NEC and Toyota Home Launch Easy Housing for Digital Construction Orders

Enhancing Efficiency in Construction with Easy Housing

NEC has made significant strides in enhancing the construction process with the introduction of the Easy Housing service at Toyota Home Corporation. This initiative aims to streamline the procurement and order receipt process in the housing industry, moving away from traditional paper-based methods to a fully digital experience.

Background to the Implementation

Toyota Home plays a pivotal role in the housing sector, manufacturing approximately 85% of its homes using a robust steel unit method. This approach not only ensures high-quality homes but also reinforces their resilience against natural disasters. Collaborating with around 1,000 partner companies through 14 group sales locations across Japan, Toyota Home focuses on maintaining stable quality and service levels in construction projects.

Historically, the exchange of order forms, contracts, and invoices was conducted through traditional paperwork, leading to inefficiencies and burdens in management. The challenges included long lead times in various processes, high costs associated with the long-term storage of paperwork, and the pressing need for advanced information security measures.

In response to these challenges, Toyota Home decided to implement NEC's Easy Housing service, enhancing efficiency across procurement, order receipt, and invoicing operations.

Transformation Achieved through Easy Housing

The introduction of Easy Housing has led to significant improvements in Toyota Home's operations. The following key benefits have been documented:

1. Digital Transformation of Order Processes: By integrating Easy Housing with existing systems, Toyota Home digitized its procurement and invoicing operations. The service can be accessed from both PCs and smartphones, allowing for rapid on-site confirmations and reducing the lead time needed from order initiation to invoice collection dramatically.

2. Cost Reduction and Management Relief through Paperless Operations: The shift to digital has minimized the need for physical order documents and the extensive management of contracts requiring long-term storage. This evolution has not only lowered postage costs but also eliminated expenses related to document stamp duties, thus contributing to lower costs for business partners.

3. Enhanced Security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Introducing email-based MFA has vastly improved the security framework for all participating stakeholders, including the group sales stores and partner companies. The simplified user experience and compatibility with mobile devices facilitate smooth and efficient operations while upholding high safety standards.

Future Developments

The innovative steps taken through Easy Housing have allowed Toyota Home to realize enhanced operational efficiency and cost savings while bolstering security levels. The collaboration between NEC and Toyota Home is dedicated to continuous improvement, with plans to deepen the integration of fundamental systems to maximize the benefits of Easy Housing.

The commitment to leveraging the latest technologies and ensuring customer satisfaction remains unwavering as they strive to provide the ideal living spaces for their clients. Both NEC and Toyota Home are set to continue their partnership in driving digital transformation (DX) and increased efficiencies in the housing and construction industries, paving the way for even higher value delivery in the future.