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The relentless rise in material prices is putting pressure on the management of the equipment industry. While the revised Construction Industry Law requires appropriate price transfer, it has become difficult to cope with this solely through traditional material procurement and cost management. This article explains specific measures such as strengthening the ability to respond to price fluctuations through construction cost management systems, diversifying suppliers and spreading risks, and digital transformation of procurement operations through EDI utilization. By establishing a real-time cost management system and streamlining procurement operations, it becomes possible to mitigate the impact of rising material prices and secure stable profits. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further information.*

"Without the president, we can't provide estimates," "When the veteran takes a break, the site can't operate." 74.1% of the construction industry feels the impact of task dependency, facing serious risks such as decreased operational efficiency and increased employee burden. This article explains three serious risks caused by task dependency and a solution approach utilizing digital transformation (DX). "Visualization," "centralized management," and "making know-how visible" are key points for resolving task dependency. The 7 steps for standardizing operations can be easily implemented even by small and medium-sized enterprises. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

The aging of craftsmen in the construction industry is a serious issue, and securing young talent is also challenging. With the departure of skilled craftsmen, techniques and know-how are lost, leading to a decline in the overall construction capability of the company, which could impact business continuity. This article explains how to utilize digital technology to visualize the skills of skilled craftsmen and create an environment where learning can take place without the constraints of time and location by turning in-house construction videos into educational materials. By combining the skills of skilled craftsmen with digital technology, sustainable skill transfer becomes possible. *For more details about the blog, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

Addressing the revised Construction Industry Law's "standard labor costs" is not only one of the focal points but also an opportunity for management transformation that goes beyond legal compliance. This article explains three response challenges: reviewing contracts and contract terms, creating estimates that include material costs, and calculating appropriate labor costs based on daily construction volume. By streamlining legal compliance through digital transformation (DX) while enhancing management capabilities, we can visualize construction capacity through the DX of daily construction volume, achieve both legal compliance and profit assurance through clarification of labor costs, and continuously enhance management capabilities through data utilization. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

We will explain a realistic DX strategy for the equipment industry that can be started right away, along with specific steps. We will begin digitalization from familiar areas and gradually advance towards business improvement through data utilization and strengthening collaboration with business partners. To avoid failures in DX implementation, we will introduce four key points: phased implementation, employee involvement, continuous improvement, and how to utilize public support. Due to the increasing demands for digital responses from clients, the need to improve productivity to solve labor shortages, and the necessity to secure competitive advantages, it is essential to start working on DX immediately. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

The wave of digitalization has arrived even in the long-standing paper reports and Excel management in the fire protection equipment industry. This article explains the real challenges of inspection work, such as the breakdown of Excel management and paper ledgers, the storm of rescheduling, inefficient travel, forgotten estimates, and billing omissions, along with solutions through digitalization. It allows for one-stop management of contract ledgers, business management, report creation, billing, and repair estimates, and enables the development of new added value and new services, such as preventive maintenance using accumulated data. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

The labor population is decreasing, the aging population is increasing, prices are rising, and the construction industry law is being revised, leading to a dramatic change in the environment surrounding the equipment industry. The promotion of DX (digital transformation) in the construction industry is lagging behind, and the digital divide is beginning to widen. This article explains five barriers to DX in the equipment industry: the misunderstanding that "digital equals neglecting the field," personnel issues that create a digital divide, concerns about return on investment, industry customs and relationships with business partners, and confusion over the rapid pace of technological change. By centralizing cost estimation, construction cost management, and daily construction reports, we can achieve greater visibility and efficiency in operations. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

The enforcement of the revised Construction Industry Law has significantly changed the business practices in the construction industry. This article divides the response to the revised Construction Industry Law into seven areas and organizes specific checkpoints. It discusses the review of labor costs and wage systems, responses to fluctuations in material prices, changes in engineer placement rules, a review of the specific construction industry permit system, the proper management of contracts and estimates, responses to work style reforms and the two-day weekend, and the establishment of internal systems. It also introduces common misunderstandings and response mistakes that occur on-site through examples. *For more detailed content of the blog, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

