Automating the labor-intensive tasks of testing system updates for Java/SQLJ code incompatibilities and other OS/programming language issues could halve turnaround times
To improve productivity and accelerate the modernization of system development and operations, the IT division of automaker Toyota has on 25 Oct 2024 announced the adoption of generative AI (GenAI) technology by Jan 2025 after the completion of successful field trials.
Toyota Systems develops and operates core systems for production, logistics, sales, and other functions used by the Toyota Group. Sometimes it is necessary to update the underlying operating system and programming languages of these systems. However, carrying out the associated tasks of compatibility checks, identifying affected areas, correcting programs, and conducting testing can be labor-intensive.
To address this challenge, the firm started trials in October 2023 to explore and test ways to streamline the processes using GenAI, through the support of an external software vendor. The field trials focused on approximately 15,000 files developed in Java and SQLJ. The objective was to automate the various system processes: check for Java/SQL pre-compiler compatibilities in terms of code or non-interchangeable outputs; identify inefficiencies; predict outcomes of system updates, and finally — correct such potential problems associated with OS and programming language updates.
By inputting information and outcomes to the system as it automated the system update processes, the firm’s engineers were achieving good results. Compared to previous manual labor, the GenAI solution reduced the turnaround time by half, and the work was done with comparably accuracy.
Based on these positive results, the firm will commence practical application of this technology starting January, 2025.
Moving forward, Toyota aims to expand the application of GenAI to other programming languages, as well as to the testing phase of production, logistics, sales, and other functions used by the Toyota Group. It also plans to deploy this technology to other Toyota Group systems and projects to accelerate modernization across the organization.
The GenAI consultant, Fujitsu will continue to help the firm leverage AI to radically improve system development efficiency, freeing up resources to drive further digitalization and innovation. The developed solutions could eventually be commercialized to other firms with similar challenges and use cases.
