#Japan #Tokyo #Kougu Mikke #Tokyu Construction #Iride

Introduction

In an exciting development for the construction industry, Iride Corporation and Tokyu Construction have announced the launch of 'Kougu Mikke II', an advanced tool management DX service. Set to be available from April 2025, this new service enhances the existing Kougu Mikke, which was first introduced in October 2022.

Background

The original Kougu Mikke emerged in response to the growing need for efficient tool management in construction, particularly in light of Japan's impending 2024 construction labor reforms. These reforms are aimed at curbing excessive overtime, while also addressing challenges such as an aging workforce and frequent disasters impacting infrastructure.

Utilizing RFID technology alongside a smartphone application, Kougu Mikke streamlined tool tracking to prevent issues like items left behind that could lead to significant incidents on construction sites. Feedback from users, particularly in sectors such as rail construction, highlighted the demand for easier tracking processes and improved application interfaces.

In alignment with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's new 'i-Construction 2.0' initiative, which focuses on harnessing digital technologies to automate construction processes, Kougu Mikke II represents a timely advancement in construction technology.

Features of Kougu Mikke II

Kougu Mikke II builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, with enhanced functionalities to eliminate manual verification processes that used to take considerable time and effort. This service introduces both RFID and QR code scanning capabilities, allowing users to choose a plan that best fits their needs. Thus, construction workers can quickly and effectively verify tools without the cumbersome physical lists that were previously required.

Users can scan multiple tools simultaneously using the app integrated with SCANDIT technology, significantly reducing the verification burden that construction personnel used to face. Specifically, when tools are taken to the site, the tedious method of validating each item is replaced by a quick scan, matching the scanned tools against a predetermined list directly through the app.

Functional Highlights

Key functionalities in Kougu Mikke II include:

• - Tool List Creation: Users can efficiently create a list of tools to be brought onto the construction site.
• - Tool Quantity Check: The app allows for instant scanning of tools both before and after usage, revealing discrepancies within seconds, thus greatly expediting the process.
• - Completion Reporting: After confirming that all tools are accounted for, the application seamlessly transitions to reporting the task's completion, sending notifications automatically to the designated supervisors.

Suitability for Diverse Environments

The design of Kougu Mikke II accommodates various operational environments, particularly benefiting large-scale projects, such as those in major train stations. The ability to detect tools from a distance and locate missing items ensures that efficiency and productivity are enhanced, even in complex work settings.

Iride's emphasis on a user-friendly interface ensures that workers can update and verify their information using their personal smartphones, eliminating the need for bulky laptops on-site, thus promoting a paperless operation.

Conclusion

With its effective integration of RFID and QR technologies, Kougu Mikke II stands to significantly enhance productivity and efficiency in construction operations. As industries worldwide grapple with labor shortages and operational challenges, this innovative DX solution positions both Iride and Tokyu Construction as pioneers in the digital transformation within construction management. The launch represents not just progress for the companies involved, but a brighter, more efficient future for construction site management across Japan.

For those interested in learning more about Kougu Mikke II, visit Kougu Mikke Official Site or contact Iride Corporation for inquiries.