#Japan #community support #digital coupons #Yasu #PKB Solutions

PKB Solutions Launches Digital Coupon Package for Local Governments

PKB Solutions, based in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, is proud to announce the launch of a digital coupon package aimed at local governments. This initiative is designed to provide municipalities with a rapid response solution to support residents facing economic challenges, especially in light of recent price inflation.

Addressing Emerging Community Needs

In recent years, the increase in living costs has prompted many local governments to explore support initiatives funded by special subsidies. With the variety of population sizes, generational demographics, and the number of local businesses varying from area to area, there's a pressing need for tailored support methods. Concerns have been raised, particularly regarding how to reach those unable to use smartphones effectively. As such, calls have intensified for an easy-to-implement system capable of being rolled out quickly, ideally by March 2025.

To meet these diverse challenges, PKB Solutions has developed a standardized digital coupon package that residents can use at local businesses. This package includes features that accommodate the unique needs of different communities.

Key Features of the Digital Coupon Package

The resident-distributed digital coupons are adaptable, capable of being issued in different formats such as "booklet type" and "penny-type" for redemption. A significant challenge faced by prior programs was for those who did not own smartphones or were unfamiliar with their use. PKB Solutions has addressed this by integrating a mixed method of digital and printed coupons, allowing municipalities to issue paper coupons alongside the digital ones. Additionally, businesses can employ store terminals or tablets for scanning (CPM method) as alternative solutions.

This dual-system design ensures that duplicate distributions do not occur when both digital and paper coupons are in use. Moreover, operations can be customized in line with income restrictions or other conditions to align with local government policies.

Visualizing and Validating Program Impact

A management portal for operators allows for real-time tracking of participation numbers, coupon issuance, transaction counts, and total expenditures. Similarly, individual businesses can monitor coupon usage and sales in detail.

By leveraging this data, municipalities can repeat the following evaluative measures:

• - Rates of digital coupon distribution to residents
• - Levels of digital coupon usage compared to paper options
• - Breakdown of digital coupon usage and corresponding revenue across participating stores
• - Community feedback concerning awareness and satisfaction via surveys

These insights assist in validating the business impact as well as in planning for future programs.

Practical Applications of Municipal Initiatives

The digital coupon program is suitably versatile, catering to an extensive range of local government initiatives, from direct support to residents to assistance for businesses. Below are examples of how municipalities could implement these initiatives:

Living Support/Digital Vouchers for All Residents

To mitigate the financial burden caused by rising prices, digital vouchers are issued to all residents. These can benefit families, including children and elderly members, and the option for both paper and digital usage ensures these vouchers are utilized efficiently. The ability to use precise amounts—from 1 yen—further supports widespread utility across generations.

Living Support/Business Assistance Digital Vouchers

These vouchers promote living support while prioritizing assistance to businesses by distributing both common and individual coupons. The common coupons can be used at all participating stores, including large retailers, while the individual coupons are restricted to smaller or specific locations, thereby enhancing support for local businesses.

Living Support/Rice Vouchers

Targeting families facing inflation-induced expenses, these digital coupons facilitate the purchase of rice and other essentials. Adaptable and usable from 1 yen allows for flexibility based on household needs, effectively alleviating daily living costs.

Quick Implementation Assistance

In today's rapid deployment landscape, local governments often require swift setups that involve legislative design and specification development. To aid this process, PKB Solutions offers an easily accessible "Web Consultation Room." This service lets clients discuss project specifications, cost estimates, and tailor plans based on specific municipal needs.

For more detailed inquiries regarding the Digital Coupon Package and related digital coupon solutions intended for community use, PKB Solutions encourages you to contact them directly through their website.

Contact Information

For further questions or requests for information on the Digital Coupon Package, please reach out at:

• - Phone: 03-5577-7888 (Weekdays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, excluding weekends and holidays)
• - Website: PKB Solutions

PKB Solutions remains committed to supporting local governments in their quest to assist communities effectively and efficiently.