#Japan #Ishikawa #Persol Group #BPR

Introduction

Recently, the Persol Group announced that its subsidiaries, Persol Business Process Design and Persol Work Switch Consulting, secured a contract with Ishikawa Prefecture for the Disaster-Affected Municipality Business Process Reform (BPR) Support Project. This initiative primarily focuses on the enhancement of administrative services in four areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in 2024, specifically Wajima City, Tsubata Town, Shika Town, and Hodatsushimizu Town.

Background

As Japan faces a nationwide decline in population, local governments are required to maintain and improve administrative services with an increasingly shrinking workforce. The towns affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake are particularly challenged, as they must address both routine governmental duties and the extensive recovery operations from the disaster. This situation has resulted in a significant shortage of manpower and resources. Consequently, a more profound and effective approach to Digital Transformation (DX), which goes beyond mere digitalization to encompass extensive business reforms, is urgently needed.

Feedback from local officials highlights the burden placed on administrative staff, particularly in departments such as the Resident Affairs Section and Taxation, where rigorous accuracy is necessary. The extensive amount of time required for processing and confirmations has become a growing concern, prompting the need for strategic support.

Project Overview

This project aims not only to improve the quality of administrative services but also to develop a practical plan for reforming business processes through advancing DX initiatives. The primary objective is to support the involved municipalities in establishing a strong foundation for administrative efficiency and reliability. With accumulated expertise from previous collaborations with various municipalities, the project will unfold in several phases designed to drive significant changes towards sustainable government operations.

Key Phases

1. Assessment Phase: Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the current administrative tasks and identifying areas for improvement.
2. Design Phase: Developing a tailored BPR model that aligns with the unique needs of each municipality.
3. Implementation Phase: Assisting local governments in executing the developed plans effectively.
4. Evaluation Phase: Measuring the outcomes and refining processes based on feedback and results.

Future Prospects

Moving forward, there is a focus on developing a “model specification document” for collaborative purchasing among multiple municipalities. This document will not only streamline procurement processes but also catalyze DX initiatives across the entire prefecture. Additionally, these reforms aim to strengthen the partnership between municipalities, allowing them to tackle regional challenges collectively and generate greater value for their communities.

Comments from Leadership

• - Ayako Shimai, Manager of the Smart City Solutions Department at Persol Business Process Design, remarked, “This initiative represents a novel collaboration between public and private sectors aimed at alleviating the workload of municipal staff while enhancing the quality of services for residents. Our approach emphasizes engaging directly with the needs on the ground, ensuring that proposed reforms are practical and effective.”
• - Kana Ando, Manager of the Public Strategy Promotion Group at Persol Work Switch Consulting, also stated, “This project carries significant societal importance as it balances the need for recovery in the affected municipalities with the enhancement of future administrative services. We are committed to facilitating this process by carefully addressing the needs expressed by local stakeholders.”

About Persol Business Process Design

Persol Business Process Design, Inc. specializes in combining process design, organizational management, and human resource development. By integrating advanced technologies such as AI, we provide tailored business process outsourcing (BPO) services. Our mission is to innovate various work environments, contributing to a society where individuals can thrive.

About Persol Work Switch Consulting

Persol Work Switch Consulting, Inc. operates within two key areas: human resources consulting and technology-driven BPR. Our mission is to transform work methods and improve productivity by addressing both immediate challenges and potential future issues faced by our clients.

Through the joint efforts of both companies, significant strides will be made towards sustainable administrative operations in Ishikawa Prefecture as we learn from this experience and continue our commitment to value creation and support across local communities.