#Japan #Kumamoto #Infomart #BtoB Platform #Iwashita Brothers

Iwashita Brothers Drives Efficiency with BtoB Platforms

Iwashita Brothers, a long-established pachinko chain with over 70 years of history, operates 23 locations under the names "Monaco Palace" and "Ginbasha" in Kumamoto and Miyazaki Prefectures. Recently, the company has adopted Infomart's BtoB platform series, specifically the "BtoB Platform Invoice" and "BtoB Platform TRADE," to tackle several operational challenges, particularly in invoice processing.

Challenges Before Adoption

Prior to implementing the BtoB platforms, Iwashita Brothers faced significant hurdles in managing its invoicing processes. Each month, they received up to 1,000 paper invoices from around 200 suppliers, creating a tight processing window of approximately 15 days from receipt to payment. During busy times, such as New Year and Golden Week, the workload intensified, leaving staff under extreme pressure. Furthermore, the risk of losing paper invoices and unclear approval processes added to operational inefficiencies.

Invoices that remained on desks at various locations often went unnoticed by the headquarters, leading to potential processing delays. The approval system was also convoluted, requiring multiple levels of authorization both at the storefront and headquarters. Additionally, achieving uniform pricing for items ordered by different stores was challenging, complicating the company's financial oversight.

The Decision to Implement

The turning point came in 2016 when a supplier requested the acceptance of electronic invoices using Infomart's "BtoB Platform Invoice." Realizing that receiving invoices digitally would simplify cumbersome processes, Iwashita Brothers saw this as an opportunity to enhance their operations. The platform’s ability to exchange data directly without converting documents to PDFs allowed for improved visibility, collaboration among multiple stakeholders, and the streamlining of their previously fragmented approval process.

Impact of Implementation

The integration of the BtoB platforms has drastically reduced the time spent on invoice processing. Monthly, the company now saves between 400 to 500 hours of work, equivalent to six to seven working days. This remarkable reduction stemmed from the immediate digital delivery of invoices from suppliers, enabling effective management of approximately 90% of received invoices through the "BP Storage for Invoice Receipt". Tasks that traditionally consumed hours filing paper invoices are now reallocated to analytical work, reducing wasteful procurement and improving strategic focus.

An unexpected bonus from this digital transformation occurred during the severe flooding caused by torrential rains in Kumamoto in July 2020, when the electronic documentation allowed the company to continue its invoice and payment procedures without interruption, showcasing its resilience and strength in business continuity planning (BCP).

Furthermore, the implementation of "BtoB Platform TRADE" allowed for the digitalization of around 500 delivery slips issued monthly from 13 suppliers. This initiative not only aggregated procurement from various vendors but also facilitated centralized management of inventory orders, mitigating the risk of accumulating paper documents and streamlining the reconciliation process between invoices and delivery slips.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Iwashita Brothers aims to expand the utility of the BtoB Platform TRADE beyond prize goods to include the ordering of supplies and management of construction requests. This ambition ties into their broader digital transformation (DX) strategy, wherein they are increasingly leveraging sophisticated data analytics for marketing efforts to distinguish themselves from competitors. Plans to incorporate AI into their data analysis processes are underway, aiming to set a foundation for strategic decision-making.

As more DX tools and data are accumulated within their ecosystem, Iwashita Brothers firmly steps toward a future of enhanced efficiency and innovation, reaffirming their commitment to evolving with the digital landscape.

Service Overview

BtoB Platform Invoice: This cloud service offers comprehensive support for invoicing operations, from creation to receipt and payment notifications. Recognized as the leading service in Japan, it significantly improves time, cost, and effort associated with invoicing procedures, promoting a transition to paperless operations and facilitating remote work for accounting teams.

BtoB Platform TRADE: This digital service encompasses critical business transactions such as quoting, ordering, receiving, and inspection, allowing businesses to manage their interactions comprehensively in the cloud. When integrated with other services from Infomart, it ensures a seamless flow of transactions, supporting operational efficiency and driving DX initiatives.

Company Overview

Iwashita Brothers

• - Company Name: Iwashita Brothers Inc.
• - CEO: Yōzō Iwashita
• - Headquarters: Nakaoei-cho, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
• - Founded: April 1952
• - Capital: 330 million yen (as of March 2025)
• - Business: Management of gaming halls (pachinko parlors)
• - Employees: 882 (as of March 2025)
• - Website: Iwashita Brothers

Infomart

• - Company Name: Infomart Inc. (TSE Prime Market: 2492)
• - CEO: Ken Nakajima
• - Headquarters: Shiodome Shiba Rikyū Building, 1-2-3 Kaigan, Minato, Tokyo, Japan
• - Founded: February 13, 1998
• - Capital: 32.125 billion yen (as of June 2025)
• - Business: Operation of BtoB (electronic transaction between businesses) platforms
• - Employees: 794 (as of June 2025)
• - Website: Infomart