eiicon company
[Japan Post x AUBA] “JAPAN POST INNOVATION PROGRAM” started! Start recruiting co-creation partner companies!
Recruitment themes are “postal and logistics,” “regional
revitalization,” and “future post office.” Over 20 companies have been co-created so far. About 24,000 post offices and various touch points. From October 24, 2022.
Japan’s largest open innovation platform AUBA (AUBA, hereafter AUBA), operated by eiicon company (Location: Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Ayuko Nakamura), Japan Post Co., Ltd. from October 24, 2022 (Monday). (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President Kazuhide Kinugawa, hereinafter referred to as “Japan Post”) will start the “JAPAN POST INNOVATION PROGRAM” and start recruiting co-creation partner companies from the same day. i will let you know.
https://japan-post.eiicon.net/jp-ip2022
The eiicon company operates the “JAPAN POST INNOVATION PROGRAM” together with Japan Post. We will provide strong support such as setting up and operating a dedicated website and building a PR strategy.
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[Japan Post x AUBA] “JAPAN POST INNOVATION PROGRAM”
■ [Japan Post x AUBA] About “JAPAN POST INNOVATION PROGRAM”
~ Creating a Future Society Together with the Post Office ~
Through approximately 24,000 post offices nationwide, Japan Post provides postal and financial services to customers, delivering approximately 58 million pieces of mail and parcels to approximately 31 million locations per day. I’m here.
The post office, which is familiar to many customers, also needs to respond to rapidly changing society and economy and new needs. There is an urgent need to improve operational efficiency and implement drastic reforms in order to stably and sustainably provide services that are essential to the daily lives of our customers into the future.
In addition, by leveraging the connections between post offices and people that are rooted in each region, we will create a co-creation program that aims to create new value and services that have not existed at post offices, as well as regional revitalization that solves issues in each region. Start.
□ Features of this program
・Various co-creation:
Over 20 co-creation companies *including implementation and demonstration ・Diverse demonstration fields:
About 24,000 post offices, about 110,000 vehicles and motorcycles Wide range of customer touchpoints such as postal/distribution, finance, and product sales
・Responding to funding needs:
There is cooperation with Japan Post Capital according to the co-creation situation and funding needs
□”JAPAN POST INNOVATION PROGRAM” recruitment theme
Theme 1: Postal and Logistics
In order to continue to provide postal and logistics services that are easier to use and more reliable for our customers, we will work together to resolve short-term issues and achieve the goal of fundamentally transforming the postal and logistics system itself over the medium to long term. We are looking for partners who can take on the challenge.
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Theme 1-A: (What we want to work on in the short term)
Transformation into a sustainable postal and logistics service that responds to socioeconomic changes and new needs
In recent years, there have been issues such as a decrease in mail due to the rapid progress of digitalization, intensifying competition in the parcel sector, and labor shortages due to the declining birthrate and aging population. In the postal and logistics fields, by actively utilizing various digital and automation technologies, we will improve the efficiency of operations that have often relied on human labor, and transform them into a stable and sustainable business foundation. I believe that it is an urgent task to do so.
◇ List of issues I want to work on now (as of October 24, 2022: Please refer to the official page for the latest issues):
It takes a lot of manpower to measure the size and number of mail when accepting a large amount of mail, which takes time and man-hours. Timing: [1. Underwriting]
Solution example: A solution that can easily measure the size and number of mail items in a short time at any location.
At large-scale post offices and distribution warehouses, the layout of material handling equipment and shelves and the placement of personnel according to the amount of work is done based on empirical rules, and efficiency cannot be evaluated quantitatively.
Timing: [2. Sorting and transportation]
Solution example: A technology that simulates the optimal layout and flow of workers according to the amount of work, leading to the leveling of the amount of work.
Medium- to long-term forecasts that match demographics and changes in the social environment are not sufficient, and there is room for improvement in personnel allocation and optimization of operations. Timing: [1. Acceptance] [2. Sorting and transportation] [3. Delivery] Solution example: Technology that simulates the future number of mail and parcels for each post office based on macro environmental changes. It takes a lot of time and man-hours to perform various periodic inspections such as stamping date stamps and temperature control at each post office, as well as checking related forms.
