#Japan #Generative AI #Tokyo #Shift #AI 360°

SHIFT's New Initiative: "Generative AI 360°"

In a rapidly evolving landscape, AI technology is making significant strides, yet many Japanese companies struggle with effective generative AI deployment. In response to these challenges, SHIFT, a Tokyo-based company specializing in software services, has unveiled their new program, "Generative AI 360°". This initiative aims to support businesses in the holistic adoption and integration of generative AI into their operations.

Background of the Initiative

Despite the global surge in adopting generative AI technologies, only 15.7% of Japanese firms have established comprehensive strategies for generative AI utilization. In comparison, companies in the U.S. and China are witnessing rates of 46.3% and 71.2% respectively. The low percentage in Japan highlights a gap that SHIFT aims to address. Many organizations face numerous barriers, including a lack of skilled personnel knowledgeable about AI, which complicates the establishment of effective AI strategies.

Without proper guidance, the risks and benefits of generative AI often remain uncommunicated within organizations, leading to a disconnect between top management directives and the actual needs of employees on the ground. SHIFT has identified these pitfalls and is taking action to remedy them.

Achievements and Goals

From September 2024 to March 2025, SHIFT successfully increased its own internal use of generative AI tools from 23% to 76%, effectively tripling utilization in about six months. This achievement included automating 825 distinct business processes, leading to an anticipated monthly saving of approximately 15 million yen. The company’s approach included a mix of top-down direction to raise AI literacy rates among employees and bottom-up initiatives tailored to meet the specific needs of individual departments through workshops and PoCs (proof of concepts).

Through the delivery of "AI 360°", SHIFT aims to provide targeted strategies for companies across various industries to facilitate the successful integration and organization-wide adoption of generative AI. SHIFT's commitment is to promote productivity and competitiveness in the emerging AI landscape.

What is 'Generative AI 360°'?

"Generative AI 360°" is a comprehensive methodology crafted from SHIFT's proven strategies for successful internal generative AI integration. It combines both top-down directives and bottom-up initiatives to satisfy the needs of executive management as well as users at all levels of the organization. By focusing on strategy formulation, tool integration, and cultural development, this program aims to deeply embed generative AI within the organizational fabric.

Initially, businesses can customize the services according to their specific requirements and budgets, allowing SHIFT to adapt strategies to fit any organization's needs.

The Five-Step Process

SHIFT's methodology breaks down the process of generative AI adoption into five steps, providing tailored measures for each stage:

1. Opportunity Creation: Providing a user-friendly and secure generative AI environment, enabling all users, regardless of skill level, to access AI tools with ease. For example, SHIFT supports the implementation of the intuitive generative AI tool "Tensai-kun" alongside prompt creation assistance and training workshops.

2. Observation: Analyzing user logs from the generative AI tools to gain insights into usage trends and organizational needs. SHIFT works on establishing KPIs and guidelines to support leadership in promoting generative AI effectively.

3. Measure Optimization: Customized initiatives are deployed for user groups to encourage behavior change and enhance engagement with AI technologies. This includes workshops for beginners and regular updates featuring popular tools and applications across different departments.

4. Individual Results Generation: SHIFT applies its extensive experience in automating processes to visualize the unique challenges faced by different departments. By developing bespoke generative AI tools, they aim to foster targeted achievements that drive efficiency improvements.

5. Knowledge Organization: Creating a community for knowledge sharing across company departments related to generative AI. SHIFT encourages bottom-up initiatives that cultivate a culture of AI utilization as a norm within the organization through contests and events focused on innovative uses of AI.

About SHIFT

Founded to address quality assurance and testing for mission-critical systems across various sectors, SHIFT has developed its business model to encompass IT and business challenges through a lens of innovation and efficiency. The overarching goal is to eliminate inefficiencies and empower a smarter society.

With the launch of "Generative AI 360°", SHIFT aspires to tackle the growing needs of domestic companies regarding the adoption and sustainability of innovative AI solutions. The horizon for SHIFT’s offerings now extends further, capitalizing on accumulated AI intelligence to evolve into agent-based solutions that can directly impact business growth.

For inquiries about SHIFT’s services and initiative developments, please visit SHIFT's website.