#Japan #Osaka #AWL #FaceWatch #Sushiro

Sushiro Introduces AWL's 'FaceWatch' Facial Recognition Solution to Enhance Security

In a significant advancement for the restaurant industry, Sushiro, the largest conveyor-belt sushi chain in Japan, has announced the implementation of AWL's facial recognition solution, "FaceWatch," across all its locations nationwide. AWL, an edge AI startup originating from Hokkaido University, promotes the digitization of real-world environments and has partnered with Sushiro's parent company, FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES (F&LC), to launch this cutting-edge technology. This move is seen as a major step towards digital transformation (DX) within the food service and retail sectors.

Background and Objectives of 'FaceWatch' Implementation

Sushiro operates approximately 650 locations and employs over 50,000 staff members, which necessitates an efficient and accurate employee attendance management system. Traditionally, employees recorded their attendance manually, but instances of missed clock-ins and unreported overtime led to difficulties in monitoring actual working hours. Given these challenges, Sushiro recognized the need for a solution that could provide real-time verification of employees' entry and exit times.

Previously, access control relied on keypad systems, which failed to identify individual users without leaving room for error. Furthermore, existing facial recognition technologies struggled to operate effectively in low-light conditions or outdoors, highlighting a need for more advanced solutions.

To address these problems, AWL, leveraging its advanced research and development capabilities, collaborated with Nikkoku Software Co., Ltd. to develop a dedicated facial recognition platform. After a year and a half of rigorous evaluation and pilot testing with F&LC, Sushiro decided to roll out "FaceWatch" across its entire chain.

Key Features and Advantages of 'FaceWatch'

"FaceWatch" is a next-generation employee management system that integrates operational efficiency with enhanced security features:

• - Facial recognition-based entry and exit management: Seamlessly connects with electronic locking systems.
• - Prevention of unauthorized access: Ensures that only authorized personnel can enter, effectively blocking ex-employees and strangers.
• - Attendance tracking capabilities: Automatically reconciles attendance records with entry and exit logs.
• - Detection of unreported overtime: Identifies discrepancies to promote accurate working hour reporting.
• - Integration with AI cameras: Collaboratively innovates with AWLBOX for advanced operational management.
• - Development of work eligibility verification for foreign employees: Upcoming feature expected to simplify compliance with employment laws.

Expected Outcomes

The introduction of "FaceWatch" is expected to yield substantial benefits, including:

• - Phase-out of traditional PIN-based access operations for employees, enhancing security and user experience.
• - Accurate monitoring of actual working hours, which is crucial for effective labor management.
• - Improved labor management efficiencies and a conducive working environment through better record-keeping of employee access and exit times.

Voice from Sushiro's Human Resources Department

Matsumoto from F&LC's labor section shared, "Our HR team is dedicated to creating an exceptional work environment to retain talent. However, managing the attendance of over 50,000 employees poses significant challenges. Our previous manual methods caused discrepancies and lacked reliability. That's why we sought a solution that could validate entry and exit times against attendance records, a necessity driven by our operational needs.

We explored other biometric options but faced hurdles with costs and installation requirements. In contrast, AWL's solution proved to be cost-effective and offered superior accuracy and customizable features. After trialing their system, we realized it was a perfect match for managing our extensive workforce and decided to proceed with the implementation.

In light of the anticipated labor shortages in the restaurant industry due to the '2030 problem,' enhancing labor management efficiency is essential. We aim to utilize this solution to minimize correction duties for clock-ins and optimize shifts, further tackling our operational challenges while reducing labor management costs and improving workplace conditions."

Future Developments

Moving forward, AWL and Sushiro plan to use the "FaceWatch" implementation as a launching pad for further digital transformation initiatives in labor management. They intend to explore the utilization of AI technology for optimizing job processes. Additionally, to share knowledge with a broader audience, they will host a joint webinar titled "Sushiro x AWL" focusing on workplace fairness and the impact of edge AI facial recognition technology. Through this platform, participants will learn about the realities of the implementation process and the benefits it brings to workplace environments.

Webinar Details

This collaborative webinar will cover:

• - Rationale behind Sushiro's decision to implement AWL's facial recognition system.
• - Use of AI in preventing unauthorized access and managing employee attendance effectively.
• - Open Q&A and discussion.

The webinar is particularly beneficial for HR and store management professionals in the foodservice and retail industries, especially those looking to streamline labor management and enhance workplace safety.

Date: July 17, 2025
Registration URL: Registration Link

For more about AWL and their innovative solutions, visit their website.