Tekken Corporation: Tokyo, Japan

Enhancing Integration of Civil Engineering and Construction Through Digital Tools

Since commencing construction in May 2020, Tekken Corporation's worksite at Makuhari New Station (Mihama-ku, Chiba City) has leveraged GEMBA Note primarily for handovers and meetings between the civil engineering and construction departments, spearheaded by its digitization promotion office.

Specializing in railway-related construction since its inception, Tekken Corporation has implemented a 'construction and civil engineering as one' approach, ensuring the involvement of both departments in projects. The ongoing project to construct a new station between Shin Narashino and Kachin Makuhari on the Keiyo Line, commissioned by JR East Japan, encompasses civil engineering and construction concurrently. GEMBA Note was initially introduced by the company in May 2019.

Mr. Hiroaki Sonoda, Manager of the Digitization Promotion Office in the Civil Engineering Department and IT Promotion Group, played a pivotal role in introducing and advocating for the system. He remarked, "We engaged employees proficient in digital technology directly and included them in new employee training, gradually expanding the user base. We aimed to facilitate easy integration, for instance, by providing meeting templates."

Mr. Nobuo Takasuga, Manager of the Digitization Planning Department, highlighted the enhanced efficiency in information sharing and closer communication between the civil engineering and construction departments facilitated by the introduction of GEMBA Note.

Seamless Handovers and Meetings Enabled on Tablets

Instruction template for daily handover:

Visually shows position of each staff and worker in the drawing. Correction and editing can be made realtime, online.

As a result of internal initiatives, GEMBA Note has become an integral part of daily operations at the Makuhari New Station worksite since its installation in May 2020. Mr. Tetsunori Maruyama, site representative and director of the Makuhari New Station worksite in the civil engineering department, stated, "This was my first experience using a digital note on-site. Initially, I focused on acclimating to it through daily tasks." At this site, information sharing regarding the following day's work is facilitated through a digital template processed by GEMBA Note, replacing traditional paper-based methods.

To minimize travel between the site and office, located approximately 1.7km apart, a web conferencing tool connects both locations. Documents can be accessed via GEMBA Note on tablets at each site, eliminating the need for physical document circulation. The platform allows users to input text and symbols directly from tablet or smartphone screens, enabling immediate review and sign-off, streamlining workflow and reducing the necessity for in-person meetings.

Mr. Hori noted the increased efficiency in information dissemination during shift handovers, as observations and points of attention are recorded on tablets and shared seamlessly with the next shift, accompanied by photos and videos.

Efficiency Gains and Enhanced Collaboration

Mr. Takeo Ashimura, director of the Makuhari New Station worksite in the construction department, highlighted the system's utility during construction review meetings. "I can annotate drawings on the spot when explaining construction details," he noted, emphasizing the benefits of shared data in reducing misunderstandings.

GEMBA Note's cloud-based storage enables easy access to design documents, reducing the need to carry physical documents to the site and streamlining post-site visit paperwork. Mr. Yuichi Kameda, an employee of the construction workshop, expressed satisfaction with the streamlined office workflow resulting from reduced document clutter.

Weekly process meetings between civil engineering and construction departments foster closer collaboration, overcoming previous challenges related to different contact points and work processes. Mr. Maruyama emphasized smoother communication and collaboration unhindered by time or location, while Mr. Ashimura underscored the importance of close discussions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, in enhancing construction quality.

Tekken Corporation's decision to distribute smartphones to all employees reflects its commitment to digital transformation. "Once accustomed to the convenience of GEMBA Note, reverting to traditional paper-based systems is unthinkable," remarked Mr. Ashimura, expressing hope for widespread adoption of the platform across various workplaces.