"We all want to use this great software!" The enthusiasm from our site team has led to a company-wide adoption across different departments.

MIIDEL (M): First off, could you share with us the background for implementing MIIDEL?

Mr. Araki: A few years ago, when we shared examples of how to improve productivity within the company, several branches simultaneously suggested that we implement MIIDEL company-wide. There was genuine enthusiasm to inform other departments, especially those who needed it so it could be used right away.

Although it's common to standardize management software across the company, software with specific functions is typically chosen independently by each department to suit their specific preferences. As a result, it is rare for software like this to be adopted company-wide. However, the enthusiasm of the site team drove us to eventually implement this software in several other departments. We announced it in our internal newsletter and meetings, and all the positive feedback helped it spread faster than usual.

Mr Uno: The widespread use of MIIDEL across various departments might be due to how it revealed new insights for improving workflows that previously went unnoticed.

M: It’s great to hear that everyone is coming up with their own ways to use it. Which aspects of MIIDEL have been especially appreciated in the construction department?

Uno: In construction-related drawings, there are design drawings and construction ones. The latter includes various types such as piping and electrical diagrams which are constantly revised and updated daily. This is especially relevant in residential construction, where this information is intended to be shared with the public in brochures. This causes a lot of back-and-forth as changes are made and shared, often making it confusing to determine the final version.

Before using MIIDEL, we had to superimpose CAD data and manually check each one visually. However, not all drawings are in CAD format so the ability to compare PDFs in MIIDEL has been a lifesaver. The result of the comparisons is highlighted in different colors, making it easy to know what to focus on. We were all impressed when we first used it on-site and said "It's great!". Moreover, MIIDEL continues to improve with the introduction of new features such as distortion correction and localized adjustments. I believe such detailed capability is especially beneficial for the site team.

Araki: Comparing drawings is quite a complex task and we often overestimate our ability to manage it well. Once you start, it gets tedious very quickly and will eventually lead to oversights and errors. I believe that such repetitive tasks should be delegated to machines.

M: How do you use the time saved by using MIIDEL?

Araki: It's not just the time saved but also the giving us the ability to notice things that could have previously gone unnoticed. Recognizing facts we previously overlooked enables team members to think differently and engage in new tasks, changing the overall nature of our work.
When changes fail to be noticed in time, it increases the site's workload, wasting time and money, not to mention the team's morale as well. However, when caught early, design changes can be discussed and requests for additional funding can be made, ultimately preventing an increase in construction costs.
Other than that, a lot of companies have struggled with their employee's working hours in recent years. Particularly in the construction and logistics industries, they need to address the "2024 Problem" (The end of a five-year grace period for overtime regulations as part of the government work style reforms). With limited individual working hours available, figuring out how to use that time effectively becomes a significant issue. Therefore, it's important to understand that it's not just about "making work easier", but also how time can be more effectively utilized. I believe that this will become more evident in the future.

M: It sounds like MIIDEL has not only improved the quality but also the quantity of your work! It's been very encouraging for us to hear from you today. Thank you for your time and for sharing your insightful experiences today.