{"id":4909,"date":"2026-07-14T18:26:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T09:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/?p=4909"},"modified":"2026-07-14T18:26:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T09:26:23","slug":"sx%ef%bc%88%e3%82%b5%e3%82%b9%e3%83%86%e3%83%8a%e3%83%93%e3%83%aa%e3%83%86%e3%82%a3%e3%83%bb%e3%83%88%e3%83%a9%e3%83%b3%e3%82%b9%e3%83%95%e3%82%a9%e3%83%bc%e3%83%a1%e3%83%bc%e3%82%b7%e3%83%a7%e3%83%b3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/sx%E3%82%B5%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%8A%E3%83%93%E3%83%AA%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is SX (Sustainability Transformation)? A Clear Guide to Why It Is Gaining Attention, Why It Matters, and How Companies Can Move Forward"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-group smile-post-content\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><header class=\"smile-article-header\"><div><span class=\"smile-category-pill\">Blog<\/span><span class=\"smile-date\">2026-07-09<\/span><\/div><h1 class=\"smile-article-title\">What Is SX (Sustainability Transformation)? A Clear Guide to Why It Is Gaining Attention, Why It Matters, and How Companies Can Move Forward<\/h1><p class=\"smile-excerpt\">The business environment has become more uncertain than before. Companies face a growing number of factors that influence management decisions, including responses to climate change, labor shortages, changes in supply chains, and requests for information disclosure from investors and business partners.<\/p><\/header>\n\n<section class=\"smile-intro-box\"><div class=\"smile-lead-definition\"><div class=\"smile-lead-definition__mark\">SX<\/div><div class=\"smile-lead-definition__label\">Definition<\/div><p>In this environment, companies need to focus not only on increasing sales, but also on building the structures required to sustain their business over the long term. In this context, SX, or Sustainability Transformation, is attracting growing attention.<\/p><\/div><\/section>\n\n<nav class=\"smile-toc\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\"><h2 class=\"smile-toc__title\">Table of Contents<\/h2><div class=\"smile-toc__grid\"><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-1\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">01<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">What Is SX?<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-2\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">02<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">Why SX Is Gaining Attention Now<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-3\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">03<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">How DX and GX Differ<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-4\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">04<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">Why companies need to address SX<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-5\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">05<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">Operational Themes to Review Through SX<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-6\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">06<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">Expected Benefits<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-7\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">07<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">Key points to keep in mind when moving forward<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-8\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">08<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">Steps for Advancing SX<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-9\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">09<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">How SMILE Can Help<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-10\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">10<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">Summary<\/span><\/a><a class=\"smile-toc__item\" href=\"#section-11\"><b class=\"smile-toc__number\">11<\/b><span class=\"smile-toc__label\">FAQ<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/nav>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-1\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">01<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">What Is SX?<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<p>SX is not simply about environmental action. It is a management approach that incorporates social change into business strategy and aims to achieve both sustained corporate growth and a sustainable society. This article explains the basics of SX, why it is gaining attention, how it differs from DX and GX, and how to put it into practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SX stands for \u201cSustainability Transformation,\u201d which is also referred to in Japanese as \u201csustainability transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, SX refers to the idea of incorporating social sustainability into management from a medium- to long-term perspective, thereby strengthening a company\u2019s earning power and the durability of its corporate value. Its defining feature is that environmental, social, and governance issues are viewed not merely as costs or constraints, but as fundamental conditions for management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the following themes are closely related to SX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list smile-bullet-list\">\n<li>Responding to decarbonization and energy-saving requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reviewing the supply chain, including procurement sources and business partners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment in human capital<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening Governance and Information Disclosure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developing new businesses and services based on social issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, SX is not about adding more standalone CSR activities. It is an effort to redesign business strategy itself from the perspective of sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-2\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">02<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">Why SX Is Gaining Attention Now<\/h2><\/div>\n\n<p>The growing focus on SX is driven by changes in the external environment.