#Japan #Tokyo #OMRON #i-Reporter #Simtops

Collaboration Announcement: Simtops and Omron

Simtops Co., Ltd., based in Shinagawa, Tokyo and led by President Takashi Mizuno, has initiated a partnership with Omron Corporation, headquartered in Kyoto and led by CEO Junta Tsuji. The goal of this collaboration is to launch initiatives aimed at driving operational efficiency and digital transformation (DX) in the manufacturing sector through the digitization of paper-based field records.

As part of this partnership, Omron will begin selling Simtops' field record system, "i-Reporter." By integrating Omron's OCR solution "pengu" with i-Reporter, records generated after the implementation of i-Reporter can be digitally documented on tablet devices. Additionally, paper records accumulated prior to the implementation can be digitized using pengu's OCR technology, enabling a comprehensive digitalization of field records. This initiative aims to enhance data utilization across various manufacturing processes.

Background & Challenges

Within the manufacturing sector, many operations continue to rely on paper forms to document tasks and inspection records, leading to significant time investment in transcription, storage, and search processes. Mistakes from handwritten records and the burdens of transferring data can delay data commercialization, which in turn hampers efforts for quality improvement and process optimization. This scenario remains one of the key obstacles to increasing productivity.

In response to these challenges, Simtops has supported the digital documentation of field records through the i-Reporter system. Currently, over 4,500 companies and 220,000 users across manufacturing, construction, and maintenance sectors utilize this system.

However, a frequently asked question from clients has been: "How can I digitize the paper records written before the introduction of i-Reporter?" The primary focus of i-Reporter has been on digitally recording field records following implementation through tablet input, leading to insufficient proposals for digitizing existing paper files stored in warehouses or offices.

Through this new collaboration, the records noted post-implementation will be entered digitally using i-Reporter, while pre-existing paper records will be digitized by the OCR and RPA capabilities of pengu, thus facilitating the comprehensive digitalization of field records and enhancing data utilization.

Future Outlook

Simtops and Omron aim to leverage the diverse data produced in the field to tackle social issues such as improving productivity, enhancing quality, and addressing labor shortages within the manufacturing industry. By strategically utilizing OCR technology and tablet-based digital documentation, along with RPA, the partners will broaden the range of data utilization for records captured by i-Reporter.

This initiative goes beyond mere operational efficiency; it aspires to allow field workers to self-implement their digital transformation, thereby achieving what is termed as "Field DX." Ultimately, the collaboration is poised to contribute to the overall competitiveness and sustainable growth of the manufacturing sector.

Related Links

• - i-Reporter
• - Omron's pengu

About Omron Corporation

Omron is a leading automation company leveraging its unique "Sensing & Control + Think" technology across multiple verticals, including control equipment, healthcare, social systems, and electronic components. Founded in 1933, the company now employs around 27,000 individuals worldwide and operates in over 130 countries, relentlessly aiming to contribute to a better society. More information can be found at Omron's website .

Digitalizing Field Records with i-Reporter

The i-Reporter system is Japan's top field record solution, currently utilized by over 220,000 individuals across 4,500 companies. Users can easily digitize familiar paper and Excel forms — including daily reports, inspection records, and work checklists — without needing programming knowledge.

Implementing i-Reporter can lead to significant improvements, such as:

• - Eliminating 200 minutes per month of paperwork organization.
• - Reducing analysis time from 15 days to 2–3 minutes.
• - Cutting down 37.5 hours per month in document management.

The system also supports accurate real-time documentation with features for capturing photos, audio, and barcodes, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and quality.

Key Features of i-Reporter

1. No-Code, Easy Implementation: Existing Excel forms can be digitized directly, requiring no programming knowledge, thus maintaining a user-friendly environment for field workers.
2. Real-Time Data Sharing: Input data is instantly converted digitally, eliminating 200 minutes of paperwork organization monthly and streamlining the approval process dramatically.
3. Rich Functionality: i-Reporter integrates seamlessly with various external devices and software, allowing for intricate automation across platforms.
4. Multiple Input Methods: By using photo, audio, and barcode capabilities, the system allows concurrent documentation and operational tasks.
5. Flexible Deployment Options: Available in both on-premises and cloud versions, the solution can be scaled to suit different user requirements.

About Simtops Co., Ltd.

• - Company Name: Simtops Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 2-2-5 Shin Meguro Tokyu Building 10F, Kamiosaki, Shinagawa, Tokyo 141-0021
• - CEO: Takashi Mizuno
• - Founded: October 1, 1991
• - Capital: ¥165 million
• - Sales: ¥2.087 billion (FY2024 projections)
• - Employees: 90 (as of October 2025)

For more information, visit Simtops website. Follow our mascot, i-Reporter, on Twitter and our Facebook page.

Note: The statistics provided are based on a June 2024 market research report.