#Japan #Tokyo #Kintone #Toyokumo #E-Signing

The Hidden Costs of Disconnection in Digital Transformation

In the quest for efficient business operations, many companies have embraced digital transformation (DX). However, a recent survey conducted by Toyokumo, a leading cloud service provider based in Tokyo, sheds light on a troubling trend: the complexity of operations increases when Kintone, a customer and project management tool, is used alongside e-signature services without integration. This reevaluation of productivity and efficiency indicates a growing concern for businesses utilizing these technologies.

Survey Findings

The survey, which involved 106 representatives from companies using Kintone and e-signature services without integration, identified key issues feeding into what is known as “SaaS sprawl.” This phenomenon refers to a fragmented toolkit where tools operate in isolation rather than communicating effectively, thereby complicating workflows and increasing operational costs.

1. Productivity Paradox: Approximately 39.6% of companies that have embraced e-signatures now find themselves conducting dual checks on both Kintone and e-signature systems. This constant verification not only wastes time but leads to frustration among employees who are attempting to navigate between different systems.

2. The Pitfalls of Digital Transformation: A striking 23.6% of participants reported a regression to using Excel sheets and manual records for contract management, emphasizing that, despite investing in modern solutions, outdated methods are still necessary to maintain control over contract updates and deadlines.

3. Emerging Legal Risks: A staggering half of the respondents expressed stress due to uncertainty about the latest data, raising the risk of referencing incorrect information pending crucial decisions. This lack of clarity can lead to significant legal ramifications, especially in contract management.

The Double-Check Dilemma

The data revealed a paradox where the introduction of sophisticated tools led to increasing confirmation tasks. Almost half of the respondents report they have to check both systems several times a month, indicating that despite having advanced solutions like Kintone, the groundwork still relies on manual verification processes that create bottlenecks in workflow.

The Shadow IT Crisis

The reversion to Excel as a management tool signifies a massive shift backward. As 23.6% of survey participants admitted to relying on third-party management sheets, it reveals a troubling trend of shadow IT that not only diverges from the cloud-first strategy but also invites potential discrepancies in data management. This regressive motion opens the door to data silos and significant risks associated with outdated or incorrect information being perpetuated within needs.

Data Inconsistency: A Major Concern

The survey also highlighted a critical concern regarding data governance. Half of the respondents identified checking which version of a contract is the most up-to-date as their primary challenge. This lack of cohesiveness not only consumes time but burdens staff with psychological stress, reducing overall workplace morale. Solutions that unify data collection and streamline confirmation processes can alleviate these concerns and enhance governance.

Moving From Implementation to Integration

The findings underscore that simply implementing tools isn't enough for maximizing return on investment (ROI). Companies, especially in crucial areas like contract management, must prioritize data integration. Kintone can evolve from a mere database into a comprehensive business operating system through effective integration with services like PrintCreator that allow contracts to be generated and finalized seamlessly with just one click.

Toyokumo's Call to Action

Yuuji Yamamoto, the CEO of Toyokumo, highlighted the findings of the survey and emphasized the necessity for a seamless connection between Kintone and e-signature tools. While both are effective individually, their disconnection negates the benefits of digital solutions. The recommendation is clear: utilize Kintone as the single source of truth for data management and embrace integration services such as PrintCreator to automate and streamline the entire contract lifecycle from creation to storage.

By connecting these essential tools, businesses can liberate themselves from inefficient routines, enabling employees to focus on more creative and productive endeavors.

Survey Overview

• - Survey Name: Investigation into Contract Management at Kintone-Powered Companies
• - Survey Period: November 10-12, 2025
• - Method: Internet survey through IDEATECH's marketing research supply, Risapee®
• - Participants: 106 contract management representatives from companies using Kintone and e-signature without integration.

For more in-depth details and the complete report, refer to the PDF available at Survey PDF.

About Toyokumo

Toyokumo is a SaaS company dedicated to providing easy-to-use cloud services driven by innovative technology and ideas. Their commitment is to constantly enhance user experience while supporting companies in their transition to digitalization with secure and well-structured services.
For more information, visit Toyokumo.