Dentsu Soken Launches Comprehensive Consulting Service for 'Supply Chain Security Enhancement Evaluation System'

Dentsu Soken Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hirohisa Iwamoto; hereinafter 'Dentsu Soken'), a company that leverages technology to drive the evolution of businesses and society, announces the launch of its 'SCS Evaluation System Support Consulting' service on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. This service supports companies in complying with the 'Supply Chain Security Enhancement Evaluation System' (hereinafter 'SCS Evaluation System') promoted by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Anticipating the full-scale implementation of the SCS Evaluation System by the end of fiscal 2026, this service provides comprehensive support for companies aiming to achieve Star 3 or Star 4 ratings. Support covers scoping, current-state assessment (gap analysis), improvement planning, implementation of corrective measures, application, and audit preparation. By combining extensive experience in information security support and system development in the automotive and manufacturing industries, Dentsu Soken enables enhanced supply chain security and reliable compliance with procurement requirements.

Background

Recent cyberattacks have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting not the large enterprises with robust security, but their subcontractors or suppliers with weaker defenses. Incidents at these third parties can lead to operational halts and logistics disruptions, rapidly increasing business continuity risks across the entire supply chain.

In response, METI is advancing the development of the SCS Evaluation System to standardize and visualize corporate cybersecurity measures. The system is expected to be used as a criterion in private-sector procurement and public tenders upon its full launch by the end of fiscal 2026.

However, many companies face challenges such as a lack of know-how in establishing operational rules and configuring tools to meet requirements, as well as insufficient cross-departmental resources for assessment activities.

Overview and Features of the Consulting Service

The requirements of the SCS Evaluation System have already been finalized, and early action during the preparation phase is strongly recommended. Dentsu Soken offers the service in four steps:

<Support Process for Dentsu Soken's 'SCS Evaluation System Support Consulting'>

STEP 1: Preliminary Preparation and Planning (Defining the scope of evaluation and selecting applicable items)

STEP 2: Self-Assessment and Verification (Assessing current status using assessment sheets, clearly identifying gaps against requirements)

STEP 3: Improvement Actions Based on Evaluation (Developing improvement plans for deficient areas and supporting technical and operational implementation)

STEP 4: Application and Audit Support (Expert verification and signing, or support for third-party auditor reviews)

Key features of this service include:

1. High responsiveness based on expertise from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) guidelines

Leveraging extensive experience in cybersecurity consulting within the automotive and manufacturing sectors, including the 'JAMA/Parts Association Cybersecurity Guidelines' (Note 2), which form the basis of the SCS Evaluation System. This enables practical, field-proven support tailored to real-world conditions.

2. End-to-end support from gap analysis to system application

Comprehensive support covering definition of target departments and scope, gap visualization, improvement planning, application, and audit preparation. Dentsu Soken's in-house experts, including ISMS Lead Auditors, will conduct verification and signing for Star 3 certification, and accompany clients through third-party audits for Star 4 certification.

3. Solution proposals that lead to issue resolution

For issues identified during assessment, the service provides end-to-end support in selecting, building, and implementing optimal IT solutions tailored to the client's existing environment—without vendor bias.

Going forward, Dentsu Soken will continue to support enterprises in strengthening governance and enhancing supply chain resilience in an increasingly uncertain cyber risk environment, leveraging both technology and consulting expertise.

Note 1: https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2025/03/20260327001/20260327001.html

Note 2: https://www.jama.or.jp/operation/it/cyb_sec/cyb_sec_guideline.html

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・About 'SCS Evaluation System Support Consulting'

About Dentsu Soken: https://www.dentsusoken.com

Dentsu Soken operates under the corporate vision 'HUMANOLOGY for the future ~Creating the Next with People and Technology~'. By integrating its three core functions—system integration, consulting, and think tank—it engages sincerely with society as a whole, including businesses, government agencies, local governments, and individuals. The company aims to generate a cycle from problem identification to technological solutions, supporting and implementing societal evolution toward a better future.

Dentsu Soken promotes 'X Innovation'—cross-industry, cross-technology, and cross-regional innovation—and will continue to create new value by harnessing the power of people and technology to shape the future.

* Company and product names mentioned in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.