#Japan #Osaka #Kintone #gusuku Customine #Nihonkai Gas

Overview

Nihonkai Gas Kizuna Holdings, through its subsidiary Motto Nihonkai Gas, has enhanced its business operations by replacing its sales management system using kintone and gusuku Customine.

Background and Challenges

Motton Nihonkai Gas managed three independent store locations, each utilizing different systems for operations. As a result, their product databases and pricing information were inconsistent, complicating sales performance tracking across stores. Additionally, administrative procedures lacked cohesion, as estimates were prepared in Excel and sent via fax, leading to a high risk of errors.

Implementation Details

In 2023, Nihonkai Gas established a Digital Transformation (DX) Promotion Department to spearhead improvements. They evaluated various options for their new sales management system, ultimately opting for gusuku Customine to integrate operations seamlessly on the kintone platform.

Sales Management System Replacement

The new system connects all stages of the sales process—from negotiations and quotes to orders, construction, revenue and payment reconciliation—within kintone. Key features include:

• - Customizable Deal Application: Sales personnel can view only their cases, with status indicators that change color automatically.
• - Advanced Product Management: A comprehensive customer database containing over 100,000 records, searchable using keyword matching.
• - Automated Data Flow: Upon order confirmation, information is automatically transferred to ordering applications, with updates relayed promptly to sales staff.

Development of Gas Exhibition Reception Application

Following the success of the sales management system, they created a reception management application for their key promotional event, the Gas Exhibition. Previously, three data entry staff members were needed throughout the event to process orders manually. Now, customer details can be searched, and selections made for discounts easily, allowing more staff to assist without mistakes. Data entry tasks have conversely been eliminated, contributing to efficiency.

Achievements from Implementation

The unified product master and automated data transfer have improved management efficiency drastically. Previously difficult-to-analyze sales data is now accessible for strategic decisions. The Gas Exhibition’s data entry workload has dropped from three staff members to zero, and sales report aggregations are now automated.

Moreover, thanks to this success, additional improvements have surfaced within the organization. For instance, TOSUMO Architectural Design, a group company, reduced their estimating process from three weeks to just days by integrating gusuku Customine with their existing management system. Spreading knowledge of kintone and Customine across their workforce, over 20 individuals are now involved in app development.

Exploring Further Potential

The need for efficient expense processing prompted the development of an automated expense reimbursement system utilizing AI to read receipts, seamlessly integrated with gusuku Customine's capabilities. Currently, about half of the 14 group companies are using kintone, resulting in around 300 licenses and over 500 applications in operation.

About gusuku Customine

Gusuku Customine empowers businesses to overcome kintone limitations with no-code customization to increase operational efficiency. It can be used for customer management, inventory tracking, budget oversight, workflow management, and more. Successfully implemented in over 2,500 companies, this solution is versatile and customer-centric.

About R3 Institute

Founded in 2000, R3 Institute has dedicated itself to supporting businesses through system development and effective utilization of kintone. Their offerings include various services designed for distinct operational improvements, ensuring every business receives tailored support suited to its needs.

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