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From work assistants to conversation partners during spare moments, generative AI has become a familiar presence. Many people may think of ChatGPT when it comes to generative AI, but there are several free options available, such as Microsoft's search engine "Bing Chat Enterprise" and Google's "Bard." In November 2023, the AI support tool "Microsoft 365 Copilot," which integrates with Microsoft 365 products like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, was finally released. With the arrival of Microsoft 365 Copilot, we will explain how desk work will change and how to utilize it efficiently. *For more details, you can view the blog through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

Paid leave is an important right for workers, regardless of their employment status. Since April 2020, it has been mandatory to take at least five days of paid leave per year, and employers must manage the granting and taking of paid leave. How can we respond to the obligation to take paid leave? By addressing this appropriately, we can also expect improvements in employee satisfaction and productivity. We will explain the key points for responding to the obligation to take paid leave. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

For the construction industry, the 2024 issue is a significant challenge. Regulations on overtime limits and the objective recording of working hours are unavoidable legal responses, but at the same time, they also offer benefits such as stable management through proper labor management and improved employee work conditions. By visualizing actual working conditions through attendance management systems, it is possible to connect this to business improvements and increased productivity. We will explain the importance and benefits of attendance management, which also contributes to creating an attractive workplace and enhancing employee satisfaction. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

This is the second installment of a series explaining measures to address the 2024 issue in the construction industry. As you may know, measures to comply with the overtime work limit regulations, which will apply to the construction industry starting April 1, 2024, have become urgent. Many companies are likely experiencing chronic labor shortages, leading to a normalization of long working hours. However, it is difficult to suddenly increase the workforce, and the only option is to improve operational efficiency with the current employees. One of the causes of decreased operational efficiency is the personalization of tasks. By conducting an inventory of operations and optimizing business processes, we can eliminate waste, inefficiency, and inconsistency, thereby improving operational efficiency. This explanation will cover the inventory of operations and the optimization of business processes as measures to reduce overtime work in relation to the 2024 issue. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

After 2025, it is predicted that the serious shortage of construction project managers will worsen due to the full-scale retirement of the baby boomer generation. This is known as the 2025 problem. Bankruptcies and business closures due to labor shortages are increasing across various industries, and many companies in the equipment sector are struggling to secure and develop young talent. While it would be ideal to hire qualified project managers, if that is difficult, there are ways to enhance productivity with a smaller workforce. Here, we will explain methods to streamline the work of project managers. *For more detailed content, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

The government-led construction DX is steadily advancing the use of generative AI in the construction industry. While more people in the equipment industry are utilizing it for administrative tasks, there are not many companies that have established a policy and are actively working on AI utilization. In the near future, when the business use of AI becomes established, companies that cannot leverage AI may fall significantly behind their competitors who are using it in terms of competitiveness. To avoid being swallowed by the AI divide (the disparity caused by AI utilization), it is important to understand AI utilization. We will explain examples of AI use in the construction industry and what should be done now to avoid falling behind in AI utilization. *For more details, you can view the blog through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

This is the third installment explaining the regulations on the upper limits of overtime work. In the equipment industry, which faces chronic labor shortages and recruitment difficulties, reducing overtime hours directly leads to a decrease in total working hours, which in turn affects sales. To maintain profitability while reducing overtime, it is necessary to enhance productivity beyond previous levels. We will discuss the fluidization of operations through digital transformation (DX) aimed at improving overall organizational productivity by eliminating the personalization of tasks that lead to overtime and concentrating work on specific employees. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.

The construction industry's 2024 issue is now less than a month away. With the regulations on overtime work limits, many business owners and HR personnel in the equipment industry may be concerned about the initiatives of other companies. Although awareness of the overtime work limit regulations is increasing, survey results indicate that the perceived effectiveness of overtime reduction is still low. We will explain the factors that lead to overtime hours and the initiatives to address them. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

With the implementation of the invoice system starting from October 1, 2023, I believe that many companies are reviewing their invoicing processes, management methods, and operations through the issuance of qualified invoices. Since IT introduction subsidies are also available, many companies are likely considering updates to their invoicing management and cost management systems to comply with the invoice requirements, or even new implementations. Here, we will provide a detailed explanation of the business operations and practices that should be reviewed due to the invoice system, as well as the system requirements that comply with the invoice. *For more details on the blog content, please refer to the related links. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.*

Finally, starting from October 1, 2023, the invoice system will begin, and the rules for consumption tax payment will change. In order for the main contractor (taxable business operator) to receive a deduction for the input tax on consumption tax, it is necessary to have a "qualified invoice" issued by the cooperating company. This change in rules will require both the main contractor and the cooperating companies to take various measures. Is your company making progress in preparations and countermeasures? Here, let's think together about the challenges and issues that will arise from the invoice system, as well as the countermeasures. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

The COVID-19 pandemic has transitioned to Category 5, and our daily lives and economic activities are beginning to regain vitality. On the other hand, bankruptcies in the construction industry have surged, and this trend is expected to continue in the fiscal year 2023. We will explain the main reasons for bankruptcies in the construction industry in fiscal year 2022, such as rising prices and labor shortages, as well as key points to prepare in order to avoid bankruptcy. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further information.

There are concerns that the administrative burden of the invoice system is putting pressure on the management of sole proprietors and small businesses, leading to strong protests from industries supported by individual entrepreneurs such as designers and creators. We will explain the unavoidable administrative processing related to invoices and key points for reducing the burden. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

The profit margin in the construction industry is said to be around 18-25%. Even when comparing companies of similar business scale and order hierarchy, there can be differences in profit margins. To secure profits, it is important to win contracts at amounts that can generate profit and to protect that profit through appropriate construction cost management. The digitalization of construction cost management will allow these tasks to be carried out with minimal effort. We will introduce measures for increasing profits. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

I will explain the overview of the invoice system and the responses that small and medium-sized enterprises should take in three parts. For those who are just starting to respond to the invoice system, as well as for those who have already taken action but still don't fully understand it, let's ensure that we correctly understand the invoice system so that we don't regret it later when we face our financial closing, thinking, "I should have handled this properly." This time, we will specifically confirm the key points of responding to the invoice system. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

Some business owners say, "I'll leave the invoice compliance to my tax accountant," but I recommend understanding the essence of the invoice system for better management decisions. We will explain the purpose of the invoice, the aims of its introduction, key points for invoice compliance, and the relationship between invoice compliance and business digitization over three sessions. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

Starting from April 1, 2023, a labor reform-related law that stipulates an overtime wage premium rate of 50% or more for overtime work exceeding 60 hours per month will also apply to small and medium-sized enterprises. The construction industry has been granted a grace period for overtime hour limits until April 2024, but immediate action is required regarding the increase in the premium wage rate. We will explain the key points of the overtime wage premium rate and measures to avoid exceeding 60 hours of overtime. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

The tax reform outline for fiscal year 2023, which was decided by the Cabinet in December 2022, includes revisions to the Electronic Bookkeeping Act and the Invoice System. With repeated amendments, some may feel uncertain about how far they need to go with electronic bookkeeping to be compliant. I will explain the key points of the electronic bookkeeping law revisions and how small and medium-sized enterprises can implement digitalization without difficulty. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.

The deadline for registration applications to issue invoices starting from October 1 was set for the end of March 2023, but applications submitted after April will also be accepted. It may be that registrations are delayed compared to the initial outlook. However, responding to the invoice system does not end with just the registration application. I will explain the response required for tax-exempt businesses after the implementation of the invoice system, as well as the invoice category for the IT introduction subsidy 2022, which has a final deadline of February 16. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

Public works, where general competitive bidding has become the mainstream, are open to contractors without a track record. However, the task of conducting complex cost estimates in a short period and calculating a bid price that is likely to win is quite burdensome for small and medium-sized enterprises, which have few personnel capable of estimating costs. If you repeatedly fail to win bids or manage to win but with little profit, it feels like a loss of effort. We will explain the key points for bidding efficiently and increasing the likelihood of winning contracts. *For more details, you can view the blog through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

In April 2021, the management evaluation criteria were revised, and a new item was established to assess the continuous education of engineers and skilled workers. The achievements of training provided to employees are now added to the evaluation points of the management criteria. The basis for this is the number of CPD units obtained. An increase in the evaluation points of the management criteria will be advantageous for bidding. We will introduce methods for obtaining CPD units and free CPD courses. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

Public works have strict standards for quality, safety management, and labor management, but compared to private projects, the payment conditions are often quite favorable. However, companies that do not undertake public works seem to face high psychological barriers regarding the procedures for participating in bids and the bids themselves. For business owners considering entering public works from a background of no bidding experience, we will explain the preparations and processes leading up to bid participation, as well as key strategies for securing contracts with minimal effort. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

In October 2022, there was a significant legal amendment that greatly impacted the construction industry, including the equipment sector. This is an amendment to the Construction Industry Law and the Law for the Promotion of Proper Bidding and Contracting for Public Works. It is a legal amendment aimed at applying the overtime limit regulations to the construction industry in 2024, and from a medium- to long-term perspective, it is also an initiative to improve the business environment in the construction industry and secure future workers. *For more details, you can view the blog through the related link. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

In addition to the soaring prices of construction materials, the rise in gasoline and utility costs shows no signs of stopping. A survey on bankruptcies due to rising prices reveals that the construction industry, including equipment businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly severely affected. To avoid bankruptcies caused by rising prices, it is essential to understand the factors that lead to insolvency. We will introduce measures to eliminate deficits, such as cost estimation and cost management, to reduce risks. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.

People involved in cost estimation in the construction industry are probably familiar with construction prices. However, companies with fewer public works may have fewer opportunities to utilize them. Additionally, even if one flips through the construction price book that the company subscribes to regularly when preparing estimates, many may not know how the prices are calculated. It would be a waste to limit the use of construction prices to just public works, so I will explain how to utilize them effectively. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

There is less than a year until the implementation of the invoice system in October 2023. Have you completed the registration as a qualified invoice issuer? It seems that many companies leave the registration application to their tax accountants, so there may not be too much to worry about. The next thing to consider is the internal systems and responses to business partners regarding the issuance of qualified invoices and the accounting processes for input tax deductions. At this timing, when there is still some leeway to respond, let's review what will change with the invoice system and confirm the key points regarding input tax deductions. *For more details, you can view the blog through the related link. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

On December 12, 2025, the revised Construction Industry Law will be fully implemented. The "standard labor costs" categorized by job type and region will be published, making the basis for creating estimates clearer. On the other hand, estimates that significantly fall below this standard will be prohibited by law, and price negotiations will be strictly regulated. We will explain the features of the standard labor costs to be published in December and the measures that the equipment industry should take immediately. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further information.

The inspection of fire safety equipment involves burdensome tasks such as managing inspection cycles and preparing reports. Additionally, the impact of labor shortages due to a declining birthrate and an aging population is serious. Oversights in inspections pose significant risks not only for customers but also lead to a loss of trust and decreased revenue for inspection companies. We will explain how thorough inspection management through digital transformation (DX) can achieve compliance with regulations and improve operational efficiency, creating a positive cycle that generates continuous orders. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

With the introduction of the invoice system in October 2023, the input tax credit for consumption tax-exempt businesses will be gradually reduced and completely abolished by October 2029. As a result, the tax burden on taxable businesses on the ordering side is expected to increase, leading to a significant decrease in orders to tax-exempt businesses such as sole proprietors in the construction industry. We will introduce an overview of the invoice system that you must know and measures to continue your business while avoiding a reduction in orders. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

In the fiscal year 2022, electronic applications for construction industry permits and management reviews will begin. Moving forward, administrative procedures necessary for the construction industry will continue to be digitized. The government has stated that it will "take care to avoid creating a digital divide," but given the advantages of utilizing digitized administrative procedures, it can be said that, relatively speaking, "if you cannot utilize them, you will suffer a loss." How will the digitalization of administration impact the construction industry? *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

The declining birthrate and aging population, along with labor shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are affecting the construction industry, including the equipment sector. While this is not limited to the construction industry, there are predictions that business downsizing and closures due to labor shortages will increase in the future. Of course, securing talent is a lifeline for business continuity in the equipment sector as well. For business owners who are struggling with a lack of know-how in recruiting talent, we will explain the basic knowledge necessary for securing personnel, including recruitment advertising, interviews, and retention. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

The terms "DX" have become commonplace in newspapers, television, and online. Furthermore, not only large corporations but also as a national policy, the digital transformation (DX) of small and medium-sized enterprises is steadily being promoted. The construction and equipment industries are no exception. On the other hand, it seems that there are quite a few people who do not fully understand the differences between DX and IT, as well as the objectives of DX. We will explain the basic knowledge necessary to successfully achieve DX with a low budget and a small start. *For more details about the blog, you can view it through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, various themed online seminars are being held. The convenience of attending without travel time seems to have increased the number of participants. However, isn’t there a tendency to feel satisfied just by attending? Panel discussions, where multiple panelists exchange opinions, have the advantage of making it easier to gain insights, unlike lecture-style seminars. For those who have the impression that "panel discussions seem difficult," we will introduce the benefits and ways to utilize them. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

Early turnover of new employees who leave within three years of employment is not only an issue for small and medium-sized enterprises but also a problem for society as a whole. There are voices that suggest it is more difficult to retain employees than to hire them. Not only does this create issues related to labor shortages and costs, but it also leaves a sense of emptiness and futility for those involved in recruitment and training. This article will explain the causes of early turnover and measures for employee retention. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further information.

