IVRy Partners with Kagoshima Bank to Address Labor Shortages through AI Solutions

In a significant move to support local businesses, IVRy, a Tokyo-based company specialized in dialogue-driven AI SaaS, has announced its partnership with Kagoshima Bank as of June 2023. This collaboration aims to tackle the pressing issue of labor shortages that many companies in Kagoshima Prefecture are currently facing, leveraging advanced AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

IVRy offers an innovative dialogue AI SaaS known as 'Aiburi'. This platform provides an array of functionalities that enable companies to automate their phone response systems with ease. Features include automated responses, appointment handling, call recording, transcription, AI summarization, SMS sending, customer relationship management (CRM), as well as direct notifications on communication platforms such as LINE and chat tools. Companies utilizing Aiburi can enhance their operational workflows and better manage customer interactions through a more effective call handling process.

Importance of the Partnership

The partnership comes at a critical time when a recent survey conducted by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed that over 60% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) report labor shortages. The situation is dire, with many sectors indicating that these shortages significantly impact their business operations, with some even at risk of closure. Furthermore, a population census from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in 2024 reported a decrease in Kagoshima's population by 15,338, exacerbating the workforce dilemma within the region.

Given this context, there is an increasing interest among local businesses in automating and optimizing their operations. Through this partnership, Kagoshima Bank will introduce its SME clients to Aiburi, addressing their operational efficiency needs. In doing so, IVRy is committed to ensuring that these businesses can access affordable and user-friendly AI services that will facilitate enhanced operational capabilities.

This strategic alliance also aligns with Kagoshima Bank's broader initiative to enhance regional development. The inclusion of Aiburi into their offerings serves as a key part of their midterm management plan, which focuses on promoting digital transformation (DX) and green transformation (GX) in the local economy.

The Future of Aiburi

Currently available for a monthly subscription of just 2,980 yen, Aiburi’s pricing structure makes it accessible to a wide range of businesses. The platform allows users to configure call response trees tailored to their needs, making it ideal for organizations of various sizes and sectors. Since its launch, Aiburi has gained traction across all 47 prefectures in Japan, boasting over 35,000 accounts and exceeding 50 million calls handled to date.

Looking ahead, IVRy plans to expand the capabilities of Aiburi beyond phone communication, aiming to incorporate more AI-driven services that tackle broader issues such as labor shortages and customer service challenges. This future-forward approach aspires to contribute to boosting Japan's productivity and supporting businesses in their endeavor to streamline operations effectively.

Conclusion

Through this novel partnership with Kagoshima Bank, IVRy is poised to play a pivotal role in enabling local companies to adapt to labor market changes through innovation. By alleviating the burden of workforce shortages through AI solutions, both organizations aim to foster a sustainable business environment that thrives in a digitally-driven future.

For further information on IVRy and the Aiburi service, you can visit their corporate page or explore their official site.