Responding to the diversifying print sizes, we achieve sustainable, safe, and high-quality printing. ◆ Announcing a total of 5 models On November 2, HP Japan announced four models from the 36-inch (A0 size) large-format printer series "HP DesignJet T850/T950" for the architecture, engineering, and construction markets, as well as the "HP DesignJet XL 3800 PS MFP." *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Investigation of the introduction rate of digital tools at construction sites and their impact on productivity improvement ◆Survey targeting construction management personnel On October 27, 2023, Photoaction Co., Ltd. announced the results of a survey on the current state of DX (Digital Transformation) in construction sites. This was based on an internet survey conducted with 209 construction management personnel. *For more details, please refer to the related product information below.

A system using natural language models to streamline building confirmation application processes ◆ Automatically determine rules that differ by municipality On October 25, Mign Inc. announced that it will begin a demonstration experiment in October for a system that automatically determines the rules to be followed during building confirmation applications for each municipality. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

"Scaffolding Column" from a long-established temporary equipment manufacturer with over 70 years of establishment At Chuo Built Industry, we provide accurate knowledge and information about scaffolding to contribute to safety and efficiency at construction sites. Please use this for knowledge reinforcement, self-improvement, and in-house training. <What is Circular Scaffolding? Explanation of Assembly and Precautions> The designs of buildings we commonly see are mostly linear. In addition to being easier to construct, linear designs have the advantage of allowing for a larger volume. On the other hand, in structures that prioritize functionality, such as oil tanks and gas tanks, curved designs may be adopted. Oil and gas tanks are round in shape to evenly distribute the pressure caused by the expansion of contents due to external temperature changes. Additionally, designs utilizing curves have become more common in hotels and commercial facilities. When constructing these circular structures, scaffolding is also necessary. This time, we will explain circular scaffolding used in these circular construction projects. Please see below for more details.

Office K1 has developed a bridge erection simulation system called "Sim-BRANE" using bridge BIM/CIM models. ◆ Supporting the advancement of erection planning and improving on-site construction safety On October 16, 2023, Office K1 Co., Ltd. announced the development of the bridge erection simulation system "Sim-BRANE." This system utilizes bridge BIM/CIM models to support the advancement of erection planning and improve on-site construction safety. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Added a feature to the construction industry communication tool "Genba Cloud Conne" that allows for the circulation and approval of application forms and internal approval documents. ◆ Cloud-based application forms and internal approval documents On October 11, 2023, Genba Support Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Genba Support) added a new feature called "workflow function" to its construction industry communication tool "Genba Cloud Conne." This feature enables the circulation and approval of application forms and internal approval documents, which were previously done on paper or via email, to be conducted in the cloud. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Even in harsh environments, it can prevent loss and theft of various items and manage their locations. ◆ Can be used continuously for up to 3 years MAMORIO Inc. released the business-use smart tracker "MAMORIO Pro Tough Slim" on October 12 at an official store for 16,500 yen (tax included). This product is a compact device measuring 11.6 cm in length, 2.5 cm in width, and 0.9 cm in thickness, weighing approximately 19 g, and is equipped with a long-lasting battery that can be used continuously for up to 3 years. Additionally, it has dustproof and waterproof features equivalent to IP65, impact resistance equivalent to IK08, and heat resistance from -20 degrees to 60 degrees, making it usable in various environments such as location management of construction machinery, pallet management in logistics sites, and location management inside refrigerated and frozen storage. The main unit can be secured using various methods such as screws, seals, key rings, hooks, and ropes, allowing it to be reliably attached to objects of any shape. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Outsourcing the creation of meeting minutes completely to streamline on-site operations and solve the "2024 problem" ◆ The burden of creating meeting minutes Advanced Media Inc. announced on October 11 the release of its meeting minutes creation outsourcing service "AmiVoice Super Scribber" for construction sites. The construction industry faces urgent challenges in improving operational efficiency due to issues such as the "2024 problem," and among these, the creation of meeting minutes for discussions on construction sites has become a significant burden on on-site operations. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

By improving the connections among peers and the quality of communication, the average turnover rate has decreased from approximately 50% to zero. ◆ Employee dormitory that strengthens peer connections On October 5, 2023, Sanwa Construction Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Sanwa Construction) announced that it has achieved a zero turnover rate within three years of joining since 2020, thanks to the employee dormitory "Hitozukuri Dormitory" built in 2018. The "Hitozukuri Dormitory" is an employee dormitory designed to strengthen connections among peers and improve the quality of communication. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Providing automation solutions for the complex and integrated management of multiple logistics robotics ◆ "Integrated management" is the challenge Chinoh.Ai Co., Ltd. predicts that half of large companies will adopt logistics robots by 2028, but identifies "the complex and integrated management of multiple robotics" as a challenge, offering automation solutions to address this issue. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