<\/p><div class=\"smile-evidence-panels\"><article class=\"smile-evidence-panel\"><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__mark\"><span class=\"smile-evidence-panel__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--operations\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><circle cx=\"32\" cy=\"32\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"M32 8v8\"\/><path d=\"M32 48v8\"\/><path d=\"m15 15 6 6\"\/><path d=\"m43 43 6 6\"\/><path d=\"M8 32h8\"\/><path d=\"M48 32h8\"\/><path d=\"m15 49 6-6\"\/><path d=\"m43 21 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__body\"><h3 class=\"smile-evidence-panel__title\">1. Social issues are now more directly tied to business management<\/h3><p>Climate change, fluctuations in energy prices, disaster risks, and geopolitical uncertainty directly affect business operations. Issues that were once treated as external factors have now become management priorities tied to profitability, supply systems, and business continuity.<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"smile-evidence-panel\"><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__mark\"><span class=\"smile-evidence-panel__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--market\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M10 50h44\"\/><path d=\"M16 42 28 30l8 8 16-20\"\/><path d=\"M40 18h12v12\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__body\"><h3 class=\"smile-evidence-panel__title\">2. Demands from business partners and investors are increasing<\/h3><p>Large companies in particular are increasingly requiring suppliers to address environmental considerations, human rights, and information disclosure. Even for non-listed companies, sustainability initiatives are becoming more frequently assessed as part of transaction terms and supplier selection criteria.<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"smile-evidence-panel\"><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__mark\"><span class=\"smile-evidence-panel__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--flexibility\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M14 32h26\"\/><path d=\"m32 22 10 10-10 10\"\/><path d=\"M50 18v28\"\/><path d=\"M14 18v28\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__body\"><h3 class=\"smile-evidence-panel__title\">3. It also affects talent acquisition and corporate image<\/h3><p>In the hiring market, candidates are placing greater importance on a company\u2019s values and social stance. Working styles, talent development policies, and the way a company engages with local communities and society also affect its ability to attract and retain talent. SX is not simply a public relations initiative; it is also a theme for rethinking what the organization should be.<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"smile-evidence-panel\"><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__mark\"><span class=\"smile-evidence-panel__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--cost\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><circle cx=\"32\" cy=\"32\" r=\"20\"\/><path d=\"M32 18v28\"\/><path d=\"M40 24c-2-4-14-5-16 1-3 8 17 5 14 14-2 6-14 5-17 0\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__body\"><h3 class=\"smile-evidence-panel__title\">4. Medium- to long-term competitiveness is being tested<\/h3><p>In an era when short-term efficiency alone does not provide a clear path to future growth, companies that can anticipate market changes and reassess their business portfolios and value propositions are better positioned to adapt. SX can be used as a framework for organizing that direction.<\/p><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-3\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">03<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">How DX and GX Differ<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Although SX is often discussed alongside DX and GX, it has different objectives and perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">How it differs from DX<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>DX is an initiative to transform business operations and business models by using digital technology. Typical examples include reducing paper-based processes, making more advanced use of data, and redesigning customer touchpoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SX, on the other hand, is an approach that embeds corporate sustainability and responses to social issues across overall management. DX can be one powerful way to achieve SX. For example, visualizing energy consumption, collecting supply chain data, and analyzing human capital data are areas where DX can support SX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">How It Differs from GX<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>GX is an initiative to transform energy systems and industrial structures toward a decarbonized society. Its focus is relatively clear, centered on environmental transformation such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SX covers a broader scope than GX. It considers not only the environment, but also talent, governance, local communities, business relationships, and the sustainability of corporate value. In some contexts, GX is positioned as part of SX.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-4\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">04<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">Why companies need to address SX<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<p>SX is not a topic only for a handful of large corporations. Mid-sized companies and SMEs cannot afford to ignore it for the following reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">It becomes easier to prepare for risks to business continuity.