#Japan #AI Technology #Tokyo #AGAVE #Circlace

AGAVE Unveils New Features with AI-Driven Help Desk

In a significant move to enhance global human resource operations, Circlace, a leading firm specializing in cloud services for HR management, has announced the launch of a new beta feature, the Help Desk, integrated within its AGAVE platform. Set to begin operations in April 2025, this feature harnesses generative AI to provide immediate responses to a wide range of inquiries from expatriates and HR representatives. The Help Desk marks a strategic step forward in Circlace's efforts to strengthen AGAVE as the cornerstone platform for managing overseas HR duties.

Key Features of the Help Desk (Beta Version)

1. Automatic Responses in Natural Language
The Help Desk allows users to submit inquiries in natural language, facilitating easy communication. Users can ask questions like, "When is the expatriate allowance paid?" or "Will the housing allowance increase if I bring my spouse?" The AI comprehends and processes these inquiries contextually, providing accurate responses derived from the relevant policies stored within AGAVE. For instance, when asked about the housing allowance for expatriates with spouses, the AI might respond:
"The housing allowance increases to ◯ yen per month when accompanied by a spouse."
This innovative design effectively reduces the complexities often associated with traditional keyword searches, allowing users quick access to vital information while ensuring references to the originating documents are clearly provided for verification.

2. Information Access Based on Viewing Permissions
AGAVE boasts a sophisticated document management feature that allows organizations to set granular viewing permissions based on the user's location and responsibilities. This ensures that the AI accesses and responds with information tailored to specific roles, mitigating risks associated with revealing unauthorized data. For example, only expatriates working in North America will have access to documents relevant to North America, aligning with organizational structures and data exposure policies.

3. Benefits for Both Expatriates and HR Departments
The Help Desk's functionality not only aids expatriates in addressing everyday challenges with immediate solutions, but it also streamlines inquiry management for HR teams, enhancing operational efficiency. AI-generated response logs are automatically recorded and shared, promoting easy reference of past interactions and enabling smooth communication amongst team members. This fosters a collaborative environment while preventing information silos.

Future Developments: Strengthening AI Collaboration with AGAVE

Currently, the beta version of the Help Desk limits the AI's references to information solely within AGAVE's document management system. However, Circlace has plans to enhance its practicality by integrating additional data sources beginning in the summer of 2025. These sources will include:

• - Historical inquiry data and comments from applications
• - Expatriation project progress records
• - Operational communications and conversation logs

This expansion aims to enrich the context from which the AI operates, allowing for more tailored and practical responses that resonate with day-to-day operational realities.

AGAVE has been engineered to centralize operations and data, fostering a robust cloud platform ideal for AI integration. Circlace is committed to refining the benefits of accumulated operational data through enhanced AI features, aspiring to deliver practical AI solutions that seamlessly support on-site decision-making and operations.

AGAVE: Beyond Integration to Utilization

AGAVE has effectively consolidated diverse stakeholders involved in international HR, from expatriates to HR and accounting personnel, onto a single platform. It facilitates comprehensive management of HR functions, payroll processing, application approvals, and project management. Traditionally, the wealth of deposited data often led to challenges in timely retrieval. However, with the integration of generative AI, accessing essential information becomes faster and more accurate.

In the future, AI may also provide insights for operational improvement based on historical interactions' patterns, further advancing knowledge utilization. AGAVE stands poised to benefit from its AI compatibility, which supports practical, real-world implementations. Circlace vows to continue promoting a supportive environment through reliable AI offerings tailored to meet on-site needs.

About AGAVE

AGAVE is a cloud-based SaaS platform tailored for the HR and labor management needs of companies with international operations. It streamlines and standardizes a wide range of processes, including payroll calculations, expense reimbursements, and report generation for expatriates. With the capacity to adapt to varying regulations and practices among group companies, AGAVE ensures seamless collaboration with local branches. As of the end of September 2024, Circlace received recognition as the No. 1 provider of overseas expatriate information management SaaS, with over 10,000 contract user IDs as of the end of June 2024, and an ongoing expectation of expansion.

About Circlace

Founded in 2012 as a joint venture between the Pasona Group and Tquila Ltd in London, Circlace officially rebranded from Pasona Tequila to its current name in July 2020 and went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in April 2022. Committed to facilitating digital transformations and customer success, Circlace utilizes self-developed SaaS products and notable cloud solutions like Salesforce to provide innovative and effective services.

Company Name: Circlace Inc.
Headquarters: 2-1-3 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Urban Net Nihonbashi Building 6F
Founded: November 1, 2012
Capital: 400,803,000 yen (as of March 31, 2025)
Representative: Scott Sato, Chairman and President

Services Offered:

• - Consulting for Digital Transformation
• - ICT-Driven Operational Improvement Consulting
• - Development and Sales of Proprietary SaaS Products (AGAVE)
• - One-stop service for design, development, and operational support of cloud solutions (Salesforce, ServiceNow, Anaplan, etc.)

For more information, visit Circlace's official website or AGAVE's service introduction page.