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Ricoh Enhances Sales Strategy with Unified Global Customer Data

In a recent partnership with Tokyo Shoko Research (TSR), Ricoh has made strides in leveraging customer data across its global networks. Historically, customer data across Ricoh's various locations had been scattered, presenting challenges in obtaining a comprehensive view of client information worldwide. This fragmentation limited the company's ability to accurately consider complex corporate group relationships and to visualize new opportunities, known as "white space," beyond existing customers.

Integrating Customer Data: The Challenges Faced

Ricoh faced significant hurdles in using customer data effectively on a global scale. Customer information was siloed within different offices worldwide, making it challenging to access a unified dataset for strategic decision-making. Furthermore, understanding the intricate capital relationships within the organization added additional layers of complexity in managing and visualizing potential new client opportunities.

The Solutions Implemented

In response to these challenges, Ricoh turned to the suite of solutions offered by TSR, which included:

• - Data Block
• - D&B Direct+
• - D&B Hoovers
• - TSR Corporate Information Files

By utilizing the D-U-N-S® Number as a common key for data alignment, Ricoh automated the unification of customer data, paving the way for a globally standardized corporate data infrastructure. This transformative approach allowed Ricoh to create a central repository for customer insights, which significantly aided in sales strategy formulation.

Outcomes: Achievements from the Integration

As a result of implementing these solutions, Ricoh has successfully achieved several key outcomes:

• - Unified Customer Data: Integration of scattered customer data from global locations into a single, cohesive dataset.
• - Visualization of Corporate Family Trees: Enhanced the understanding of corporate relationships, ultimately benefiting sales and marketing strategies.
• - Discovery of New Business Opportunities: Identification of unknown sales prospects, enabling the company to expand its horizons.
• - Efficiency in Sales Activities: Improved operational efficiency and elevated strategic approaches to sales.
• - Strengthened Supplier Risk Management: By having a clearer view of customer and supplier dynamics, Ricoh enhanced its risk management strategies.

Comments from Ricoh Representatives

The integration of customer data has been crucial for Ricoh's strategic initiatives. Koosuke Harada, Director of the Data Management Center within the Data-Driven Business Promotion Office at Ricoh, noted:

"To accurately grasp customer information around the world, a unified global corporate identifier was indispensable. By incorporating D&B's deduplication functions, the accuracy of our data has improved significantly, drastically shortening the time required for sales approaches."

Kenichi Ozawa, Corporate Master Data Strategist at the same center, added:

"Utilizing D&B Direct+, we've automated the deduplication and rating processes through API integration with our internal systems. The rapid and attentive support from TSR allowed us to significantly reduce the pre-verification period, facilitating smoother implementation."

For an in-depth look into Ricoh's integration journey and specific applications, visit TSR's website for further details.

Future Outlook

TSR is committed to continually supporting companies in integrating domestic and international corporate information while enhancing sales strategies and risk management capabilities. Their goal is to contribute significantly to the advancement of data-driven decision-making processes in organizations.

About Tokyo Shoko Research (TSR)

Founded in Japan, TSR is one of the longest-standing credit research firms, boasting a comprehensive database of over 10.45 million companies. With more than 130 years of experience, TSR has contributed to the economic activities across Japan. Additionally, TSR serves as the exclusive partner of Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) in Japan, providing access to an expansive global database featuring over 643.95 million businesses.

For more information, visit TSR's official website.