With the introduction of standard labor costs under the revised Construction Industry Law, many may be concerned that the estimated amounts will become almost the same, making differentiation difficult. This article explains how to quantify your company's technical capabilities and know-how as "company-specific labor costs" and reflect them in estimates to achieve differentiation from competitors. It also introduces methods for creating company-specific labor costs based on performance data, as well as how to present explanatory materials and evidence to persuade clients. If you have digitized construction cost management and daily construction reports, you can significantly reduce labor. *For more details on the blog, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

In public works bidding, it will be difficult to secure profits while winning bids using the traditional methods of relying on "intuition and experience." This article explains the pre-announcement system for estimated prices and its impact on bidding, the necessary estimation skills to win bids, and the benefits of utilizing cost calculation tools. Particular attention should be paid to variable factors and adjustments to cost calculation items in cost calculations. By utilizing cost calculation tools, even beginners in bidding can calculate bid prices as long as they have basic estimation skills. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

The revised Construction Industry Law will be gradually enforced starting in 2024, and immediate action is required by December 2025. Failure to comply may result in serious risks such as the revocation of construction permits or suspension of designation. This article explains the content of the revisions by enforcement period, the risks of delayed response, and how to respond efficiently with limited time and manpower. Measures utilizing DX and digital tools, such as standardizing cost estimates and managing costs through execution budgets, are effective. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

The revised Construction Industry Law, which is being implemented in stages starting from the 6th year of Reiwa, aims for the sustainable development of the construction industry through improvements in labor conditions and the proper conduct of transactions. However, the revisions set to be enforced within the 7th year of Reiwa include content that will affect the business practices of the construction industry. This article organizes the details of the revisions by implementation timing and explains how to obtain information based on the official announcements as of May, as well as advanced information. It also introduces examples of digital utilization that are useful for addressing the revised Construction Industry Law, such as the digitization of cost estimation and construction cost management. *For more detailed content of the blog, please refer to the related links. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.*

Amid the rising prices of materials and fuel, as well as a serious labor shortage, the decline in profit margins has become a significant challenge for those in the construction industry. This article discusses four challenges and solutions: the inability to secure profits during the estimation phase, increased material procurement costs, decreased productivity due to labor shortages and overwork, and intensified price competition. By implementing DX tools such as estimation systems, construction cost management systems, attendance management systems, and public works expense calculation tools, improvements in profit margins can be achieved. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

Public works projects have the potential to be a stable source of revenue, but for companies without a track record, bidding can be a hurdle. This article explains points to increase the winning rate for bidding beginners, such as target selection, strategies for gaining points in management review items, and improving the efficiency of bid price calculation through digital utilization. It also introduces key points of the amendments to the Construction Industry Law that affect bidding, such as easing the securing of engineers and proper price transfer. *For more details, you can view the blog through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Young employees who were hired with great effort leave immediately. In recent years, 30% of new graduates leave within three years, making it a particularly serious issue in the equipment industry, where securing talent is challenging. This article points out the friction caused by generational differences in values as a reason for early turnover and explains specific measures to improve relationships with supervisors and prevent early departures. It is effective for supervisors and senior employees to learn how to engage and to set up a "bridge" that aligns their perspectives with young employees. The article also introduces methods to strengthen intergenerational connections through the use of digital transformation (DX). *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

The end of the fiscal year, when many construction projects are completed or started, is a busy period for the construction industry, and it is also the time for submitting financial statement amendments. Are you spending a lot of time and effort collecting and aggregating data using paper construction ledgers or Excel? This article explains five benefits of digitizing construction ledgers: centralized management of construction information and costs, automation of budget preparation, significant reduction in report creation time, real-time access, and ease of data analysis. It also introduces key points for successfully implementing digitization. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

Amidst a severe labor shortage and rising prices causing negative impacts, the utilization of AI and the efforts towards digital transformation (DX) by small and medium-sized construction companies are urgent necessities. This article explains the characteristics and complementary relationship of both AI utilization and DX. AI utilization helps in the efficiency and improvement of specific tasks, while DX plays a role in transforming the entire company. As for determining priorities, four processes are introduced: current situation analysis, linking to management issues, resource allocation, and realistic implementation without strain. The idea of incorporating AI into a small-scale DX is recommended. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for further information.*

Are measures being taken in response to the revised Construction Industry Law that will be enacted by mid-2025? This revision includes important content that fundamentally changes the business practices of the construction industry. This article explains the aims of the revision, such as resolving low wages and long working hours that are causing a shortage of workers, raising wages, and reducing working hours through digitalization, as well as key points of the revision like the recommendation of standard labor costs for estimates, the prohibition of contracts below cost, and the obligation to provide information on the risks of rising material costs. With a small start, small and medium-sized enterprises can implement these changes without difficulty and with low risk. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.

