#Japan #Tokyo #Ashikaga Bank #Kokopelli #BM Portal

Ashikaga Bank Adopts Kokopelli's BM Portal for Business Matching

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its business matching services, Ashikaga Bank, headquartered in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, has decided to implement the innovative "BM Portal" developed by Kokopelli, a Tokyo-based enterprise led by CEO Shigeru Kondo. This platform promises to streamline the business matching process for financial institutions, allowing for a more centralized management of operations in this area.

Background of the Implementation

As financial institutions continue to support their clients in digital transformations and core business improvements, many have recognized a need for effective business matching services tailored to address the challenges faced by partner companies. Traditionally, these operations have largely relied on the individual practices of bank personnel, leading to issues surrounding the sharing of vital project information and expertise. Ashikaga Bank is looking to tackle these challenges head-on with the integration of the BM Portal, aiming to enhance operational efficiency while simultaneously improving the quality of solutions offered to their corporate clients.

Features and Functions of the BM Portal

The business matching mechanism facilitated by the BM Portal allows financial institutions to connect their clients with various affiliated companies which provide solutions to specific challenges. Currently, the lack of adequate digital processes contributes to increased management costs and creates dependency on the subjective knowledge of personnel in terms of service selection. Here’s how the BM Portal is set to address these issues:

1. Management of Partner Services

The platform enables partner companies to register information about their challenges as needs data, making it easier to search for relevant services or products from affiliated enterprises. This centralization improves the efficiency of service identification.

2. Digitization of Consent Documents

Previously, consent forms related to service provision had to be created manually and exchanged physically. The BM Portal now allows for an entirely online process, significantly reducing paperwork and accelerating approval times.

3. Monitoring Progress of Business Matching

With the ability to visualize the progress of matching initiatives and avoid duplications, the BM Portal mitigates the risk of oversight while allowing more strategic matching proposals to emerge.

4. Systematizing Matching Knowledge and Case Studies

Moving away from dependency on specific individuals, the platform digitalizes the expertise related to business matching, fostering an environment where all employees can make informed and optimal proposals.

5. Flexible Workflow Features

Enhancing decision-making speed, the BM Portal incorporates an approval workflow that helps prevent delays or oversights, promoting smoother operational progressions.

6. Centralized Invoice Issuance

From the signing of contracts to invoice generation post-matching, the platform centralizes the entire process, resulting in improved efficiency in accounting operations and facilitating smoother transactions with customizable invoice formats.

Future Prospects

The BM Portal is anticipated to revolutionize business matching tasks within financial institutions. Kokopelli is committed to continuously enhancing the platform, including the integration of AI recommendation functions for cases in the future. Currently, multiple other financial institutions are in the process of considering the adoption of the BM Portal, paving the way for its gradual expansion across the financial sector.

Additionally, Kokopelli has been a leading player in the business matching domain through their management support platform, "Big Advance," which has generated over 200,000 business opportunities over the past eight years. Utilizing their expertise and proven track record, Kokopelli aims to continue collaborating with financial institutions to address the challenges faced by small to medium-sized enterprises and stimulate new business opportunities, ultimately contributing to regional economic revitalization.

About Kokopelli

• - Company Name: Kokopelli Inc.
• - Location: 11th Floor, Kioicho Building, 3-12 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Shigeru Kondo
• - Established: June 2007
• - Business Area: Business platform services
• - Website: Kokopelli
• - Major Services: Business support platform for SMEs "Big Advance"; International business matching platform "BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL".