#Japan #construction #Tokyo #IoT-EX #BizMobile

Introduction to BizMobile Go! for Construction

IoT-EX Inc., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has officially launched a new solution specifically tailored for the construction industry, named 'BizMobile Go! for Construction.' This option is an extension of their existing cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) service, 'BizMobile Go!'. The service aims to address both the industry’s digital transformation (DX) and pressing security challenges while complying with newly implemented labor regulations beginning April 2024.

The Need for Enhanced Security and Productivity in Construction

Current Challenges in the Construction Sector

The construction industry faces significant challenges, including dispersed work sites, a variety of subcontractors, and outdated paper-based information management systems. These structural issues lead to delays in project timelines and inefficient resource allocation, ultimately affecting overall productivity. The heavy reliance on paper for plans and progress management means that information updates can be slow, leading to critical delays and reduced efficiency on-site.

Moreover, the growing use of advanced digital data such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and electronic drawings on mobile devices has increased the stakes for data security. Given the dynamic nature of construction sites, maintaining a consistent security policy is nearly impossible without automated systems, significantly raising the risk of data breaches.

Addressing the 2024 Labor Regulations

In addition to these challenges, the construction industry is also grappling with the new labor regulations effective from April 2024, which limit overtime work with strict penalties. The introduction of these limits could jeopardize previously established profit models, presenting further risks of project delays.

In this context, digital transformation in construction is no longer merely an option but a crucial strategy for survival. To comply with these upcoming labor restrictions, it's necessary to rethink workflows and eliminate unproductive time on-site.

Automated Security Management and Enhanced Productivity

The introduction of 'BizMobile Go! for Construction' presents significant advantages in security management. Under the pressures of the 2024 labor regulations, the time spent by on-site staff to manually adjust device settings for security compliance is increasingly seen as a waste of productivity.

This solution employs a geofencing feature that enables automated adjustments of device functions and applications as workers enter specific security areas, streamlining their operations. Immediately upon entering the construction site, required work applications can be launched, eliminating delays caused by manual adjustments or configuration errors. Thus, 'BizMobile Go! for Construction' not only enhances data security but also serves as a strategic tool for maximizing efficiency within the limited hours of labor.

Mapping Solutions to Industry Challenges

Security, Productivity, and Privacy Solutions

The solution tackles several intertwined challenges faced by the construction industry:

• - Risk of Confidential Data Leakage: The service incorporates geofencing to disable camera functionalities in security-sensitive areas, preventing unauthorized filming or information leaks.
• - Maintaining Productivity under Labor Regulations: Automatic activation of business applications allows staff to begin work immediately after entering a site, reducing setup time and enhancing efficiency.
• - Privacy Concerns with BYOD Policies: The service ensures non-collection of personal app information, promoting a balance between user privacy and the acceptance of BYOD.
• - Data Protection against Device Theft: Devices can be enforced to stop functioning when moved outside designated areas, minimizing the risks associated with loss or theft.

Technical Advantages and Features

Highlighting Patented Technologies

At the heart of 'BizMobile Go! for Construction' lies IoT-EX's proprietary patented technology (International Publication Number WO2009/096561), which allows for enhanced privacy and security management without compromising user privacy. Administrators can only recognize triggers when devices enter or exit pre-defined geofenced areas, eliminating the ability to track user location history or device logs.

This geofencing capability enables administrators to enforce security measures seamlessly while ensuring that employees' personal data remains intact and untraceable.

Advanced Security Controls Tailored for Construction Sites

To meet the specific security needs of construction environments, the solution offers an array of control features:

• - Total Camera Function Disabling: On entering sensitive areas like construction sites or research facilities, all camera functionalities, including those in other apps, can be disabled to prevent unauthorized data capture.
• - Application Access Control: Only necessary applications appear upon entry into designated areas, while non-work-related apps remain hidden, ensuring focus on essential tasks.
• - Device Usage Control: Should devices be taken out of authorized areas, they can automatically switch to restricted modes to prevent any unauthorized usage, significantly minimizing the risk of breaches.

Flexible Options Based on Site Needs

The geofencing capabilities can be complemented by add-on options like NFC-based switching for specific scenarios, allowing for dynamic adjustments tailored to the unique demands of various environments.

Conclusion: Enhancing Operational Efficiency

'BizMobile Go! for Construction' is not merely an enhancement of security; it is about facilitating a transformation in how the construction industry approaches productivity. Through automated device management, IoT-EX empowers construction projects to uphold strict security protocols while streamlining operations and maintaining workforce efficiency amid new labor regulations. As organizations look forward to a sustainable future, these technological advancements will be critical to thriving in an increasingly digitized landscape.