The fire protection equipment industry is facing challenges such as market contraction due to a decrease in the number of new housing starts and a labor shortage, and it can be said that it is at a significant turning point. To turn this turning point into a positive change, it is believed that technological innovations such as DX (digital transformation) and the creation of new businesses will be necessary. We will introduce the benefits brought by DX, such as improved operational efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced safety, along with specific successful case studies, and consider initiatives for a better future in the fire protection equipment industry. *For more details about the blog, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

There is an increasing number of business owners in the equipment industry who want to actively utilize the abilities of female employees, and activities of the women's section of unions are also becoming more active. To continue and develop businesses, utilizing female talent is an unavoidable challenge. In the equipment industry, which has traditionally been male-dominated, it is essential for the entire company to understand gender issues in order to actively accept and enable women to thrive. In some cases, it may be necessary to reassess the company culture and common practices. By fostering an understanding of gender and eliminating unconscious biases, we aim to create a workplace where everyone can work comfortably, and we hope this will be the first step toward creating an environment where the abilities of all employees can be maximized. *For more details about the blog, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

In recent years, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine issue, and the soaring prices of construction materials, compounded by the depreciation of the yen, has become serious. Not only in the construction industry, but the number of small and medium-sized enterprises going bankrupt due to the weak yen is also increasing. While measures such as innovative procurement of materials and the application of sliding clauses can be considered to address the rising costs of construction materials, it can be said that these alone are insufficient to cope with the situation. It is necessary to review the entire business, not just procurement and costs, and to implement initiatives to enhance profitability. This article will explain efforts to increase profits through digital transformation (DX). *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more details.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, digitalization presents an opportunity for growth, but it is also a challenge that carries the risk of failure. If successful, digitalization can enhance productivity and create a more comfortable workplace; however, it can also lead to difficulties. This column will discuss examples of failures in digitalization among small and medium-sized enterprises and introduce key points to avoid such failures. Additionally, we will explain how to approach digitalization without failure, focusing on specific considerations for the construction industry and models for utilizing digital tools. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further information.*

Due to regulations on working hours from work style reforms and a decrease in the younger population caused by low birth rates and an aging society, there is a serious labor shortage across all industries. Securing young talent is essential for the survival of businesses, and the recruitment and retention of young employees have become important challenges. We will introduce the values and work perspectives of the younger generation that business owners should understand for successful recruitment, as well as the negative words that can trigger job offer declines and early departures. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Regarding the overtime work limit regulations that will be implemented in April 2024, a survey indicated that 70% of construction industry managers expect "even tougher business conditions." As part of the work style reform, correcting long working hours is a necessary measure from a long-term perspective. However, in the short term, serious impacts such as accelerated labor shortages and increased labor costs are anticipated for companies. We will explain practical measures, including the use of digital tools, to address the reduction of overtime that cannot be managed solely through labor management systems. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

The invoice system, electronic bookkeeping preservation law, and regulations on overtime work are significant legal reforms that have a major impact on the equipment industry, which is undergoing a major turning point. Due to changes in the business environment brought about by these legal reforms, risks that were previously not perceived as urgent are rapidly becoming apparent. Can digitalization contribute to risk management, which has become an urgent issue for the equipment industry? This article will focus on the challenges faced by the equipment industry and their countermeasures through the use of digital technology. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

It seems that the number of businesses closing due to a lack of successors, which had been a concern as a social issue related to the declining birthrate and aging population, has decreased compared to the previous year. There has been an increase in business succession from owner-managers to successors outside of their families. The demand for business succession and M&A is expected to rise even further in the future. On the other hand, there are not a few small and medium-sized enterprises that fall into poor management after succession. This article will explain the key points for achieving smooth business succession and M&A, as well as the contributions of digitalization. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