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Business management involves multiple risks, such as fluctuations in raw material prices, labor shortages, and disaster response. Reviewing your company from an SX perspective makes it easier to prepare for future changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">Become more likely to be chosen by business partners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies are increasingly being assessed on their environmental and social initiatives as part of procurement criteria and partner selection. Even if there is no immediate need to undertake major compliance measures all at once, it is important to have a framework in place to clearly explain your company\u2019s policies and current initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">Makes it easier to connect on-site improvements with management challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It becomes easier to connect on-site improvement themes, such as energy savings, paperless operations, inventory optimization, and reviewing training systems, with the company\u2019s management direction. Another benefit is that individual initiatives are less likely to end as one-off efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">It may lead to new value propositions.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Addressing social issues can also reveal opportunities for new services and markets. For BtoB companies in particular, proposals that help customers advance their own SX initiatives can become a source of differentiation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-5\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">05<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">Operational Themes to Review Through SX<\/h2><\/div>\n\n<p>Because SX can seem abstract, it is important to view it in practical business terms. Organizing your approach around the following perspectives can make it easier to move forward.<\/p><div class=\"smile-insight-cards smile-insight-cards--four\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--energy\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M30 6 14 36h15l-5 22 20-34H29z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">Reviewing Energy and Resource Use<\/h3><\/div><p>Assess whether energy consumption and resource losses are being tracked across factories, offices, logistics operations, and other areas. Without clear data, it is difficult to identify opportunities for improvement.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--document\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M18 8h20l10 10v38H18z\"\/><path d=\"M38 8v12h10\"\/><path d=\"M24 32h18\"\/><path d=\"M24 42h18\"\/><path d=\"M24 22h8\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">Improving Supply Chain Visibility<\/h3><\/div><p>Concentrated procurement sources and person-dependent management can increase risk. It is important to organize supplier information, quality data, and delivery schedule information to build an organization that can adapt to change.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--market\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M10 50h44\"\/><path d=\"M16 42 28 30l8 8 16-20\"\/><path d=\"M40 18h12v12\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">Investment in People and Organizations<\/h3><\/div><p>Issues such as employee development, performance evaluation, skills transfer, and workplace comfort are directly linked to sustainable business operations. In industries facing ongoing labor shortages, how a company addresses human capital can easily become a key differentiator in competitiveness.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--data\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M12 18c0-5 9-9 20-9s20 4 20 9-9 9-20 9-20-4-20-9z\"\/><path d=\"M12 18v14c0 5 9 9 20 9s20-4 20-9V18\"\/><path d=\"M12 32v14c0 5 9 9 20 9s20-4 20-9V32\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">Information Disclosure and Data Management<\/h3><\/div><p>In addition to preparing explanations for external stakeholders, it is also important to organize data that can be used internally for management decisions. When information is managed separately in Excel files or on paper, continuous improvement becomes difficult.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-6\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">06<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">Expected Benefits<\/h2><\/div>\n\n<p>By pursuing SX, companies can expect benefits such as the following.<\/p><div class=\"smile-insight-cards\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--policy\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M18 8h20l10 10v38H18z\"\/><path d=\"M38 8v12h10\"\/><path d=\"M24 32h18\"\/><path d=\"M24 42h14\"\/><path d=\"m24 22 4 4 8-8\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">It becomes easier to identify medium- to long-term risks.<\/h3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--operations\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><circle cx=\"32\" cy=\"32\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"M32 8v8\"\/><path d=\"M32 48v8\"\/><path d=\"m15 15 6 6\"\/><path d=\"m43 43 6 6\"\/><path d=\"M8 32h8\"\/><path d=\"M48 32h8\"\/><path d=\"m15 49 6-6\"\/><path d=\"m43 21 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">Improve your ability to explain your initiatives to business partners and customers<\/h3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--market\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M10 50h44\"\/><path d=\"M16 42 28 30l8 8 16-20\"\/><path d=\"M40 18h12v12\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">It leads to cost optimization through energy savings and operational improvements.<\/h3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--flexibility\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M14 32h26\"\/><path d=\"m32 22 10 10-10 10\"\/><path d=\"M50 18v28\"\/><path d=\"M14 18v28\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">Helps retain talent and strengthen organizational capabilities<\/h3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--cost\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><circle cx=\"32\" cy=\"32\" r=\"20\"\/><path d=\"M32 18v28\"\/><path d=\"M40 24c-2-4-14-5-16 1-3 8 17 5 14 14-2 6-14 5-17 0\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">It becomes easier to identify new business opportunities.<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, SX can be difficult to quantify in the short term. That makes it important to take a phased approach rather than rushing to demand immediate results.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-7\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">07<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">Key points to keep in mind when moving forward<\/h2><\/div>\n\n<p>SX is an important theme, but companies need to be careful: if it is approached the wrong way, it can easily become a box-ticking exercise.