We introduced HENNGE One to enhance security, which is lacking in Google’s standard features.
— I understand that you are promoting the introduction of iPhones throughout the company.
We have already installed about 1,500 iPhones and plan to eventually install about 2,000 iPhones and about 500 iPads.
— Why are you actively introducing smart devices such as iPhones and iPads in this way?
The only place we meet with our customers is not necessarily in our stores. Rather, we need to provide speedy and high-quality responses to customers at various locations outside of our stores, such as when showing properties, at on-site sales meetings, or at customers’ homes.
The primary objective of the introduction of smart devices is to build a system that allows salespeople to work anywhere without being restricted by time and location, thereby enhancing their mobility and improving their ability to respond to customers in a timely manner and make proposals.
The introduction of smart devices also has another aspect: BCP measures. We also want to lay the groundwork for a system that allows us to continue operations and keep in touch using smart devices even when phone service is unavailable or it is difficult to come to the office.
— How did you come to adopt Google Workspace?
As the maintenance of the groupware we had been using was about to expire, we began to consider replacement due to the need to reduce maintenance and operation costs and the need for mobile access.
In selecting a new system, we were not only looking for a system that would take over or replicate the functions of the e-mail, scheduler, bulletin board, etc. that we had been using, but also one that would “improve the convenience of e-mail and ensure a secure environment,” “be easy to use from smart devices,” and so on. In addition, we considered the introduction of a new system based on the following requirements.
— Specifically, how are you using smart devices?
At the moment, we mainly use Google Workspace for e-mail (Gmail), calendar, drive, and Google Sites, and we are in the process of introducing Google as an in-house social networking service.
— What are some of the benefits of using Google Workspace?
The use of smart devices is gradually changing the way we work. For example, in the past, I had to come to the office and start up my PC before I could check my e-mail, but now I can check my e-mail even when I am out of the office, which allows me to respond to customers quickly and flexibly.
As for the information sharing environment, there are many differences between the old groupware and Google Workspace in terms of functions and mechanisms, so some things could not be reproduced as they are, but now we can use a more advanced communication infrastructure, including the use of smart devices, and we are creating an environment that accelerates information sharing and communication. However, now that a more advanced communication infrastructure, including the use of smart devices, is available, an environment that enables accelerated information sharing and communication is being created. This has also provided us with a good opportunity to take stock, for example, by sorting out unnecessary items in the process.
— Why did you introduce HENNGE One?
We introduced HENNGE One in order to realize archiving and countermeasures against misdirection, which could not be realized with Gmail’s standard functions alone. We have been archiving emails since we were using the previous groupware in order to check past emails in case of accidents or troubles, and we considered it as an essential requirement when we replaced our email system with Google Workspace.
There was an optional service offered by Google, but we could not adopt it because it was not searchable in Japanese and the archive retention period was not flexible enough to meet our standards.
As a countermeasure against erroneous transmissions, we are currently using a filtering function to set a limit on the number of recipients. We also intend to use the function of automatic encryption of attached files in the future.