#Japan #Osaka #JR West #KAFLIX CLOUD #Self Check-In

KAFLIX CLOUD's Innovative Self Check-in Kiosks

Introduction to the Initiative
In a significant move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience, KAFLIX CLOUD has rolled out self check-in kiosks at 12 critical rental car stations managed by JR West, situated along the Shinkansen line. This implementation, which concluded on January 23, 2026, promises to revolutionize how rental services function in high-traffic areas, significantly easing the burden of staff and improving service quality.

Background and Challenges
The rental car industry faces numerous challenges including the high volume of procedures required before customers can be on their way. This includes identity verification, contract signing, and payments, which can become overwhelming during busy periods, resulting in longer wait times for customers. Additionally, the sector is grappling with a chronic labor shortage, thereby demanding a push towards automation and operational standardization to maintain service quality.

In response to these challenges, JR West Rental Car & Lease started deploying self check-in kiosks in the Osaka area in September 2025. Due to the positive results of this initial phase, they expanded the initiative to include 12 major stations along the Shinkansen line. These stations will now be equipped with self check-in machines allowing for a more efficient rental process.

Details of the Self Check-in Kiosk Operation
At the newly equipped stations, customers can manage their rental process through a series of straightforward steps once they arrive. These include:

• - Reservation Confirmation (inputting mobile numbers and other identification)
• - Driver's License Scanning
• - Identity Verification (including facial recognition)
• - Review and Agreement of Contract (via electronic contracts)
• - Payment

This seamless process is designed to reduce the staff's workload, allowing them to dedicate more energy to essential tasks such as vehicle preparation and safety inspections while ensuring customer satisfaction through quicker service.

Advantages for Both Rental Stations and Customers
1. Improved Efficiency and Reduced Staff Load
With the self-service approach, staff can focus on critical duties, rather than managing customer check-in processes.
2. Enhanced Customer Experience through Reduced Wait Times
The organized steps provided by the kiosks can significantly reduce the time customers spend waiting to pick up their rentals. The total process is expected to take between three to five minutes, with some customers completing everything in as little as one to two minutes.
3. Multilingual Support and Promotion of Paperless Transactions
The self check-in kiosks support multiple languages including English, traditional Chinese, and Korean, thereby accommodating a diverse range of customers, especially foreign tourists.

About JR West Rental Car & Lease
Established in 1971, JR West Rental Car & Lease operates as a part of the JR West Group, providing rental and leasing services across the Hokuriku, Kinki, and Chugoku regions. The company has been proactive in expanding their mobility services, including bike rentals and car sharing, while also emphasizing digital transformation in their operations.

About KAFLIX CLOUD
Founded in July 2022, KAFLIX CLOUD provides a suite of technologies including rental management systems equipped with AI-driven facial recognition. These innovations support seamless check-in processes by integrating reservation systems to streamline both the efficiency of operations and enhance customer experiences. With further plans to expand these kiosks, KAFLIX CLOUD aims to continually prioritize service quality and operational efficiency.

Future Perspectives
KAFLIX CLOUD is committed to advancing the self check-in kiosk initiative in collaboration with JR West Rental Car & Lease, continuously seeking feedback to enhance user experience. The company is devoted to fostering digital transformation in rental operations, ensuring both efficiency and quality of service remains at the forefront as customer needs evolve.