<\/p><div class=\"smile-evidence-panels\"><article class=\"smile-evidence-panel\"><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__mark\"><span class=\"smile-evidence-panel__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--operations\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><circle cx=\"32\" cy=\"32\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"M32 8v8\"\/><path d=\"M32 48v8\"\/><path d=\"m15 15 6 6\"\/><path d=\"m43 43 6 6\"\/><path d=\"M8 32h8\"\/><path d=\"M48 32h8\"\/><path d=\"m15 49 6-6\"\/><path d=\"m43 21 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__body\"><h3 class=\"smile-evidence-panel__title\">Moving Beyond Slogans<\/h3><p>Simply declaring that sustainability is a priority will not drive action on the ground. Companies need to connect management challenges with operational priorities and clearly define what needs to change.<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"smile-evidence-panel\"><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__mark\"><span class=\"smile-evidence-panel__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--flexibility\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M14 32h26\"\/><path d=\"m32 22 10 10-10 10\"\/><path d=\"M50 18v28\"\/><path d=\"M14 18v28\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__body\"><h3 class=\"smile-evidence-panel__title\">Avoids simply increasing the workload on frontline teams<\/h3><p>Simply increasing the number of data collection and reporting items can place a disproportionate burden on frontline teams. It is important to review existing workflows and make data capture and aggregation as efficient as possible.<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"smile-evidence-panel\"><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__mark\"><span class=\"smile-evidence-panel__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--cost\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><circle cx=\"32\" cy=\"32\" r=\"20\"\/><path d=\"M32 18v28\"\/><path d=\"M40 24c-2-4-14-5-16 1-3 8 17 5 14 14-2 6-14 5-17 0\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__body\"><h3 class=\"smile-evidence-panel__title\">Avoid rolling it out across the entire company all at once<\/h3><p>If you try to roll it out across the entire company and every business area from the start, priorities can become unclear. It is more likely to take hold if you begin with departments where the impact is significant or with themes that are easier to address.<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"smile-evidence-panel\"><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__mark\"><span class=\"smile-evidence-panel__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--quality\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M16 34 28 46 50 18\"\/><path d=\"M14 14h28\"\/><path d=\"M14 24h18\"\/><path d=\"M14 50h36\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><div class=\"smile-evidence-panel__body\"><h3 class=\"smile-evidence-panel__title\">Keep external communications aligned with actual practices<\/h3><p>If external messaging gets ahead of internal realities, the gap can become a problem. Clearly distinguishing what has already been achieved from what is still in progress, and communicating within reasonable bounds, helps build trust.<\/p><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-8\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">08<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">Steps for Advancing SX<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">1. Clarify management challenges and social changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by identifying the social issues and market changes that affect your company. It is easier to organize your thinking by focusing first on factors related to your business, such as climate change, labor shortages, customer requirements, regulations, and investor perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">2. Visualize your company\u2019s current situation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, assess the current state of operations, data, organization, supplier and partner management, and related areas. The starting point is to understand what is visible and what is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">3. Decide on priority themes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not everything needs to be addressed at once. Companies can prioritize initiatives such as energy conservation, procurement management, talent development, and information disclosure infrastructure based on both business impact and feasibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">4. Start small and verify the results<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Run a trial within a specific department or business process to assess improvement outcomes and operational challenges. Building on small successes makes it easier to expand the initiative across the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading smile-subheading\">5. Combine it with DX to build a structured process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SX requires continuity. If data collection, aggregation, and sharing rely too heavily on manual work, the effort will not be sustainable. It is important to introduce systems and build visualization infrastructure so SX can become part of regular operations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-9\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">09<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">How SMILE Can Help<\/h2><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"smile-summary-flow\"><article class=\"smile-summary-flow__item\"><span class=\"smile-summary-flow__index\">01<\/span><p class=\"smile-summary-flow__body\">SX cannot be advanced through principles alone; it only works when connected to operational design and data management on the front line. In practice, this makes \u201cwhere to start\u201d and \u201chow to minimize the impact on existing operations\u201d major points of discussion.<\/p><\/article><article class=\"smile-summary-flow__item\"><span class=\"smile-summary-flow__index\">02<\/span><p class=\"smile-summary-flow__body\">SMILE supports phased implementation, from organizing business challenges and evaluating systemization to development and operation.<\/p><\/article><article class=\"smile-summary-flow__item\"><span class=\"smile-summary-flow__index\">03<\/span><p class=\"smile-summary-flow__body\">For companies considering DX or the use of AI, we recommend starting with small operational improvements.