#Japan #Tokyo #KDDI #SmartDB #DreamArts

KDDI Transforms Decision-Making System with SmartDB

In a significant move towards digital transformation, KDDI Corporation has announced the launch of a new decision-making system using SmartDB (Smart Database), a cloud-based service provided by Dream Arts Inc. With this initiative, KDDI enhances the operational efficiency of its internal approval process, benefiting over 10,000 employees across the company.

Background of SmartDB Implementation

Since the introduction of SmartDB in 2022, KDDI has positioned it as the core infrastructure for its digital operations. The new approval system, developed by departments such as the Corporate Shared Headquarters and the General Affairs Department using a no-code approach, began full-scale operations in May 2025. This marks a pivotal step in KDDI's strategy to adapt to rapidly changing market dynamics while aiming for a projected consolidated revenue of 5.9 trillion yen by the fiscal year ending March 2025.

As part of its medium-term business strategy, KDDI has identified a 'Satellite Growth Strategy' that leverages 5G communications in combination with data and generative AI, addressing the complexities in corporate operations. The integration of a Corporate Shared Headquarters has led to the aggregation and optimization of business processes across the group, further enhancing its corporate functions through digital transformation (DX).

Historically, the company faced several challenges with its internal approval systems that had been in place for over a decade, including:

• - Inefficiency caused by complex approval workflows leading to a fragmented process and frequent data transcription errors.
• - Limitations in flexibility and connectivity, hindering real-time interactions with various systems.
• - Insufficient data structuring, making analysis and visualization cumbersome.

In light of these issues, SmartDB emerged as the ideal solution to establish a digital and efficient decision-making process. The old system underwent a comprehensive overhaul, allowing the operational departments to have control and flexibility in developing the new approval system using a no-code platform.

Key Factors for Choosing SmartDB

SmartDB was recognized for its:

• - No-Code Development Platform: Empowering departments to respond flexibly and swiftly to complex requirements.
• - Rich API Integrations: Promoting data utilization through seamless integration with other systems.
• - High-Performance System: Able to handle data expansion and capacity needs for the next two decades.

Featuring a user-friendly interface, the new system promotes rapid decision-making by managing approval requests efficiently while automatically configuring approval routes based on request types. Moreover, it enables data structuring in collaboration with various master information.

As of May 2025, a total of 132 certified digital specialists have emerged within the company, driving continuous workplace reforms. Looking ahead, KDDI plans to expand this digital prowess to cover contract management and seal requests, further advancing its objective of 'digital democratization' and a data-driven management approach.

Insights from KDDI’s Corporate Shared Headquarters

According to Tetsuya Shibasaki, head of KDDI’s Corporate Shared Headquarters, the approval system plays an essential role in formalizing the scope and impact of various corporate actions, including equipment investment and international travel, maintaining a robust flow of decision-making that exceeds 30,000 approvals annually. The complexity and number of required approvals necessitate a high level of governance within the approval system.

The traditional reliance on the IT department and major development vendors to manage and improve the corporate system has shifted with the adoption of SmartDB, empowering KDDI's organizational units to spearhead developments while keeping costs in check. The completion of the project, characterized by high performance and quality within a reduced budget, is attributed to the expert support from Dream Arts.

Going forward, KDDI aspires to continue enhancing its digital engagement with ongoing investments in corporate competitiveness and operational strength through collaborative solutions.

About SmartDB

SmartDB is the market leader in enterprise digitalization, characterized by its no-code development capabilities that cater to both specific and cross-organization workflows. It seamlessly integrates with various external systems, maintaining rigorous security standards and granular access controls, utilized by major corporations across diverse industries.

About Dream Arts Inc.

Dream Arts is committed to creating a future where collaboration drives the development of both organizations and societies. Their flagship product, SmartDB, alongside other solutions such as Shoprun and InsuiteX, exemplifies their dedication to improving operational effectiveness across enterprises.