NICHIA STEEL WORKS, LTD.

We primarily use RK to automate tasks such as "creating trend management charts for product testing" and "simplifying internal ordering procedures."

The "trend management chart creation" automatically generates line graphs from numerical data collected during product testing. This allows us to quickly identify anomalies and eliminates human input errors.

The "simplification of internal ordering procedures" enables us to complete internal ordering tasks using only Excel, without directly accessing the core system. This implementation has eased the workload at the operational level by eliminating the need to interact directly with the core system.

Additionally, RK automates tasks like arranging and pasting over 100 photos taken for investigations into Excel and renaming PDF file names received from customers according to our company's best practices. Using RK to automate these processes has significantly reduced the effort and time spent on routine tasks.

We learned about RK through a promotional email from Keyence. At that time, there was increasing momentum within our company to promote DX. This prompted us to inquire further and learn more details about RK.

Initially, we didn't have specific challenges or a long-standing desire to automate tasks. However, upon discovering RK, we saw it as a potential catalyst for DX within our organization. With this in mind, we decided to start by implementing RK on a trial basis, hoping it would ignite our DX initiatives.

We were drawn to RK because it seemed easy to implement. The selling point of "simplicity" and the presence of a "navigation feature" for straightforward operation were appealing. While we were aware of RPA (Robotic Process Automation) as a tool for automating various tasks, we hadn't interacted with it firsthand so opting for a tool that advertised itself as user-friendly seemed like a good starting point.

To effectively implement RK, we formed a team of six members to utilize RK and build automations. This team works continuously on automating various tasks through regular meetings. The first step taken by this team was to identify tasks for automation. We listed areas where current tasks are time-consuming or labor-intensive and could potentially be automated.

After compiling this list, which totaled about 20 items, we evaluated each idea to see if it could be automated using RPA.

Tasks such as "creating trend management charts" and "simplifying order procedures" that were mentioned previously were also included in this list.

It took us some time to grasp the concept of RPA and business automation, as it was our first tool of its kind. However, by utilizing the free accompanying support and making inquiries via email, we managed to make progress through the teamwork of the RK Utilization Team.

During the actual implementation, we faced challenges ensuring seamless operation across different computer environments for our various users. We overcame this by using RK's element recognition to manipulate targets, ensuring smooth operation on any computer.

There are several, but the following five points are the biggest highlights we noticed.

1. Ability to Automate Independently

With RK, we can automate our own processes with basic computer knowledge without the need for specialized professionals. This eliminates the need for coordination with other departments or external companies, reduces development time, and doesn't require an additional budget. It allows for easy creation and fine-tuning of automations.

2. Intuitive and User-Friendly

RK's charm lies in its intuitive creation of automations, called “scenarios.” You can build scenarios using three methods: "Process Recording," "Flow Navigation," and "Activities." "Process Recording" is particularly recommended for beginners unfamiliar with RPA or programming, as it records actions as the user manipulates the computer. Its graphical UI with icons and blocks makes it user-friendly.

3. Acts as a Business Process Manual

Created scenarios are detailed with specific actions like "launch Excel" and "write to this cell," allowing them to serve as detailed operational manuals. This transparency allows anyone to understand and follow the procedures without the automation becoming a black box.

4. Customizable Updates

RK is continuously updated based on user feedback, which is beneficial for us as it expands capabilities and improves usability. For instance, RK was initially missing a feature crucial for our core system, but it was quickly updated based on our feedback which enabled seamless access.

5. Affordable Pricing

The accessible pricing made it easier for us to adopt RK. After receiving the promotional email, we saw that the licensing options available suited our needs perfectly and allowed us to place an order within a month.

I'm very satisfied with the support system. They offer a "customer success" service that assists with operation for free, and it's reassuring knowing I can consult them about any issues I encounter. The response time is excellent; when I email questions to the support team, I receive clear explanations either the same day or the next day.

Many tools available charge for support services. This can make people hesitate to ask simple questions or minor problems, leading to frustrations that cause users to give up on automation. In contrast, RK's support is free and allows me to ask any question without worry. This support has been crucial in guiding me through the automation process to completion.

Keyence always provides robust support with their products, not just with RK, and this has been incredibly reassuring.

It's a great approach to prioritize and work through the list of "tasks for automation" that you've compiled. By gradually introducing the convenience of RK to various departments, you can effectively promote its use across different operational areas.

While RK is user-friendly even for programming novices, it performs tasks akin to programming. Therefore, using RK naturally raises awareness of databases and enhances proficiency in Excel. In essence, RK can indeed serve as a tool for developing digital talent within your organization.

As digital skills grow internally, ideally, employees from various departments will begin to consider automating their own tasks. This fosters a culture where everyone sees opportunities for automation.

For instance, tasks like renaming PDF files, which may initially seem to fall outside the scope of automation, can be partially automated with the right ideas. If personnel in each department reevaluate their work from an automation perspective, the potential applications of RK could expand further.