Timing: [2. Sorting and transportation] [3. Delivery]
Solution example: A solution that can reduce the number of forms scattered in the base and improve the efficiency of inspection work. There is a shortage of manpower to deal with the increasing number of items to be delivered, and variations in delivery times due to differences in the work experience of the delivery staff.
Timing: [3. Delivery]
Solution example: A service that automates and levels delivery routes and delivery personnel using AI and robotics.
When receiving parcels, many customers write down their delivery destinations on paper, and we check and sort them by visual
inspection.
Timing: [1. Underwriting]
Example solutions: Construction of a mechanism to digitize delivery data from the point of acceptance, and technology to automate the input and reading of address information.
Theme 1-B: (What we want to work on in the medium to long term) Building a new postal and logistics network in anticipation of structural changes in the logistics industry
In recent years, with the rapid development of digital technology and changes to new ways of working, new ways of logistics such as last-mile delivery by gig workers are spreading. It is also an important management issue for us to achieve both contribution to building a sustainable society and sustainable growth and development as a company.
In the near future, we believe it will be necessary to explore new logistics networks and new value creation beyond the current hub and spoke network*.
We are looking for partners who can work with us to create a vision for future postal and logistics networks and services, and take on the challenge of building a future logistics system.
* In the case of Japan Post, it consists of about 70 large-scale post offices nationwide with hub functions and about 1,000 post offices with collection and delivery functions such as delivery.
◇ Examples of co-creation ideas:
Construction of delivery system to replace hub and spoke
Simulation technology based on real data, such as AI and digital twins, in order to build an innovative delivery system and optimize the placement of bases.
Advanced initiatives that contribute to decarbonization
Construction of a distribution network with low environmental impact. Technologies and ideas that enable the production, storage, and utilization of renewable energy using vehicles and facilities of Japan Post
New value creation in logistics
Created by combining logistics with other service areas (finance, insurance, healthcare, etc.) Creation of new value
Theme 2: Regional revitalization
With the declining birthrate, aging population, and depopulation in rural areas, Japan Post is making use of post office branches (bases/networks) and post office employees (manpower) in each region of the country to support the elderly and child-rearing generations. We would like to contribute to the sustainable growth of our business by contributing to the revitalization of local societies and economies, as well as the resolution of issues, such as support for health, improvement of healthy life expectancy, and bridging the digital divide.
By combining Japan Post’s assets and resources, centered on the post office, with the solutions of the applicant companies, we will create non-temporary, sustainable businesses and realize an attractive local community together. We are looking for partner companies to aim for. *Not limited to the use of digital technology. We are looking forward to new proposals that have never been seen before.
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◇ Examples of co-creation ideas:
Revitalization of Local Communities Utilizing Post Offices
A service that uses real post offices and employees to create exchanges between local residents that transcend generations and connections in daily life.
Revitalization of the local economy through nationwide communication of the goodness of the local community
Ideas and services that develop local industries and expand employment by commercializing local products and tourism resources using new business models and expanding horizontally.
◇ Japan Post resources that can be used for regional revitalization: ・Approximately 24,000 post offices nationwide (counter lobbies, idle locations in stores, mechanisms to connect stores, etc.)
・Human resources such as employees who deal with customers at post office counters, employees who deliver, etc. (There are employees of various occupations, and flexible operations are possible.)
・The brand of Japan Post (a sense of security and trust from local residents, local information possessed only by post offices with close ties to the community)
・Others (know-how for attracting and serving customers, tablet devices installed at post offices)
Theme 3: Future Post Office
Even in the midst of major changes in the social environment, such as the declining birthrate, aging population, declining population, and advances in digitalization, we will work hand in hand with external partners to create new products and services so that we can serve our customers as a familiar presence. We are working to realize a “co-creation platform” that
In a digital society where the speed of change is fast and the connections between people tend to be weak, the post office is full of motivation to create new value that can contribute to society as a base for safety and security. We are looking for partners.
◇ Examples of co-creation ideas (as of October 24, 2022: see the official page for the latest information):
Providing new value at post office counters
Services that utilize digital technology to provide customers with new value not only in existing services (postal/distribution, finance, etc.) but also in other areas through post office counters, etc. A business that leverages the post office’s brand image of safety and security and its close ties to local communities
By leveraging the post office brand that is safe and reliable for everyone and its closeness to the community, new services that are expected to lead to the resolution of urgent social issues such as education, medical care, and welfare, and which are expected to spread further, etc.
