Automating Supply Chain Operations with UiPath

Panasonic produces a significant volume of batteries and components at its GIGA factory in Nevada and has recently expanded operations to a new facility in Kansas. As production increased, the complexity of managing supply chain operations also grew.

Historically, PPA relied on a proprietary, manual process to manage critical supply chain data, including order tracking, container status, and purchase order (PO) updates. This legacy approach, primarily based on Excel, made it difficult to deliver timely and accurate data across the organization.

A key challenge was consolidating supply chain data from over 20 logistics carriers and group companies. Extracting, standardizing, and updating this information required significant manual effort, making real-time visibility nearly impossible.

To support continued growth and improve operational efficiency, PPA needed a more scalable solution. This included defining complex business rules, standardizing processes, and automating key workflows using Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

Solution

RPA Solution for Supply Chain Automation (UiPath)

To address these challenges and improve supply chain efficiency, PPA implemented a scalable automation solution using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) through the UiPath platform.

Phase 1 of the initiative focused on the Logistics Status Virtualization Project for the Nevada factory, followed by Phase 2 targeting the newly established Panasonic factory in Kansas. This phased approach enabled PPA to standardize processes and expand automation across multiple locations.

The solution was delivered in collaboration with Calsoft Systems, a trusted UiPath Partner specializing in enterprise automation solutions, supporting the implementation, integration, and optimization of automated supply chain workflows.

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Unify supply chain systems across global operations  
• Standardize processes and reduce reliance on manual workflows  
• Improve data visibility across domestic and international teams 

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

This project involved end-to-end UiPath development and RPA development, including automation workflows, system integration, and data processing.

• Software: UiPath Cloud Model
• Scope: Implementation, development, and business process assessment
• Integrations: Connected with 20+ logistics carriers and partners (including Cosco, CMA CGM, and BNSF)
• Automation: Business logic automation for supply chain data processing
• Systems & Infrastructure: SAP interface and migration from desktop-based processes to a centralized app server and SQL database environment
• Implementation Partner: Calsoft Systems (UiPath consulting and development)

Since going live, Panasonic has achieved measurable operational gains:

• Reduced Manual Workload
  • Automated reporting across multiple carriers
  • Eliminated repetitive manual data entry
• Standardized Operations 
  • Unified data across Nevada, Kansas, and Japan
  • Enabled consistent reporting across departments
• Improved Visibility
  • Real-time tracking of containers and purchase orders
  • Power BI dashboards for inventory and logistics insights

 

Why They Chose Calsoft

Interview with the Project Leader

To drive innovation and improve operational efficiency, PPA partnered with Calsoft Systems, a UiPath professional services provider, to develop a custom automation platform named RPPA (a combination of “PPA” and “RPA”). This initiative reflects PPA’s commitment to integrating automation into its core supply chain operations.

Why PPA choose UiPath and Calsoft?

PPA had previously implemented an RPA solution using Blue Prism but encountered significant challenges due to limited functionality and development expertise. The system generated frequent errors, disrupting daily operations and ultimately leading PPA to discontinue the solution. 

During the evaluation process, PPA reviewed multiple UiPath partners. Although one UiPath vendor offered a lower cost, PPA selected Calsoft Systems based on a comprehensive assessment of their technical capabilities, problem-solving approach, and overall proposal quality. 

Calsoft’s focus on integration testing, error resolution, and transparency helped differentiate them from other vendors. 

UiPath, combined with Calsoft’s expertise, aligned closely with PPA’s strategic goals, including improving visibility into overseas data and standardizing operations across global regions. 

 

What Was the Biggest Challenge?

One of the biggest challenges was designing the logic required to balance data across multiple sources while maintaining performance and accuracy. The RPA solution was introduced as a new system to push Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) data to SAP, warehouse systems, and operational KPI reports for the new factory. However, SAP’s cut-off logic differed from existing systems, and its API introduced unique data structures and formats that required careful handling.

Another major challenge was consolidating logistics data from a wide range of sources, including ocean and air carriers, terminals, rail companies, trucking providers, and warehouse systems. Processing and standardizing this data took over an hour per cycle, creating performance constraints. To optimize processing time, the team strategically adjusted certain logic steps while leveraging the existing database to maintain efficiency within PPA’s operational requirements.

In addition, this was the first time Reila led a system implementation project of this scale. Despite the complexity of the operational logic and technical requirements, her strong communication skills and collaborative leadership played a key role in successfully delivering the solution.

 

How do you describe Calsoft in a few words?

“Smart and Supportive”

“Calsoft always tries to think about what they can do from a business and customer perspective, even though it is more work for them, considering the way I can trust.”

Reila Teng (the RPA Project Leader of PPA)