Digital Transformation (DX)

The Santen digital strategy consists of a three-layered structure: DX for social value creation, DX for operational excellence, and DX for organizational capability.

DX for social value creation means solving social issues by introducing digital health services and optimizing commercial excellence through digitalization. DX for operational excellence produces cost efficiencies and creates value via global-level process innovation and data utilization. In this way, we facilitate rapid decision making and business development.

DX for organizational capability inspires new work styles in digital workplaces. It also strengthens information security and digital governance against business continuity risks.
The organic integration of these initiatives will ensure the success of Santen business and management.

We are transforming our business model through the use of digital technologies across the entire value chain, from R&D and production to sales and marketing. We are converting our plants to smart factories, including in Shiga and at new facilities under construction in Suzhou. These efforts, together with the ongoing introduction of the nextgeneration ERP platform, are uncovering issues in the value chain, allowing us to optimize costs and create new value.

Santen is also making progress in building out our online platform for healthcare professionals and medical institutions, leading to the further development of an ophthalmic ecosystem. As an example, in February 2022, we launched the Santen Eyecare Education (SEE) portal, beginning in France and the Netherlands, and we are rolling out this program in other countries as well. The environment related to education has undergone changes since the outbreak of COVID-19. These changes include fewer opportunities for medical professionals to interact with each other. However, our new system provides interactive learning opportunities and contributes to the educational needs of local ophthalmologists.

In January 2020, we entered into a partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations. Our goal in this partnership is to support the Be He@lthy, Be Mobile initiative between ITU and the World Health Organization. As part of this initiative, we are developing digital health programs for developing countries in Asia and Africa to raise awareness and health literacy about myopia and myopia prevention. As a specialized company dedicated to ophthalmology, we will contribute to the further development of the ophthalmic ecosystem.

We were quick in developing a remote work environment in response to COVID-19. Santen aspires to Become A Social Innovator, orchestrating and mobilizing key technologies and players around the world, to deliver happiness through vision, and we will continue to explore new work styles. As our global expansion gains momentum, we adopted a new Work from Anywhere program in fiscal 2021. Under this policy, employees choose where and when to work in a flexible manner, carrying out their duties efficiently, with independence and autonomy. The Company is also improving accessibility to digital tools for visually impaired employees. Santen executes work-style reform and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) through digital means to allow people from diverse backgrounds to participate fully. In this way, we attract and benefit from talented individuals who share our corporate culture. We support each individual to maximize their skills and abilities, thereby raising the overall capability of the organization. We began offering educational programs on AI and data dashboard building, which 400 employees have taken and are now using to solve business issues as of December 2022.