#Japan #Okayama #Chugoku Bank #Raks Group #Light Electric

Enhancing Operational Efficiency through Collaboration

In a significant development, Chugoku Bank (headquartered in Okayama City, under the leadership of President Sadanori Kato) has partnered with Raks Group (headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, led by President Takanori Nakamura) to introduce a cloud-based expense reimbursement system called "Rakuraku Seisan" along with the bank's "corporate card". This initiative has been implemented at Light Electric Company (based in Okayama City, with President Naoya Okamoto at the helm) to aid in improving operational efficiency.

Background and Initiative Details

Light Electric Company had been grappling with the burdens of managing substantial petty cash, reliance on paper processes for approvals, and delays in monthly accounting closing, all of which made it imperative to enhance operational efficiency. By carefully listening to these challenges, Chugoku Bank coordinated with IT vendor Raks to propose an optimal solution that combined the corporate card and Rakuraku Seisan. They provided meticulous support throughout the preparation and operational phases, ensuring a smooth transition and addressing any concerns regarding simultaneous implementation of the system and card.

Specific Outcomes Achieved

1. Transition to Cashless Management: The integration of the corporate card and Rakuraku Seisan significantly reduced the handling of over 5 million yen in cash each month to a cashless workflow. This step has alleviated the burden of managing cash and safes, streamlining operations.

2. Accelerated Monthly Closing Process: By digitizing the application and approval processes, along with leveraging automated entry through the system, the time required for monthly closing was shortened by three days, moving from the fourth to the first business day of the following month. This efficiency equates to an annual cost saving of approximately 2.5 million yen.

3. Smooth Implementation Supported by Collaboration: The project successfully realized a seamless operational startup within a short timeframe, thanks to the collaboration between Chugoku Bank and Raks. They worked as a unified team to tackle the challenges associated with system integration and card implementation.

The Role of Local Financial Institutions and Future Outlook

Chugoku Bank recognizes its responsibility to serve as a bridge between local enterprises and IT vendors, especially in promoting digital transformation (DX) and operational efficiency. The bank is committed to providing support that helps even those wary of IT take confident steps toward modernization.

Insights from Light Electric Company

According to a representative from Light Electric Company, prior to the implementation, a significant amount of time was spent on cash management and paper-based approvals. Post-implementation, both sales and accounting teams can now concentrate on their core tasks. They feel assured in the process with the support from Chugoku Bank and Raks, resulting in a noticeable increase in overall productivity. Looking ahead, they aim to further enhance digitization and improve the efficiency of their back-office operations.

About Light Electric Company

• - Company Name: Light Electric Company
• - Business Overview: Focuses on the sale of control devices and various parts that optimize production activities, selecting equipment to cut costs and solve challenges in the production field, along with design and program development.
• - Employee Count: 231 employees (as of July 2025)
• - Implementation Timing: May 2025
• - Website: Light Electric Company

About Rakuraku Seisan

"Rakuraku Seisan" is a cloud-based expense reimbursement system that consolidates all expense management, including transportation, travel, and business trip costs. By digitizing the entire workflow—employee application, supervisor approval, and finance processing—operational efficiency is improved, and human errors are minimized. As of September 2025, the cumulative number of companies that have adopted this system has exceeded 20,000.

(The reduction effectiveness is based on the estimations from Light Electric Company.)