The standards for low bid price investigations have been revised, and the rate for general administrative expenses in the calculation formula has been raised to 68%. I will explain the implementation policy for bids in the fiscal year 2022 and the corresponding measures. I will introduce an overview of the bid system reform, key points to increase the bid success rate, and methods to streamline bid preparation and improve the accuracy of cost estimation. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.

The Construction Career Advancement System (CCUS) has been in limited operation for public works since the fiscal year 2020. Starting from the fiscal year 2023, it will be applicable not only to public works by the national and local governments but also to private construction projects. What are the disadvantages of not registering for the Construction Career Advancement System? This article will explain the overview of the Construction Career Advancement System and the disadvantages of not registering. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

The application of overtime hour limits in the construction industry is imminent. To respond to the "objective grasp of working hours" in the work style reform, attendance management systems are beginning to be implemented even among small and medium-sized construction companies. As a result, more companies are revealing issues related to ambiguous working hours and the granting of paid leave. When introducing telework, it is also necessary to revise employment regulations and internal rules. We will explain the points to note regarding attendance management, as well as how to reduce the burden of labor management and payroll calculations. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

The accounting in the construction industry tends to have a vague impression. In reality, there are companies that manage project costs roughly for each construction job. The reasons for this include the complexity of construction cost management and the numerous variable factors involved. Even if there is a vague understanding of the benefits of proper construction cost management, there is a tendency to forgo it due to the lack of personnel capable of managing it, as well as the reluctance to invest the necessary effort and time. This article will explain the benefits of construction cost management and simple methods for managing it. *For more detailed content, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, all companies are struggling with recruitment. To sustain a company, it is necessary to hire young talent at regular intervals. The most common reasons for unsuccessful recruitment are a lack of applicants and candidates declining offers after the selection process. This article will explain the causes of unsuccessful recruitment, how to choose job advertising media to ensure success, and job sites that are strong in the construction industry. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

At construction sites where air conditioning cannot be used, the risk of severe illness or death from heatstroke is higher than that from COVID-19, so measures against heatstroke must be prioritized during the summer. While there are many products available for on-site work, it is important not only to use these products but also to acquire the correct knowledge and implement measures through work practices and health management. *For more details, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

The construction industry is chronically facing a labor shortage, and the aging of the workforce is also progressing throughout the industry. This is true for any industry, but there are companies that have succeeded in hiring young talent. What are the differences between companies that succeed in recruitment and those that do not? Job seekers prioritize factors such as work environment and benefits when choosing a job. We will explain the key points for successful recruitment. *For more details, you can view the related links. Please feel free to contact us for more information.*

In the construction industry, it is unlikely that there are many people involved in cost estimation who are unaware of construction prices. However, there seems to be a significant difference in how much these construction prices and related data are utilized. They are important data even just as unit prices for public works, but if we broaden our perspective a bit, they can also be used for measures against price surges. To use the well-known construction prices more effectively, I will explain how to utilize them in cost estimation, starting from an overview of construction prices. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*

The rise in construction material prices shows no signs of stopping, and the Construction Price Survey Committee's report indicates that this trend is expected to continue. While it is unclear how long the price increases will persist, it is easy to imagine that a turnaround will not come easily. To survive in a harsh economic environment, it is necessary to prepare for price fluctuations while also reassessing internal structures to transform into a profit-secure organization. We will explain how to understand the signs of price fluctuations and the key points for securing profits. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

There is probably not a day when you don't see or hear the term DX in media such as the internet, television, or newspapers. However, few people can explain what "DX" actually means. Moreover, even if it is understood as a definition, there are often cases where DX cannot be realized. In fact, there are many instances where attempts at DX do not succeed. I will explain the differences between DX and digitalization, the benefits and approaches of digitalization, and points to be cautious about. *You can view the detailed content of the blog through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.*