#Japan #Tokyo #Taisei Corporation #Kuraemon #BIM Technology

Introduction to Kuraemon

Taisei Corporation, a leading construction company in Japan, has taken a significant step towards digital transformation by fully implementing 'Kuraemon,' a construction DX platform provided by Lucre. Initially introduced as a photo management tool, Kuraemon is now being recommended for use in rebar inspection processes. This innovative integration, powered by Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, is crucial in pushing for a paperless construction management approach and a complete digital transformation.

Background of Implementation

Since the early 2000s, Taisei's architecture department has been striving to improve efficiency in construction management by standardizing the management of construction photographs. A survey conducted across approximately 300 sites nationwide revealed that around 70% of these sites were already utilizing Kuraemon voluntarily. This overwhelming support from the field marked the beginning of its journey as the standard software for construction management.

Insights from Taisei Executives

According to Akihiro Nakaya, Director of the DX Promotion Department at the Architectural Headquarters, various construction photo management software solutions existed back then, but Kuraemon stood out with the highest level of field support. Its user-friendly operation, closely resembling the handling of traditional paper photo logs, provided a significant advantage in the busy daily tasks of construction management, seamlessly integrating into the practical work on-site.

As construction DX continues to advance, the ability to use tools comfortably on-site remains essential. The extensive knowledge gained from long-term operational use in the field and the ability for real-time information sharing via the cloud have been highly valued by Taisei Corporation.

Reimagining Data Management

As the diversification of tools for construction DX continued, the dispersion of information presented new challenges. In response, Taisei Corporation decided to redefine the management framework for construction records. The intuitive operation tailored to on-site workflows and real-time data sharing through the cloud led to the decision to promote Kuraemon as the recommended application for rebar inspection as well.

Currently, Kuraemon is utilized on around 400 sites nationwide, and the established foundation has enabled more advanced inspection tasks linked with BIM data to take shape.

Bridging Information with BIM Connected Inspection

By linking the vast attribute information within BIM directly to Kuraemon, the inspection process can massively reduce preparation times.

Transformation via BIM Integration

• - Previous Process: Managed construction photos, inspection records (in paper/blackboard), and BIM data separately, requiring extensive manual cross-referencing before each inspection, consuming considerable preparation time.

• - Future Process: Automatically reflects construction information from BIM onto inspection items and electronic blackboards. This innovation eliminates the scatter of information and significantly shortens the workflow from inspection preparation to report generation.

The synergy created through BIM integration will facilitate a higher degree of 'paperless' practices, achieving both dramatic operational efficiency and elevated quality management based on data.

Perspectives from Taisei Corporation

Yuki Miyazaki, Manager of the DX Promotion Department at Taisei Corporation, emphasizes that constructing a data foundation connecting the on-site activities and head office is of utmost priority. The longstanding support for Kuraemon in the field, combined with strengthened real-time information sharing and headquarters support through cloud technology, has garnered significant appreciation.

Yusuke Hirata, Deputy Manager at Taisei's Digital Product Center, sees great value in Kuraemon's widespread use on-site, enabling seamless integration with BIM models. This advancement supports the realization of a cohesive digital workflow from design to construction management, promising further efficiency gains.

Ai Koike, Deputy Manager at Taisei’s Construction Planning Promotion Section, notes the significant reduction in workloads related to creating electronic blackboards and rebar inspection sheets due to the inspection functionality. With Lucre’s commitment to enhancing practical functions that alleviate on-site burdens, he expresses high expectations for future updates.

Future Developments

With the introduction at Taisei Corporation, Lucre aims to further evolve Kuraemon as the core platform for construction record management. Future plans include integrating construction photo management with BIM data and various inspection operations, thereby creating a system that manages construction records seamlessly and efficiently. Through Kuraemon, Lucre is committed to supporting the construction industry's efficiency and elevating quality management, contributing actively to the advancement of construction DX.

About Kuraemon

Since its launch in 1999, Kuraemon has alleviated the burdens of site supervisors overwhelmed with photo management through a ledger creation tool. It has found its place not only in major general contractors but also in smaller construction firms. In 2014, the introduction of Kuraemon Pad, a digital version of the 'electronic small blackboard' promoted for operational efficiency in the construction industry, won the highest evaluation in the NETIS (New Technology Information System) by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. In line with recent labor regulations in the construction sector, the firm tracks the site’s overall efficiency and has launched Kuraemon Premium, a unified platform encompassing site apps, shared cloud functionality, and computer software since April 2022. By standardizing the construction photo management approach, Kuraemon remains well-integrated and widely adapted by those involved in construction processes.