#Japan #Tokyo #Beyond #AI Worker #Forone Holdings

Introduction of AI Worker 'Beyond'

Forone Holdings, based in Sumida, Tokyo, has taken a notable step in the digital transformation of workplaces by introducing an AI employee named 'Beyond'. This innovation was launched in collaboration with Environmental Tech Solutions, a joint partner in creating the EcoTraceDX platform, specifically tailored to operate within the Microsoft Teams environment.

The training for this AI employee began on June 12, 2026. Since then, the company has experimented with various tasks including document preparation, information retrieval, and email editing. In the first week of July, ten employees utilized 'Beyond' for an impressive total of 7,300 minutes, resulting in 1,508 exchanges and the production of 75 distinct outputs. This translates to an average engagement of about 146 minutes per employee per working day, effectively proving the AI's capability and usability.

Addressing AI Utilization Challenges

Historically, one of the significant barriers to effective AI implementation in businesses has been the gap between adoption and regular use. While a McKinsey report indicated that 88% of companies utilize AI for at least one task, only a third have integrated it company-wide. Additionally, a BCG survey pointed out that 74% of businesses struggle to demonstrate concrete value from their AI initiatives.

Forone has pinpointed the issue that many companies focus solely on distributing AI tools without ensuring regular engagement with them. By operationalizing AI as an employee rather than just a tool, they design role specifications, reference materials, permissions, and approval processes that fit each unique company environment.

Operational Mechanics of 'Beyond'

The functionality of 'Beyond' allows employees to treat the AI as a collaborative partner. Users can request assistance via familiar platforms like Slack or Teams, eliminating the need to learn new software. Forone facilitates necessary settings for connections and responses, allowing for seamless integration.

Moreover, the AI isn't limited to answering queries; it actively contributes to recording improvement suggestions identified in daily tasks which helps in re-evaluating operations based on feedback.

Recent Usage Metrics

During the week from July 9 to July 15, 2026, the AI worker demonstrated significant productivity:

• - Users: 10 employees
• - Estimated Usage Time: 7,300 minutes
• - Average Daily Usage Per Employee: ~146 minutes (approx. 2.5 hours)
• - Total Interactions: 1,508
• - Outputs Produced: 75

These metrics showcase that 'Beyond' was not only employed extensively but also generated tangible outputs across multiple tasks, confirming its value in enhancing workflow.

Key Application Areas

Post-training sessions held on June 12, Beyond has been actively used in various capacities, including:

• - Creating internal and external documents
• - Disseminating regular news updates and information retrieval
• - Summarizing and organizing document content
• - Editing email drafts
• - Producing tables and summaries
• - Prototyping business web pages

Statements from Leadership

Shinji Shirai, CEO of Environmental Tech Solutions, emphasized that the focus should be on creating a practical environment where employees can seamlessly integrate AI into their daily tasks, minimizing the burden of learning new tools while maximizing effectiveness in document creation and information structuring.

Kotaro Shirai, CEO of Forone Holdings, added that the key requirement for companies is not merely the quantity of AI accounts, but establishing a system where responsibilities can be delegated to the AI efficiently, thus enhancing overall workplace productivity. The insights gained from implementing AI at Forone serve as valuable feedback for tailoring solutions for client companies.

Consultation for AI Worker Deployment

Forone is now open to consultations regarding the deployment of AI workers within Slack and Microsoft Teams. They assist businesses in evaluating their operational environments, designing supportive structures for approvals, delivering adjustments based on usage feedback, and ultimately ensuring the successful integration of AI into their workflow. Interested companies are encouraged to reach out for tailored solutions.

For more detailed inquiries and service consultation, visit Forone's Website or contact them at [email protected].