地理的分断克服に向けたトヨタ・グループでの委託開発の取り組み

――トヨタ車体研究所の事例研究――

抄録

The purpose of this study is to examine cases of “Itaku” development using ICT to link the bases of distant Toyota Group companies, focusing on the relationship between the Toyota Auto Body R&D and its parent company: Toyota Auto Body, and to clarify the significance and applicability of such cases. In this study, the following points were clarified. First, in the mid-2000s, Toyota Auto Body R&D began digitizing its design and development work and introducing a communication system that links remote locations, enabling the division of labor among remote locations for design and development work. Second, the Toyota Auto Body R&D’ s model was found to be well suited for adjusting the supply-demand relationship in the labor market. Third, although in the case of Toyota Auto Body R&D, face-to-face meetings with customers in Aichi Prefecture are mandatory when making critical decisions, and the division of labor model is still far from perfect. These are the findings of this study.