#Japan #Musashino #Musashino City #Rooms #Bloom Act

Musashino City Transforms Citizen Consultations with 'ROOMS'

In a significant move towards digital transformation, Musashino City, Tokyo, has launched an online consultation system called 'ROOMS', developed by Bloom Act, a company based in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for citizens who may find it difficult to visit city hall in person, allowing them to seek assistance from the comfort of their own homes.

The introduction of this online system offers a new avenue for citizen consultations, particularly benefitting those with restrictions on mobility. By utilizing the 'ROOMS' platform, residents can now easily schedule appointments and receive consultations without the need to physically visit the municipal office. This change is anticipated to improve convenience for the citizens and expand the opportunities for consultations.

Background of 'ROOMS' Implementation

Previously, the city's consultation services were largely limited to in-person and telephone communications, creating challenges for individuals unable to visit in person. The necessity of making appointments during business hours further compounded the issue. Recognizing these obstacles, the city sought to introduce an online solution that would allow residents to book appointments anytime and from anywhere. This necessity led to the adoption of 'ROOMS', which enables consultations through a user-friendly online interface.

The online consultation system will cover three specific areas of citizen support:

• - Legal consultations with lawyers
• - Kindergarten enrollment inquiries
• - Comprehensive women's consultations

Check the online consultation guide on Musashino City’s official website

With the launch of this system, not only will the convenience for citizens increase, but it is also expected to enhance the efficiency of municipal employees, reducing their workload significantly.

Accelerating Digital Transformation Across Various Sectors

As the push for digital transformation in consultation services progresses, the adoption of 'ROOMS' is gaining momentum not just in municipalities but also across sectors like finance (banking, securities, insurance), travel, automotive, and real estate. Unlike other popular web conferencing tools such as Zoom or Teams, 'ROOMS' is designed with unique features tailored to the Japanese customer experience.

The reasoning behind the preference for 'ROOMS' lies in:
1. No installation required; high usability with one-click access.
2. Various connection methods including URLs, calendar reservations, room key entry, and direct calls.
3. Unique presentation capabilities not found in foreign products.
4. Top-level domestic security standards.
5. Extensive track record and support in large corporations and the financial industry.

'ROOMS' aims to deliver experiences that surpass traditional face-to-face consultations, further refining the concept of online consultation services.

Overview of 'ROOMS' Online Consultation System

For those interested in finding out more about 'ROOMS', you can visit the ROOMS service site. This system represents a homegrown solution dedicated to online consultations, distinct from foreign web conferencing tools.

What sets 'ROOMS' apart is its integration of rich customer service features and hospitality elements, continuously optimized for the Japanese market. There’s no need for customers to download an app; consultations can begin simply by sharing a URL or by relaying the room number over the phone. Easily accessible on various devices—whether a computer, smartphone, or tablet—'ROOMS' facilitates the initiation of consultations at any time with just a click.

Furthermore, it includes calendar visibility for staff availability, enabling clients to schedule appointments without lengthy back-and-forth communications. The platform automates the sending of connection URLs and assigns staff automatically, improving operational efficiency.

Clients can also create custom-designed rooms that incorporate their service names and logos, allowing for consistent branding during interactions. The functionality of 'ROOMS' includes simultaneous connections from four locations, file sharing, automatic minutes recording, and integrations with Outlook and Google Calendar, among others.

Security Measures

In terms of security, 'ROOMS' employs end-to-end encryption (TLS1.2), securing all communications involved in the service. Furthermore, all data is stored on domestic servers, with regular security risk assessments conducted by third-party entities. The system is compliant with international security standards, having obtained the ISO27001 certification (ISMS), ensuring robust information management practices.

Bloom Act is committed to advancing digital strategies in local governments and improving citizen services in the process. By continually investing in technology and providing innovative solutions, they envision a future where every individual can maximize their productivity and potential.

Bloom Act focuses on creating new opportunities through time management in business operations, contributing to societal growth and innovation in working styles. Their corporate slogan encapsulates the vision of fostering a brighter future through the creation of valuable experiences and opportunities derived from time management. Whether through their offerings like 'ROOMS' or other innovative solutions, Bloom Act aims to lead the charge in redefining the future of work and civic engagement.