□ Schedule of this program
October 24th, 2022: Entry starts: Entries are accepted throughout the year, and deadlines are set for each period.
Phase 1: October 24, 2022 to January 22, 2023
Phase 2: January 23, 2023 to April 23, 2023
Phase 3: April 24, 2023 to July 23, 2023
4th period: July 24, 2023 to October 18, 2023 (final deadline) By the end of the month following the deadline for each term Document screening
After examining the possibility of co-creation, Japan Post will contact you with the results of the examination by the end of the month following the deadline for each term.
Interview selection
We will match you with departments that can expect synergies and conduct an interview screening.
We will contact you with the results of the screening about 10 days after the interview.
(After passing examination)
Kick-off with the department in charge
Brush-up period
Discussing with the department in charge, interviewing the site, etc. We will brush up the co-creation business plan.
Scheduled to be held every 3 months
Startup × presentation by department in charge
A check gate will be set up every three months to decide whether or not to implement the demonstration experiment and budget for the cost of the demonstration experiment.
Demonstration experiment
Commercialization consideration
Based on the results of the demonstration experiment, we will consider commercialization,
We will consider investment from group companies, etc. as necessary. □ Eligibility
・Corporate registration must be completed. No matter the size of the company. ・Have product or technology.
□Application conditions
・It must be a plan that corresponds to the recruitment theme ・The plan must lead to new collaborations for both the applicant company and Japan Post.
・The application plan must be novel and feasible.
□ Reference (Previous year’s program results)
Aiming to further reduce traffic accidents on motorcycles, Japan Post started verification of “AI-Contact” (May 16, 2022 Genext Co., Ltd. press release)
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000201.000037194.html
■ AUBA × Japan Post “JAPAN POST INNOVATION PROGRAM”
https://japan-post.eiicon.net/jp-ip2022
■ Japan Post Overview: https://www.post.japanpost.jp
Company name: Japan Post Co., Ltd.
Head office location: 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8792 Capital: 400 billion yen
Representative: Kazuhide Kinugawa, President and Representative Director Business description:
Postal services, bank counter services, insurance counter services, sales of stamps, commissioned services from local governments, banking business other than the above, life insurance business and non-life insurance agency business, domestic and international logistics business, logistics business, real estate business, product sales, etc.
Overview of eiicon company
eiicon company supports all companies that take on the challenge of “open innovation*” to accelerate their efforts.
1) “AUBA”: https://auba.eiicon.net/ A business matching platform where you can search for open innovation partners under the theme of “valuable encounters create the future”. 25,000 registered companies. You can register your own company information such as issues and resources necessary for business growth, and send them to each other to realize new connections between companies.
2) “TOMORUBA”: https://tomoruba.eiicon.net/ “Media that activates business” for business people who create businesses. We distribute various information such as funding, funding, joint research, etc. and know-how information for creating a business to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, major companies, local governments and universities in all industries all over the country.
3) “SHABERUBA”: A members-only community provided by “AUBA”. In the virtual coworking space, offline activities are realized online, such as conversations and business negotiations between members,
participation in various events, and community support.
4) “event”: Create a real opportunity to meet business partner companies. 5) “Sourcing Support”: Professional consultants support open innovation challenges.
Based on the above five axes, we provide services that establish the new business creation method “open innovation” in Japan.
Name: eiicon company https://corp.eiicon.net/
Representative: Ayuko Nakamura
Location: 1-15-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
Business: Operation of the open innovation platform “AUBA”, event planning and support services, sourcing services, etc.
Phone number: 03-6670-3273 (representative)
Email address: info@eiicon.net
■ eiicon company operating company
Company name: Persol Innovation Co., Ltd.
Head office location: 1-15-5 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 Capital: 55 million yen
Representative: Toshihito Nagai, President and Representative Director Business description: Creation of new businesses, promotion of open innovation, management planning and management of group companies, and related operations
*Open innovation:
An innovation methodology advocated by Henry W. Chesbrough in 2003 (U.S.A.) to create revolutionary new value by combining internal and external media and technology. It is a method of asserting that we should not only rely on internal resources but also actively incorporate external cooperation.
*The information on this page is current as of the date of
announcement. Please note that it is subject to change without notice.
Details about this release:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000345.000037194.html