Transforming Legacy Business Operations with AI Support for SMEs

In today's competitive landscape, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face substantial operational challenges, particularly those stemming from reliance on individual employees for critical business processes. Recognizing this pervasive issue, Likebird Inc., based in Tokyo's Chuo Ward, has introduced an AI implementation support service aimed at empowering SMEs to streamline their operations and reduce the inherent risks associated with personnel changes.

Likebird Inc., under the leadership of CEO Shinpei Kataoka, specializes in consulting for legacy systems, focusing on the modernization and operational continuity of critical business functions. As of July 9, 2026, the new service is officially launched after successful pilot programs with several companies, confirming its effectiveness in real-world applications.

Addressing the Dependence on Individual Employees

SMEs often face a dilemma where single employees juggle multiple responsibilities, leading to operational bottlenecks especially when these key personnel leave or transfer. This problem is amplified when new AI tools are introduced without adequate preparation, resulting in the solidification of existing dependencies rather than alleviating them. The AI implementation support service from Likebird is designed to address these challenges by helping companies clarify their decision-making processes and visualize workflows prior to the introduction of AI technologies.

Key Features of the Service

The AI implementation support service is structured to provide comprehensive assistance over a three-month period. Here's what the service entails:

1. Understanding and Organizing Core Operations: This involves compiling hand-operated tasks, organizing workflows, articulating bottlenecks, and achieving consensus on strategic direction.

2. Designing Effective Structures: It further includes clearly documenting decision-making criteria, drafting business design documents, and creating a list of potential AI applications tailored to the company’s needs.

3. Facilitating Functionality: The final phase focuses on building a simplified AI tool (one) and developing operational manuals to ensure smooth adoption.

The Commitment to Self-Sufficiency

Likebird's approach emphasizes a long-term goal whereby the participating company reaches a state of self-sufficiency. This means that after the completion of the support program, the company should be capable of operating independently, making informed decisions, and continuously enhancing their processes without reliance on external assistance.

Pricing and Packages

The monthly service fee starts at 700,000 yen (excluding tax), with various plans available depending on the size of the enterprise and the scope of support required. Interested companies can initiate the process with a free consultation aimed at structuring their operational challenges and presenting viable AI-driven solutions.

Ideal Candidates for the Service

This service is particularly beneficial for SMEs with annual revenues ranging from 500 million to 10 billion yen, or comparable divisions within larger corporations. Additionally, it caters to organizations that face challenges due to limited personnel and where individuals are overloaded with multiple tasks. Key industries include retail, logistics, manufacturing, and specialized trading companies,

The Challenge of Outdated Practices

Many organizations struggle with outdated processes that solely reside in the minds of specific individuals, trapping businesses in repetitive tasks that stifle growth and adaptation. Likebird’s mission is to assist these enterprises in overcoming these hurdles, allowing them to focus on growth rather than merely managing routines.

In conclusion, the AI implementation support service from Likebird Inc. represents a pivotal step for SMEs seeking to modernize and enhance their operations. It promises to provide the necessary framework for taking control of business processes while mitigating the risks of personnel dependency.