Digitalization is rapidly advancing across various industries and sectors. The construction and equipment industries are no exception, but small and medium-sized enterprises face hurdles such as costs and a lack of personnel, making it likely that it will take time for DX and digitalization to become widespread. However, if we can achieve greater efficiency in construction management and improve productivity, it is possible to maintain and enhance profits without increasing the number of employees. This article will explain the transformations brought about by the use of cloud and mobile technologies, along with specific examples of their application and the resulting effects. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

The most important aspect of corporate management is securing profits. Amidst various factors that pressure profits, such as labor shortages and rising material costs, we will explain strategies for small to medium-sized equipment contractors to improve their profit margins. To enhance the profitability of the equipment industry, it is essential to improve the accuracy of cost estimation and implement appropriate cost management. We will introduce measures to achieve increased profit margins and operational efficiency. First, by improving the accuracy of cost estimation, it becomes possible to secure profits at the time of order receipt. By utilizing appropriate estimates and execution budgets, it becomes possible to avoid unreasonable discounts and secure orders with profitable content. *For more details on the blog, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

The construction industry and the electrical contracting industry are facing serious challenges such as the aging of skilled workers, a shortage of labor, and rising prices. Digitalization is expected to be the key to addressing the demands for labor shortages, rising costs, and shortened construction periods, which will accelerate in the future. While the digitalization of cost estimation and cost management streamlines desk work, IoT technology contributes to the efficiency of construction sites. We will also discuss how advanced tools such as wearable devices, sensor networks, and AR technology are transforming electrical contracting sites, as well as the challenges and prospects of utilizing IoT. *For more details on the blog, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

The amendment to the Construction Industry Law, resolved in June 2024, will have a significant impact on the equipment construction industry as well. Notably, the strict enforcement of cost management and the improvement of transparency are particularly noteworthy. It is believed that this legal amendment aims to promote the reform of the construction industry's structure. Rather than viewing it solely as a mandatory response, it may be important to approach it as an opportunity for management improvement and growth. We will start with an overview of the legal amendment, discuss the importance of cost management efficiency, methods for efficiency through digitalization, and measures considering the future of small and medium-sized equipment businesses. *For more details about the blog, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

DX enables small teams to achieve higher profits, but for business continuity, successors are needed. Business owners considering succession tend to delegate young talent recruitment to their successors, but this is actually a high-risk choice. To ensure business stability after succession, it is necessary to create an environment where veteran employees from the same generation as the management can pass on their skills. This article will explain strategies for enhancing the company's appeal and for skill transmission necessary for business continuity. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

Amid a continuing severe shortage of human resources, being trapped in the notion that "the construction industry's workforce consists of young men" could lead to management difficulties. Utilizing female talent has become a significant issue in the construction industry. Many small and medium-sized construction companies lack female managers, and many business owners may be struggling with how to develop their female employees. This column provides immediately useful information on the challenges and key points of developing female employees, as well as support systems that can be utilized. *For more details about the blog, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

The revised Construction Industry Law, expected to be enacted in 2025, is set to bring significant changes to the environment surrounding the construction industry, going beyond simple changes in forms and procedures. We will provide a detailed explanation of the background of this important turning point in the law, which is unavoidable for the equipment industry, and the measures that should be taken immediately. Why not start preparing as soon as possible, turning this into an opportunity for corporate reform that creates a flexible response to change, rather than just a response to the legal revision? *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

The increase of the income tax exemption limit known as the "1.03 million yen wall" is becoming more realistic. This topic has been frequently discussed in online platforms and news, but much of it is from the perspective of employees. I will explain the impact of the "1.03 million yen wall" from the viewpoint of small and medium-sized enterprises, and introduce the advantages, disadvantages, and measures that should be considered. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

In 2025, the digitalization of the construction industry is expected to accelerate further and become a significant turning point. However, are you somewhere thinking, "This has nothing to do with our company"? If you want to appropriately respond to the revised Construction Industry Law that will be enacted in 2025, you cannot avoid digitalization, and delays in digitalization will lead to a decline in competitiveness. Companies that have not yet considered digitalization still have plenty of time to catch up. We will explain the key points for small and medium-sized construction companies to successfully implement digitalization and specific approaches to do so. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

In 2025, it is expected that the depreciation of the yen and the rise in material prices due to international circumstances will continue. The reduction of labor costs due to the pressure from rising material prices has become a norm in some parts of the construction industry. Compared to other industries, the construction industry has lower wages, which is one of the reasons for the labor shortage. The revised Construction Industry Law includes measures to address these issues. We will explain practical measures to prevent the pressure on labor costs. *For more details, you can view the blog through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

