Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co. Ltd

Transformation at the construction site: initiatives at sites made possible by GEMBA Note.

Introduction of GEMBA Note Across all Construction Department Branches

Mr. Manabu Fukaya, from the ICT/BIM Promotion Office, presented the adoption process of GEMBA Note as the standard application for approximately 1,000 iPads across all branches in the construction department. "We implemented GEMBA Note after studying its usage in similar industry settings and vendor demonstrations. Its intuitive handwritten functionality and involvement of a major general contractor in its development led us to assess GEMBA Note as highly suitable for our construction management operations. We have established an environment where GEMBA Note is accessible for all tasks, and it has been deployed across more than 50 job sites," stated Mr. Fukaya.

Impact of GEMBA Note on Worksite Operations

Mr. Takuya Kaneda, from the Tokyo Construction Branch, highlighted enhanced work efficiency and time-saving benefits resulting from the introduction of GEMBA Note. "Previously, we relied on two A1-sized blackboards during morning meetings, manually updated with handwritten annotations on the latest drawings, requiring staff to arrive early for preparation. With GEMBA Note, each staff member can now input information directly onto the base drawings from their iPads, facilitating seamless sharing. This digital display during meetings enables effective communication, even at sites with over 200 workers," explained Mr. Kaneda.

Seamless sharing:

Simultaneous annotation is possible by each staff members onto shared base drawings from their iPads

Templates for site tasks:

Site jobs get completed at the site by filling out templates from iPads

Pinching out for point of attention

Furthermore, GEMBA Note has revolutionized workflow management, allowing for advanced preparation of weekly tasks and proactive work meetings, consequently reducing confusion and improving on-site coordination. "Tasks such as compiling work-related photos and completing check sheets can now be efficiently carried out on-site using GEMBA Note, eliminating the need for manual processes and enhancing overall productivity," added Mr. Kaneda.

Mr. Fukaya elaborated on the collaborative approach between sites and the ICT Promotion Office, stating, "Feedback from site needs prompted enhancements such as the option to select from predefined completion statuses on check sheets, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement."

Despite the absence of quantifiable data, Mr. Kaneda estimated potential daily time savings of approximately one hour with GEMBA Note and expressed optimism for its widespread adoption across all sites.

Flexibility and User Empowerment with GEMBA Note 

Regarding department-wide education and familiarization with GEMBA Note, Mr. Fukaya emphasized a hands-on approach without imposing rigid usage guidelines. "We opted against creating a manual or imposing strict usage rules for GEMBA Note. Instead, we provided basic training on its features and encouraged employees to explore its functionalities freely. The appeal of GEMBA Note lies in its adaptability, particularly among the younger workforce, who can tailor its usage to suit their specific site requirements," remarked Mr. Fukaya.

Future Directions and Support Initiatives

Mr. Fukaya outlined three key focus areas for future GEMBA Note utilization. Firstly, maximizing the application's functionality through continuous feedback and development based on onsite usage. Secondly, expanding GEMBA Note adoption to sites yet to integrate the platform, leveraging insights from active users to drive horizontal expansion. Lastly, enhancing support structures to align with the rapid pace of site integration and ensure seamless operational integration.

In conclusion, Mr. Fukaya expressed anticipation for the innovative possibilities stemming from GEMBA Note's flexible usage and pledged to explore unique applications beyond its basic functionalities, reflecting a commitment to ongoing advancement and optimization within Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co. Ltd.