#Japan #Tsukuba #SmartDB #DreamArts #KASUMi

Kasumi Supermarket Enhances Efficiency with SmartDB

Kasumi Supermarket, a part of United Supermarkets Holdings Group, has recently adopted SmartDB to digitalize its utility billing processes for over 500 tenants. This strategic move, aimed at simplifying an increasingly complex billing operation due to new invoicing requirements, marks a significant step towards operational efficiency.

Background of SmartDB Adoption

The implementation of the invoicing system has added complexities to the utility billing operations at Kasumi, where monthly charges for electricity, gas, and water are calculated for each tenant based on their usage. With the introduction of detailed invoices, the previously simple process became arduous. The existing core management system faced challenges in responding quickly to these regulatory changes, leaving the team reliant on Excel and manual methods for confirmation and payment calculations.

This reliance led to various issues: confirmations were often overlooked, input mistakes were common, and workload became unevenly distributed among team members. Given that a complete overhaul of the core system would take over a year, the need for a solution that could easily integrate into the existing framework while addressing immediate regulatory requirements became crucial.

To achieve this, the company decided to utilize SmartDB’s no-code development capabilities. This allowed for flexible app creation adequate to support the digital transformation of their utility billing operations, with adoption finalized by November 2025.

Achievements with SmartDB

SmartDB implemented standardized billing operations and streamlined complex multi-tenant contracts. Each contract's specific information was compiled to automate payment calculations, removing the previously existing dependency on individual knowledge and expertise. By centralizing invoice management, manual errors and duplications have been significantly reduced, enhancing the process's reliability and efficiency.

In collaboration with DreamArts, the system was developed by Kasumi's real estate management department within roughly three months. Starting from May 2026, the new system reduced work hours required from 15 days to just 6 days per month—a remarkable 60% decrease. This transformation also enabled better visibility into workload distribution and process tracking.

Why SmartDB Was Chosen

During the selection process, SmartDB emerged as a top choice due to its ability to accommodate:

• - No-Code Development: Empowering staff who understand the nuances of operations to quickly adapt and improve the applications as required by regulatory changes.
• - Robust Standard Features: The ability to handle complex business logic—such as varying pricing rules and contract terms—seamlessly, thus unifying the process from data entry to approval.
• - Comprehensive Support System: DreamArts offered well-structured support throughout the implementation stage and beyond, ensuring sustainable operational improvements.

Comments from Kasumi

In facing the complexities engendered by the invoicing system, the existing operational approaches proved inadequate. The ability to standardize our business rules through SmartDB has not only stabilized our operations but also facilitated significant improvements within a short timeframe. We look forward to continuing our partnership with DreamArts, which has been crucial in enhancing our operational capabilities and improving our overall service quality.

Meanwhile, DreamArts remains committed to co-creation, developing total solutions that bolster both local organizational strength and corporate competitiveness across various industries.

Conclusion

Kasumi Supermarket’s initiative to employ SmartDB signifies a pivotal advancement in digitalizing billing processes within the retail sector. As more companies adopt no-code solutions for operational complexities, SmartDB’s innovations will pave the way for further efficiencies and improved service delivery across the industry.