The emergence of "ChatGPT," which anyone can use for free, is drawing attention to generative AI. Following the spread of personal computers, the internet, and smart devices, business may be on the verge of a revolutionary change. On the other hand, there are concerns about the risks of human extinction posed by advanced generative AI. There are also worries about the emergence of disparities brought about by the use of AI as a more immediate risk. This is an introductory guide to generative AI for those who are interested but have not yet tried it, as well as for those who want to learn more. *For more details about the blog, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

The fire protection equipment and building maintenance industries seem to be significantly affected by the rising prices of raw materials and fuel, leading to a sense of scarcity of materials and equipment, as well as price increases. Additionally, factors that reduce profits, such as a shortage of inspection and maintenance workers and wage increases, are only increasing. Of course, this is not just an issue for the fire protection and building maintenance industries. We will introduce measures that should be taken to increase profits and examples of service reform through digitalization. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

The labor shortage in the construction industry has become chronic, so even though it is referred to as the "2025 problem," many business owners seem to feel that it is too late to address it. However, if we consider that this issue is not just within the construction industry but that a competition for talent will begin among various industries, the situation changes. The impending labor shortage will be even more serious, and if we focus too much on securing young men, there is even a risk of bankruptcy due to labor shortages. Measures to resolve the labor shortage need to be considered from as many perspectives as possible. *For more details on the blog, please refer to the related link. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

In April 2023, the common cost estimation standards for public construction projects were revised. It seems that there are still few local governments that have adapted to the new standards. In local government bidding, projects that publicly announce their estimated prices in advance are prime targets, but adapting to the new standards will also affect the calculation of the minimum limit price. This explanation of the revised common cost estimation standards for public construction projects in 2023 and key points for common cost calculation will be useful for both those with extensive bidding experience and those considering entering public works in the future. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

The rising prices of materials and fuel, labor shortages, and compliance with labor reforms, invoices, and electronic bookkeeping laws are ongoing concerns for business owners. In this challenging business environment, many may be considering expanding their sales channels. How about considering public works as an option? For those who are interested in public works but have never participated in bidding, or for those who have just started participating in bids and feel they lack know-how, we will explain the key points for bidding strategies and the revision of the common cost estimation standards for public construction projects in April 2023. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

The minimum wage for the fiscal year 2023 will be implemented from October 1. The national average weighted amount is 1,004 yen, marking the largest increase in history, with minimum wages in 37 prefectures expected to rise by approximately 39 to 47 yen. Around the same time, the expansion of the "Business Improvement Subsidy" was announced. The Business Improvement Subsidy is an initiative that provides partial funding for equipment investments aimed at improving productivity for businesses that have raised wages. In the case of the Business Improvement Subsidy, reasons for non-approval can be checked, and reapplication or appeals can be made. If the reason for non-approval was due to deficiencies in documents or implementation plans, there is a possibility of approval upon correction and reapplication. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.

The environment is becoming such that even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have no choice but to engage in digitalization, including compliance with invoicing and electronic bookkeeping laws. The construction and equipment industries are no exception, and while the number of companies looking beyond digitalization to focus on digital transformation (DX) is gradually increasing, there are still many opportunities to hear about the difficulties of DX and cases of failure. Particularly in SMEs, the lack of management foundations and human resources to tackle DX seems to be a bottleneck. This article explains the key points for equipment companies, which are SMEs, to successfully implement DX. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

The use of drones is beginning to spread in the construction industry as well. This article explains the benefits of introducing drones in the equipment industry and how to use them safely. The utilization of drones is advancing in various industries, and the construction industry is no exception. For those considering the use of drones or those who have already implemented them but want to utilize them more effectively, we will explain key points to ensure that drones do not end up as "expensive toys." *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

Digital transformation (DX) for small and medium-sized enterprises can lead to innovative productivity improvements if successful, but there is also a risk of failure. We will explain the key to successful DX, which is "inventorying business operations," and how to reduce burdens and risks. Understanding the causes of DX failure and thoroughly conducting a "business operations inventory" is the shortcut to successful DX. Let's consider a small-scale start to DX while experiencing the benefits of implementation. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*