundation for success. With this supportive, partnership-driven approach, CMA has cultivated long-term relationships, positioning itself as a service provider and a committed partner in each client’s digital transformation journey.
Benefits of Othello Connect Implementation
An example of Othello Connect’s impact can be seen with Kanagawa-based Ameroid Corporation. Faced with upgrading their on-premise system and enhancing invoicing support, Ameroid adopted Othello Connect to streamline IT convenience and accessibility.
Previously, the company used a mix of another provider’s on-premise system and Excel, which required manual updates and limited their ability to share information efficiently. Their system also restricted the number of devices that could access data, preventing employees from viewing information remotely.
With Othello Connect’s cloud-based design, Ameroid can now access data anytime and from any device. They are leveraging the platform to reap substantial long-term benefits as they gather data, enabling them to forecast future trends and further optimize operations.
In another instance, J-TOP Machinery Corporation, a light conveyor systems and energy-saving equipment manufacturer based in Hyogo, faced data sharing and employee productivity challenges. Initially reliant on handwritten slips, EDI forms, and Excel, J-TOP sought a system to reduce indirect tasks and enhance individual productivity.
Othello Connect provided J-TOP with a multi-device solution that enabled information sharing across smartphones and tablets, allowing employees to access data on the go. This has streamlined operations, shifting meeting discussions from routine checks on deadlines to more meaningful conversations about on-site improvements and quality.
“The gadget feature has also encouraged a habit of continuous improvement and efficiency within our team,” shares J-TOP’s management. They plan to hold regular study sessions to maximize Othello Connect’s organizational impact.
A Future-Ready Solution
The manufacturing industry is changing from traditional product-focused approaches to dynamic market-out strategies. Companies must now systematize and visualize their production operations comprehensively to stay competitive. This evolution is essential to avoid overstocking, reduce inventory costs and ensure that the right products are available precisely when needed. Moreover, as factories expand across multiple locations to shorten lead times, effective data sharing has become increasingly complex.
Using Othello Connect, it is now possible to leverage solutions that offer “integration” and “visualization.” While manufacturing requires technological expertise and know-how, IT-driven information management has become equally important. Manufacturers can maintain productivity and efficiency by inputting and analyzing data through cloud systems while tackling these operational challenges.
CMA Corporation’s vision for Othello Connect extends beyond Japan. Recognizing that manufacturing challenges are universal, the company aims to expand its reach into other Asian markets, offering the same blend of flexibility, cost-efficiency, and hands-on support that has resonated with Japanese SMEs.
“I aim to see Othello Connect adopted not only by Japanese manufacturing companies but by manufacturers worldwide,” adds Sumi.
With Othello Connect, CMA Corporation is reshaping the future of Japan’s small and medium-sized manufacturers. As Japan’s manufacturing sector moves toward a future that demands agility, transparency, and connectivity, Othello Connect stands out as an essential tool, offering customization, accessibility, and comprehensive client support.
For Japan’s manufacturing sector, the shift to digital transformation is no longer a distant goal but a present reality—and CMA is setting a new standard of efficiency, adaptability, and digital readiness that will define the industry’s next chapter.
In another instance, J-TOP Machinery Corporation, a light conveyor systems and energy-saving equipment manufacturer based in Hyogo, faced data sharing and employee productivity challenges. Initially reliant on handwritten slips, EDI forms, and Excel, J-TOP sought a system to reduce indirect tasks and enhance individual productivity.
Othello Connect provided J-TOP with a multi-device solution that enabled information sharing across smartphones and tablets, allowing employees to access data on the go. This has streamlined operations, shifting meeting discussions from routine checks on deadlines to more meaningful conversations about on-site improvements and quality.
“The gadget feature has also encouraged a habit of continuous improvement and efficiency within our team,” shares J-TOP’s management. They plan to hold regular study sessions to maximize Othello Connect’s organizational impact.
A Future-Ready Solution
The manufacturing industry is changing from traditional product-focused approaches to dynamic market-out strategies. Companies must now systematize and visualize their production operations comprehensively to stay competitive. This evolution is essential to avoid overstocking, reduce inventory costs and ensure that the right products are available precisely when needed. Moreover, as factories expand across multiple locations to shorten lead times, effective data sharing has become increasingly complex.
I Aim To See Othello Connect Adopted Not Only By Japanese Manufacturing Companies But By Manufacturers Worldwide
Using Othello Connect, it is now possible to leverage solutions that offer “integration” and “visualization.” While manufacturing requires technological expertise and know-how, IT-driven information management has become equally important. Manufacturers can maintain productivity and efficiency by inputting and analyzing data through cloud systems while tackling these operational challenges.
CMA Corporation’s vision for Othello Connect extends beyond Japan. Recognizing that manufacturing challenges are universal, the company aims to expand its reach into other Asian markets, offering the same blend of flexibility, cost-efficiency, and hands-on support that has resonated with Japanese SMEs.
“I aim to see Othello Connect adopted not only by Japanese manufacturing companies but by manufacturers worldwide,” adds Sumi.
With Othello Connect, CMA Corporation is reshaping the future of Japan’s small and medium-sized manufacturers. As Japan’s manufacturing sector moves toward a future that demands agility, transparency, and connectivity, Othello Connect stands out as an essential tool, offering customization, accessibility, and comprehensive client support.
For Japan’s manufacturing sector, the shift to digital transformation is no longer a distant goal but a present reality—and CMA is setting a new standard of efficiency, adaptability, and digital readiness that will define the industry’s next chapter.
