Flexibly Used in R&D and Purchasing for Integrated Motor Makers

The Introduction of SPEEDA has Resulted in a Significant Reduction in Research Time and Manpower.

Q: What efforts have been made to increase the efficiency and improve the collection of information?

Mr. OUCHI: The Chinese staff of the Institute have so far carried out the research themselves. In addition, when we dig deeper into a specific topic, we also need the help of a consulting firm. Since we are a subsidiary, we are commissioned by the entire Toshiba Group to conduct research on market trends in China. Because of the wide range of areas covered, the research takes a lot of time and effort.

Therefore, I usually have a project awareness for collecting information. In the process of finding a solution, I was introduced to SPEEDA by the other party, and during the conversation, I found it very convenient and signed up.

Mr. MATSUNAGA: The scope was extensive as it involved all of Toshiba's businesses, and a lot of effort went into gathering the necessary information, information on investigations commissioned by the head office, and so on. I also considered using consulting service. Instead of conducting a specific research in depth, I wanted to do it quickly and at a reasonable price, but I did not find a consultant who met the need. I was once invited by the R&D Centre to use SPEEDA, and the SPEEDA customer service staff, who could provide a response within 24 hours, made me feel suspicious but still felt attracted to the idea, so I started using it. Currently, the purchasing head office uses SPEEDA the most among Toshiba China companies.

Significantly Improve the Inefficient Research Operations Caused by Manpower

Q: Tell us about the projects of your business before introducing SPEEDA.

Mr. OUCHI: There was no specific information service used before this, so when the Japanese side commissioned research, or when there was something they wanted to know, they had to gather information themselves. However, each person in charge is different in terms of what they are good at and what they are not good at, so it is not easy to conduct effective research into areas that they are not good at. In addition, it is difficult to judge the importance of information in areas that the person in charge does not familiar with, not to mention the method of research. As a result, a lot of time was spent learning while conducting surveys.

Mr. MATSUNAGA: At the subsidiary, everything related to purchasing in China has to be covered, regardless of what kind of the product. It must be done in such a way that you can answer questions the moment you have them, but you are often troubled by the lack of answers.

Besides, finding information on the internet requires know-how. Before the introduction of SPEEDA, speed, knowledge and research skills were a problem, but now it has helped that even problems that 16 people couldn't solve can be helped by SPEEDA.

Q: How can the trial and user guidance of SPEEDA help you?

Mr. OUCHI: Initially, only a few people who attended the presentation used the trial, but since two IDs were available for 10 people to log in, other members started using it.

At that time a briefing session on how to use it was held again, and they were able to use it individually without my guidance. Although the membership has changed due to personnel transfers etc., the SPEEDA user interface is so easy to use that everyone has become proficient in using it without any problems.

Q: What is the decisive factor when comparing the service with other companies?

Mr. OUCHI: The trial function of SPEEDA was the first one, and after actual trials I found it very convenient, so I signed the contract right away. The price was also very reasonable and cost-effective, so there was nothing to worry about.

After the introduction of SPEEDA, the Japanese side introduced several similar information platforms, but they turned all those down.

Useful for Gathering Important Information on a Wide Range of Areas and Overlooking Trends

Q: Talk about the results obtained by adopting SPEEDA.

Mr. OUCHI: The process of reporting the results of the research to the Japanese side, which has so far been a problem to be aware of, has been made efficient in all areas.

In addition, by entering the SPEEDA homepage and searching for keywords, you can find a wealth of information, which has greatly improved the efficiency of information gathering. The homepage now has about six tabs, all of which are related because of the wide range of Toshiba's business. Therefore, it would be very useful to summarize with keywords like this.

I think SPEEDA is a suitable platform for collecting a wide range of information. It is necessary to read the institute's papers etc., in order to investigate each technology in detail, but it is still very useful in terms of overlooking the trends in specific fields and relevance to businesses. It also plays a big role in differentiating the use with consulting companies, well demonstrating its advantages.

Mr. MATSUNAGA: From time to time, we issue purchasing BCP information when things are happening, and send it widely throughout the Toshiba Group, and the content of the BCP information I send is also available on the Toshiba head office's purchasing homepage.

Now, due to the corona virus, we are unable to have face-to-face communication with each other, and China has great potential as a purchasing base, but undoubtedly there are many risks in China. In order to make out the "risks" and make the most of the "potential", it is important to send out the necessary information as early as possible, not only for purchasing but also for sales and business divisions who say "it is very informative! "I hope we can increase the number of people we send it to", etc. This is very well received. By introducing SPEEDA, I feel that the ability to gather information has been greatly improved.

Q: Tell us about the frequency and purpose of your use of customized research service.

Mr. OUCHI: I am in the process of subscribing to the monthly report issued by SPEEDA. This monthly subscription report also summarizes important points, which is very useful. If you can't do all the research yourself, you can commission it according to your needs.

In terms of being able to conduct a comprehensive survey and a good cost performance, I feel it is more useful than other companies' services.

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