#Japan #architecture #Kitakyushu #QUANDO #SynQ Remote

Overhauling Architectural Inspections: The Role of SynQ Remote

In an innovative shift in the field of building inspections, QUANDO, a startup based in Kitakyushu, Japan, has rolled out its remote support tool, SynQ Remote, in compliance with regulations set by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This initiative, in collaboration with House Plus Housing Guarantee Co., Ltd., has led to the successful implementation of remote architectural inspection practices, officially designated as 'Remote B', starting in May 2024 across multiple areas in Japan.

The Challenge: Limiting Factors in Inspection Services

Building inspections are critically dependent on qualified personnel who assess legal compliance. However, challenges such as an aging workforce and a shortage of skilled workers have made it difficult for inspection teams to expand their coverage. The burdens associated with travel, especially in remote areas, limit the flexibility of inspection services, posing a significant barrier to meeting the increasing demands from national clients for comprehensive inspection coverage. In response, House Plus Housing Guarantee has embraced a phased approach towards developing remote inspection operations aligned with national frameworks, culminating in the launch of the Remote B system.

Overview of the Initiative: Navigating the Remote B Framework

The Remote B system involves the presence of a local attendant and assistant while a qualified inspector evaluates the site through a live video feed. This operation utilizes SynQ Remote, connecting inspectors with the site via smartphones. The application incorporates features such as pointer functions that synchronize perspectives between remote and on-site personnel, effectively minimizing the risk of overlooked details while ensuring precision in judgment and record-keeping.

Key Operational Innovations for Quality Assurance

1. Fixed Assistant Roles: By consistently involving the same assistant during inspections, the teams can share insights regarding critical inspection points, enhancing reproducibility and consistency in the inspection process.
2. Standardized Procedures: Initially, techniques such as sketching on blueprints were employed, progressing step-by-step towards standardization and pattern recognition.
3. Simplicity in Device Design: Taking into account the need for wide deployment, the system was designed to leverage smartphones, thereby minimizing training and onboarding burdens.

Observations from Remote Inspections

The application of this system has yielded several notable benefits for House Plus Housing Guarantee:
1. Sustaining Remote Inspection Services: Remote inspections have become a viable option even in regions like Fukuoka, effectively reducing missed opportunities in providing services that cater to national clients.
2. Improved Operational Efficiency: Previously, inspection teams could only manage one or two cases over two days, but under the new design, it has become possible to conduct two to three inspections in just half a day, creating greater flexibility in workload management.
3. Maintaining Inspection Duration Without Compromising Quality: By allowing local assistants to collaborate closely with qualified inspectors, the process can sustain inspection durations similar to on-site checks, averaging around 30 minutes, without sacrificing quality.

Future Outlook: Exploring Remote C

Looking ahead, QUANDO is setting its sights on a new phase that would involve only local assistants on site with qualified inspectors and stakeholders participating remotely—termed 'Remote C'. This development aims to alleviate travel burdens for on-site managers and provide more scheduling flexibility. Nonetheless, the company recognizes the importance of addressing issues related to key management and accountability in unmanned sites, emphasizing the need for gradual trials and evaluations to refine this operational model.

As a representative from House Plus Housing Guarantee expressed, “Building inspections are not just about visual assessments. Even with remote inspections, ensuring quality remains our utmost priority.”

About House Plus Housing Guarantee Co., Ltd.

House Plus is a designated inspection body responsible for executing building confirmations based on the Building Standards Act, headquartered in Tokyo with offices in Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. They conduct approximately 15,000 inspections annually, promoting consistent quality in an area demanding high accountability.

About QUANDO, Inc.

Founded in April 2017, QUANDO is a startup committed to modernizing regional and legacy industries, recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as part of the J-Startup 2023 program. The company aims to address labor shortages while innovating through its remote solutions and real-world integration, paving the way for a dynamic transformation in construction-related sectors.

For more details, visit the QUANDO official page.