OREC Implements UPWARD AI Scan for Enhanced Agricultural Machinery Management

OREC Embraces UPWARD AI Scan

In a significant move to enhance operational efficiency, OREC, a leading manufacturer of small agricultural machinery based in Fukuoka, Japan, has implemented UPWARD's AI imaging analysis service known as UPWARD AI Scan. This integration aims to streamline the management of machinery loan requests, a critical element in OREC's sales process.

Company Background

Established in Japan, OREC specializes in manufacturing and selling a range of agricultural machinery, with its self-propelled mowers claiming the top market share domestically and being exported to over 50 countries. OREC’s sales tactics primarily involve regular visits to dealers and sales representatives to demonstrate products.

The Need for Improvement

Previously, the process for managing the equipment for demonstrations and loans was cumbersome. Sales personnel would need to manually keep track of machinery loan details using paper and Excel files at different locations. This method often led to missing records or difficulties in verifying the status of machinery loans. As part of their efforts to visualize their sales processes, OREC started exploring ways to optimize their loan management system.

This exploration led to the prototype testing (Proof of Concept) of the UPWARD AI Scan, which automates the retrieval of ‘model types’ and ‘model numbers’ through image analysis. The trial proved effective, garnering positive feedback from users, which paved the way for its full-scale adoption.

Adoption and Implementation

With the integration of UPWARD AI Scan, OREC has restructured its workflow for inputting machinery loan records into Salesforce. Now, necessary details such as ‘model types’ and ‘model numbers’ are automatically obtained through image analysis, substantially reducing data entry workload. Moreover, the loan recipient details can now be automatically linked with real-time data, allowing sales representatives to monitor the latest machinery loan statuses effortlessly.

Additionally, a system has been created to efficiently link the machinery loan register with the master list. If any machine not already registered is loaned out, it will automatically register a new entry in the master list, further streamlining equipment management.

“Before implementing UPWARD AI Scan, we often faced challenges in recording loans accurately due to our busy schedules involving multiple demonstrations and trade shows,” explains Yoshiaki Arakawa, the sales planning manager at OREC. “We tried using Excel, but it still didn’t reduce our workload. Upon hearing about UPWARD AI Scan, which merely requires scanning, I saw it as a potential game-changer for us.”

Future Expectations

Despite needing further integration into their routine, the simplicity of the UPWARD AI Scan means that all sales associates could experience reduced workloads, which increases efficiency and enhances the range of capabilities for Salesforce. OREC also plans to utilize the mapping functionalities to analyze product requests across different regions, allowing them to streamline operations further.

Transforming Last-Mile Operations with UPWARD

UPWARD is a sales support service driven by AI, specializing in field and sales management. Its proprietary advanced geofencing technology enables automatic recording of customer engagement and provides various AI functions tailored for field sales. Over 400 companies, including major players like Kubota and Rinnai, have adopted UPWARD, marking it as a significant Digital Transformation (DX) framework for the next generation of sales.

You can find more information about the UPWARD AI Scan here.

About UPWARD Co., Ltd.

Founded in July 2016 and headquartered in Tokyo, UPWARD aims to unlock the creativity of field workers while accelerating growth for businesses and society. By leveraging technology, UPWARD provides DX services designed to enable workers to operate efficiently, regardless of location or situation.
For additional details, visit their website: UPWARD.

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