Minamikanto Hino Motors, Ltd.

Our primary function is extracting and processing data from core systems and Excel files on our servers. A key application involves aggregating daily sales data from approximately 40 locations. We utilize RK to automate the compilation of this data, including year-over-year comparisons, into a daily report sent to the president and executive team. Additionally, we employ several automated processes to handle various data-related tasks as needed.

The Sales Planning and the Business Planning Departments have been incredible pioneers of the tool’s integration and have led the way in the horizontal deployment of RK to various departments.

Seven departments currently leverage the RK tool: Sales Planning, Business Planning, Used Car, Operations, Lease Insurance, Technical, and Service. Additionally, we are exploring RPA implementation in the Chiba branch due to an employee's expertise and familiarity with the tool. There is also a push to expand the software into more departments throughout the company in the coming years and for that reason, we have contracted multiple accounts for both the development and execution versions of the license at this stage.

About four years ago, when the discussion of promoting DX came up within the company, the first step we considered was the introduction of RPA. Initially we compared several different RPA vendors and what their implementation would look like for our workflow. However, we continuously encountered the following issues:

<Problems with the introduction of other companies' RPA>

• High running cost
• High support cost
• Loss of compatibility when upgrading

As we continued our search for a solution to our automation objective, we were informed KEYENCE was releasing an RPA tool. After meeting them at an exhibition, all the concerns I mentioned earlier were dispelled. The tool seemed to be functional, easily implemented, and a great fit for our needs. Additionally, we had used a KEYENCE handheld scanner in our company for many years which worked very well so we moved to implement the RPA software on a trial basis.

Our trial focused on assessing compatibility, particularly Microsoft 365 integration and Excel performance compared to macros. Based on positive results, we decided to fully implement the tool company-wide.

To persuade the company of RPA's potential, I developed a comprehensive document outlining over forty tasks across multiple departments which could benefit from automation. The proposal emphasized RK's economic advantages, highlighting its low operational costs and the substantial benefits of implementing these automations. The company responded enthusiastically to the idea. Notably, the president expressed strong support for RPA, citing his firsthand experience with its transformative impact at Hino Motors’ overseas branches. His knowledge with the tool was crucial.

The most important effects from RK’s introduction have been the automation of time-consuming and troublesome tasks, andthe system’s stability.

1. Automation of troublesome tasks

Our core system has a unique way of handling data. For instance, the situation I mentioned above with data aggregation if done by hand would be time-consuming, imposing, and difficult. For this reason, there are a limited number of individuals who could complete this task. Using RK we have been able to automate this process and complete it in a fraction of the time. As anyone can run the scenario, RK’s intuitive interface has been a major addition to our team operations.

2. Stable operation of the system

Previously, extracting specific data from the core system required the retrieval of immense datasets, followed by laborious organization using VLOOKUP functions. These tasks were dense and extremely time-consuming. Using RK I have been able to schedule my scenarios to run when the server load is low and combine the tool with macro functions inside of Microsoft Excel.

Though we are still in the process of adding more scenarios to improve our business efficiency, the software has integrated seamlessly into our work thus far. We have been able to accomplish many tasks we were not able to previously and in significantly less time. Consequently, we have been able to contribute many more hours to projects of higher value. By meticulously examining tasks for automation potential, we have identified opportunities to streamline operations and anticipate significant cost reductions through reduced labor hours as automation expands.

There are many, but the following points have been the most significant in my application: what I felt were good about using it.

1. Easy-to-understand

RK is extremely intuitive and useable, especially when compared to other RPA software. It accurately records movements solely by launching and operating the mouse. This alone will produce the skeleton code of a scenario which is the bult of building out a full automation.

2. Shareable scenarios

Automated task scenarios are shareable across devices and users. This has been great to reuse them for slightly different applications and limits the effort necessary to reproduce them, eliciting even more business efficiency.

3. Scenario PDF conversion function

The recently added function to convert scenarios into PDFs is also good. Being able to look at and adjust the scenario within the RK screen while looking at the PDF-converted scenario is quite convenient. I have also found that when teaching RK to someone, having the PDF function available as a reference makes it much easier to convey your intentions.

4. Free and Generous support

KEYENCE’s support model is incredible. Not only is it free, but comprehensive. I have received support and guidance from their customer success representatives on several occasions.

The advice I would offer would be to have a centralized approach. I feel this has been essential to our successful implementation. By establishing a dedicated team to develop resources, training, and support, we've created a structured framework that accelerates adoption and maximizes the tool's potential. Additionally, we built an internal portal site for questions and consultations, links to KEYENCE's RK-related sites, and sharing scenarios we have created in the past.

Our proactive approach has fostered significant interest in RK across departments, evidenced by a growing number of automation project inquiries. It has been great momentum which I feel will lead to greater growth in RK adoption.

RK's implementation has served as a catalyst for our company's digital transformation (DX) journey. While progress is evident, significant automation opportunities remain untapped. We envision a future where RK is universally adopted across our firm, liberating employees from mundane tasks and empowering them to focus on the strategic initiatives of our company. The integration of AI technologies like ChatGPT holds the promise of exponentially accelerating this transformation.

We have been impressed and satisfied with KEYENCE’s tool thus far and hope they continue to expand on what they’re doing now.