<\/p><\/article><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-10\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">10<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">Summary<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<p>SX is an approach that incorporates social sustainability into management while aiming to achieve medium- to long-term corporate growth and value creation. It goes beyond environmental initiatives to include perspectives that affect overall management, such as talent, governance, supply systems, and information disclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today especially, a company\u2019s ability to adapt to social change is directly linked to its competitiveness. It is important to start by organizing the themes most relevant to your business, begin on a small scale, and turn them into initiatives that can be sustained over time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"section-11\" class=\"wp-block-group smile-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"smile-section__head\"><div class=\"smile-section__number\">11<\/div><h2 class=\"smile-section__title\">FAQ<\/h2><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"smile-insight-cards\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--operations\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><circle cx=\"32\" cy=\"32\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"M32 8v8\"\/><path d=\"M32 48v8\"\/><path d=\"m15 15 6 6\"\/><path d=\"m43 43 6 6\"\/><path d=\"M8 32h8\"\/><path d=\"M48 32h8\"\/><path d=\"m15 49 6-6\"\/><path d=\"m43 21 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">Are SX and the SDGs the same?<\/h3><\/div><p>They are not the same. The SDGs provide a framework for sustainable development goals for society as a whole, while SX is a management concept in which companies reflect these social changes in their business strategy to achieve sustainable growth in corporate value.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--flexibility\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path d=\"M14 32h26\"\/><path d=\"m32 22 10 10-10 10\"\/><path d=\"M50 18v28\"\/><path d=\"M14 18v28\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">Is SX only relevant to large companies?<\/h3><\/div><p>No. SX is highly relevant even for small and medium-sized enterprises, as it affects customer and supplier requirements, talent acquisition, business continuity, energy cost management, and more. It is important to define the scope of initiatives based on the company\u2019s size.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"smile-insight-card\"><div class=\"smile-insight-card__head\"><span class=\"smile-insight-card__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg class=\"smile-ui-icon smile-ui-icon--cost\" viewbox=\"0 0 64 64\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><circle cx=\"32\" cy=\"32\" r=\"20\"\/><path d=\"M32 18v28\"\/><path d=\"M40 24c-2-4-14-5-16 1-3 8 17 5 14 14-2 6-14 5-17 0\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3 class=\"smile-insight-card__title\">What should we start with first to advance SX?<\/h3><\/div><p>A practical first step is to identify the external changes that have the greatest impact on your company and assess which data and business processes are currently not visible.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"smile-article-cta\"><div class=\"smile-article-cta__label\">SMILE Support<\/div><h2>Start a Consultation on Advancing GX and DX<\/h2><p>We work with you to design an approach tailored to your company\u2019s situation, from assessing the current state to implementing systems and improving operations.<\/p><ul class=\"smile-list\"><li>You can clarify current operational and data-related challenges.<\/li><li>You can design implementation steps that fit your company's structure.<\/li><li>You can also build a framework that remains easy to operate after implementation.<\/li><li>You can use data to verify results and make improvements.<\/li><li>You can start exploring AI and IoT applications in the areas where they are most needed.<\/li><\/ul><a class=\"smile-article-cta__button\" href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a><\/section><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SX is not just about environmental initiatives. It is a...&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/sx%E3%82%B5%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%8A%E3%83%93%E3%83%AA%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">What Is SX (Sustainability Transformation)? A Clear Guide to Why It Is Gaining Attention, Why It Matters, and How Companies Can Move Forward<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4908,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_ti_tpc_template_sync":false,"_ti_tpc_template_id":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image.png",1672,941,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image.png",1672,941,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image.png",1672,941,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image-300x169.png",300,169,true],"large":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image-1024x576.png",1024,576,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image-1536x864.png",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image.png",1672,941,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image-18x10.png",18,10,true],"neve-blog":["https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/redmine-1409-featured-image-930x620.png",930,620,true]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"\u7b20\u539f \u840c","author_link":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/author\/chinh-man\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/category\/blog\/\" rel=\"category tag\">\u30d6\u30ed\u30b0<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"SX\u306f\u3001\u74b0\u5883\u5bfe\u5fdc\u3060\u3051\u3092\u610f\u5473\u3059\u308b\u8a00\u8449\u3067\u306f\u3042\u308a\u307e\u305b\u3093\u3002\u793e\u4f1a\u306e\u5909\u5316&hellip;&nbsp;Read More &&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4909","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4909"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4909\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5049,"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4909\/revisions\/5049"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilesoftware.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}