Maeda Corporation: Construction company, Tokyo, Japan
Utilizing GEMBA Note for Enhanced On-Site Communication: A Case Study in Construction Management
Maeda Corporation is committed to enhancing productivity in construction management through the strategic implementation of tablet terminals and GEMBA Note, a digital notebook, aimed at modernizing on-site operations. We interviewed key stakeholders to gain insights into their experiences with these initiatives.
Integration of GEMBA Note across Civil Engineering and Construction Departments
“Upon analysing staff’s daily tasks, we identified that ‘site management and inspection,’ ‘document preparation,’ ‘meetings and discussions,’ and ‘document organization’ collectively consumed three-quarters of their time. We sought ICT tools with robust information-sharing capabilities, emphasizing the need for tool unification and standardization to streamline employee training across different worksites. GEMBA Note emerged as the preferred solution meeting these criteria, leading to its adoption across both departments.” (Mr. Arai)
Facilitating Information Sharing through Screen Projection at Meetings
“Previously, information was manually compiled by a representative and displayed on a whiteboard, requiring significant preparation time and frequent last-minute updates. With the introduction of GEMBA Note, work plan diagrams can be effortlessly created and shared, enabling staff to input information directly. Its real-time writing capabilities and pinch-to-zoom functionality allow clear projection onto large screens, ensuring visibility for all attendees.” (Mr. Hatanaka)
Enhanced Communication through GEMBA Note’s Live Share Functionality
Realtime reporting from remote sites and confirmation by the office
“Before GEMBA Note, end-of-day meetings were conducted independently at each site. Now, these meetings are conducted online using GEMBA Note’s Live Share feature, facilitating real-time reporting from remote locations. Additionally, the platform enables the seamless sharing of photos, drawings, and charts, enhancing communication and collaboration.”
Innovative Applications of GEMBA Note at Construction Sites
“Site staff have voluntarily leveraged GEMBA Note to communicate delivery and loading schedules to gate guards. By consolidating multiple schedules into a single platform, GEMBA Note has significantly reduced miscommunications and improved operational efficiency.” (Mr. Hatanaka)
Expanded Usage Across Departments
“We encourage employees, including those at remote sites, to utilize GEMBA Note as a shared notepad for various purposes, including project management and general communication. The platform holds promise in fostering smoother communication, particularly among younger generations.” (Mr. Miura)
Utilization of GEMBA Note at Railway Sites
“At railway sites, GEMBA Note is used to manage day and night shifts, replacing traditional paper notebooks for task handover lists. The platform’s ability to display previous work, approval signatures, and photographic records enhances visibility and accountability.” (Mr. Kasai)
Detailed Safety Precautions and Multimedia Integration
“GEMBA Note allows for the creation of detailed workflows accompanied by photographs and annotations, improving the conveyance of safety precautions and reducing errors. The platform facilitates on-site discussions with foremen, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.” (Mr. Kasai)
Reduced Office Workload and Streamlined Operations
“The introduction of GEMBA Note has significantly reduced office workload, particularly in tasks such as handover list documentation. This has translated into shorter working hours and improved on-site operations, ultimately enhancing overall efficiency.” (Mr. Koizumi)
Conclusion: Impact of GEMBA Note Implementation
“The adoption of GEMBA Note has yielded numerous benefits, including the transition from paper-based circulars to cloud-connected platforms, enabling remote access and information sharing. While the cost savings are challenging to quantify, the streamlined operations and reduced working hours are evident. Moving forward, integrating clients and stakeholders into the platform could further enhance efficiency and collaboration.” (Mr. Kasakura)
