Enhancing DX Talent through AI-Driven App Development Training Program

In September 2026, Funai Consulting Supply Chain Consulting Co., Ltd., based in Chuo, Tokyo, launched a comprehensive training program targeting all employees. The initiative focused on teaching employees how to utilize the low-code platform, Zoho Creator, integrated with generative AI to design and build business applications themselves.

This training was part of their strategy to cultivate a new breed of consultants who can understand business needs and create or enhance applications on-site, accelerating digital transformation (DX) for their client companies.

Transitioning from 'Using' to 'Creating' in the AI Era

The landscape of business improvement has drastically changed with the advancements in generative AI. However, it's crucial to note that while AI offers significant advantages, it cannot, by itself, construct a comprehensive business system that accounts for security, permission management, and database design. The training enabled participants to learn practical methods for self-building "usable business applications" by combining Zoho Creator with generative AI capabilities.

During the training, employees engaged hands-on, starting from scratch to create business applications, thus experiencing first-hand the differences and applications of AI-generated solutions.

Three-Hour Hands-On Experience in App Development

Conducted in a practical format lasting around three hours, the training equipped each employee with an environment using Zoho Creator to actively engage in building apps. The training covered aspects such as:

- Understanding the basic structure of Zoho Creator and the principles of low-code development
- Hands-on building of business applications (e.g., creating consigner masters)
- Utilizing AI assistant “Zia” for form generation
- Leveraging a specialized Gemini-based assistant “Gem” for app design and data file generation
- Designing business applications including workflows, notifications, and permission settings
- Creating original applications based on each employee's specific work themes

This was not just a traditional operation training; it was structured to teach employees the process of conveying real-world business requirements to AI and implementing those needs in app form.

Innovative Apps Developed by Employees

In the latter half of the training, employees were encouraged to conceptualize and develop applications addressing their daily business challenges. Examples of actual applications created include:

- Consigner master management application
- Driver daily report application
- Invoice issuance system
- Warehouse quality control application
- Accident reporting application

These applications considered functionality like storing image databases, notifications via email, account permissions for viewing, and were designed with practical usability in mind.

Developing DX Talent Who Can Create and Improve on the Spot

The training also introduced the concept of the Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), an emerging role in the AI industry. FDEs actively engage with clients to identify their on-site challenges and develop or enhance systems and applications on the spot. Funai Consulting Supply Chain Consulting aims to incorporate this approach into their logistics consulting efforts. By having employees listen to clients' on-site challenges and utilize AI for real-time prototyping and improvement of business applications, they strive to enhance the speed and impact of DX support.

From 'Using AI' to 'Creating with AI' as an Organization

The training demonstrated the powerful capabilities when combining the low-code foundation of Zoho Creator with generative AI, showcasing how organizations can rapidly develop comprehensive business applications, including input forms, dashboards, notifications, and workflows.

For employees, this was a significant opportunity to gain practical DX skills and experience.

Future Initiatives

Funai Consulting Supply Chain Consulting continues to bolster its DX support within the logistics and supply chain sectors. Moving forward, they will persist in fostering talent development that leverages AI and low-code technologies, promoting an organizational culture where employees can create their business improvement tools. This will further enhance their DX support services for client companies, assuring continuous growth and innovation within the industry.

Company Overview

Company Name: Funai Consulting Supply Chain Consulting Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0028
Osaka Office: 3-2-123 Umeda, Kita, Osaka 530-0001
CEO: Naoyuki Hashimoto
Established: May 10, 2000
Capital: 980 million JPY
Phone: 03-4223-3163
Email: [email protected]
Website: sc.funaisoken.co.jp