#Japan #Tokyo #Pony Cleaning #WkT #Rakuraku Cleaning

Introduction

Pony Cleaning has recently launched its innovative app-based cleaning service called "Rakuraku Cleaning," underscoring its commitment to enhancing user convenience and experience. This initiative has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of WkT LLC, which played a pivotal role in the project's design, development, and operational processes.

Collaboration with WkT

WkT LLC, headquartered in the Chuo Ward of Tokyo, specializes in IT and digital transformation consulting, along with new business development support. They joined forces with Hodaka Co., Ltd., the company that operates Pony Cleaning, involving themselves not only in system development but in the entire project lifecycle right from conceptualization. This extensive collaboration aimed to craft a user-friendly experience while ensuring systematic operational efficiency across stores, factories, and customer service points.

Understanding User Needs

As lifestyles become increasingly diverse, users often face challenges in fitting traditional cleaning services into their schedules. The "Rakuraku Cleaning" service addresses this gap by offering a 24-hour app-based ordering system, allowing users to seamlessly manage their cleaning needs regardless of time or location. However, digitizing cleaning services requires more than just an app; it demands a comprehensive service design that integrates all aspects, including order collection, factory processing, customer inquiries, and payments.

Strategic Partnership

WkT's partnership began in November 2025, embarking on a journey that spanned various stages from business strategy formulation and service design to marketing, operational setup, and launch by August 1, 2026. By bridging the gap between customer experience, operational processes, and technical systems, WkT supported the creation of a scalable, sustainable service infrastructure. This holistic approach ensures that the "Rakuraku Cleaning" service is operationally feasible and adaptable to ongoing improvements post-launch.

System Development Overview

The "Rakuraku Cleaning" service comprises multiple systems tailored to the needs of users, factory staff, and service operators. WkT worked closely with Hodaka's team to design workflows and develop integrated systems that facilitate the overall operations:

• - Customer Mobile App (iOS/Android): This app enables users to register, place orders, select delivery options, make payments, and track their order status—all from their smartphones. It’s designed to provide a hassle-free cleaning experience without the constraints of time and place.

• - Factory Operational App: This application assists factory staff in inventory checks, quality control, documentation of work, and processing shipments. Emphasizing usability and operational flow consistency with existing factory activities aids in ensuring long-term adoption of the app.

• - Web Management System: A robust interface for managing orders, customer data, pricing, notifications, and promotional elements essential for daily service operation.

Agile Development Methodology

In developing these systems, the project team tackled order processing, factory logistics, customer communications, and escalation in tandem, ensuring that both systems and workflows were designed in unison. This approach led to achieving an operational-ready service instead of merely completing system development. The team prioritized high-impact features for phased implementation, incorporating feedback from project members and frontline staff through an agile methodology.

Integrating AI Solutions

A noteworthy feature of this project is the custom AI analysis system developed specifically for the cleaning process, implemented in the customer app as an "AI Photo Ordering" functionality. Users can capture images of their garments, which the AI analyzes to identify up to ten items simultaneously, determining category, color, stains, and recommending processing options—all automatically populating the order.

Voices from the Project Leaders

Ishiki Ono, Executive Director of Digital Promotion at Hodaka Co., expressed, "Our aim was to leverage digital technology to make cleaning services easier for customers, ultimately enhancing their experience. With WkT's support, we successfully launched the 'Rakuraku Cleaning' service within just seven months. We are continuously improving this service alongside WkT, creating a new value proposition in cleaning."

Naoya Watanabe, representative employee of WkT, added, "Our primary focus was on transforming strategic concepts into practical solutions that deliver real-world usability. By working closely with the factory team and incorporating first-hand insights into our development process, we maintained a steady momentum throughout the project."

Future Directions

Moving forward, WkT LLC will continue to collaborate with Hodaka Co., Ltd. to refine marketing strategies and improve operational functionality based on user input and situational feedback. The continuous evolution of the "Rakuraku Cleaning" service aims to bring forth innovative solutions tailored to customer needs, establishing a more convenient and accessible cleaning experience.

Conclusion

The "Rakuraku Cleaning" service exemplifies how digital transformation in traditional sectors can enhance user experience and operational efficiency. With dedicated efforts from WkT and Hodaka, this service is poised to redefine cleaning in the digital age.