"Scaffolding Column" from a long-established temporary equipment manufacturer with over 70 years of history. At Chuo Built Industry, we provide accurate knowledge and information about scaffolding to contribute to safety and efficiency at construction sites. Please use this for knowledge reassessment, self-improvement, and in-house training. <What is the future and potential of the scaffolding industry? Perspectives on the future based on the current situation> In June 2018, a labor reform-related bill was enacted, leading to amendments to the Labor Standards Act. A significant point of the amended Labor Standards Act, which was enforced from 2019, excluding certain industries like construction, is the clear regulation of the upper limit on overtime work hours. While a grace period was established for industries such as construction, transportation, and medical professionals, this will be lifted after April 2024, and compliance with the law will be mandatory. On the other hand, the novel coronavirus, which spread globally in 2020, had a significant impact on our lives. To prevent the spread of infection, the flow of people and goods stagnated, greatly affecting economic activities. What will the environment surrounding the construction industry look like in the future? This time, we will explain the future outlook based on the current situation in the construction industry, which is closely related to the potential of the scaffolding industry. Please see below for the continuation.

Achieving productivity improvement and cost reduction through total simulation of construction utilizing digital twins ◆ Providing digital twin creation services Ishii Civil Engineering Co., Ltd. announced on October 6 that it will start offering its digital twin creation services, which it has previously conducted in-house, to other companies through its "Construction DX Solution" service. A digital twin is a digital representation that appears in a virtual space, identical to the construction site. In this service, a digital twin is constructed by combining "current ground scan data" obtained from ground-based 3D laser scanners with "BIM/CIM models" based on design documents for earthworks, embankments, temporary structures, and the main structure, and delivered as data. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

A groundbreaking sheet building material that replaces conventional gypsum board with a simple lightweight sheet material. ◆Gold Award selected from 20 entries, including 5 candidates for the Good Design Award. On October 5, 2023, Kaimyu Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Kaimyu) announced that it received the "Good Design Gold Award" at the 2023 Good Design Awards organized by the Japan Design Promotion Association. The "Good Design Gold Award" is an award that selects 20 entries, including 5 candidates for the highest award, the "Good Design Grand Prize." *For more details, please check the related product information below.

New booths and cafes have been established to enhance training for new employees. ◆ Corresponding to industry-specific training Yumeshin Co., Ltd., which dispatches construction engineers, announced on September 29 that it has renewed its practical training facility, the "Yumeshin Training Center" (commonly known as Yumutore), and conducted a tour of Yumutore for personnel recruitment agencies. All technical employees at the company undergo special training on supervisor education and full harness safety before being assigned to the field, and they also practice wearing the full harness. In this renewal of Yumutore, new booths for practical training in equipment, electrical, and civil engineering (surveying and marking) that correspond to industry-specific training have been established, along with a café space for technical employees to deepen their interactions. The equipment booth features models for practical training in air conditioning and drainage systems, while the electrical booth includes a distribution board. In the civil engineering (surveying and marking) booth, training primarily focuses on surveying, including the operation of surveying equipment. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Aiming to be a user-first and highly reliable media for those struggling with a career change to the construction industry and construction management ◆ Latest edition featuring recommended construction industry recruitment agencies Unique Career Co., Ltd. announced on September 29 the launch of a new media platform called "Construction and Construction Management Career Change Award," aimed at individuals considering a career change to the construction industry or as construction managers, with the motto "Creating Media for the Future." This media platform focuses on providing credible information and publishes articles based on reviews from individuals who have successfully transitioned to the construction industry or construction management using recruitment agencies. Additionally, it compiles and presents the latest recommended construction industry recruitment agencies for 2023, creating content tailored to the needs of readers. This initiative aims to facilitate the flow of talent into the construction industry, which is struggling with a labor shortage. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Contributing to the development and maintenance of social infrastructure with the latest type of suspended scaffolding that can be built easily, safely, and quickly. ◆Scheduled for market launch in 2024 On October 2, Shinwa Corporation, IHI Infrastructure Systems Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as IIS), and Nikken Lease Co., Ltd. announced the joint development of the "Rapid Floor (TM)," a system scaffolding for bridges that ensures high strength, safety, and workability while also achieving labor savings. This scaffolding is aimed for market launch in 2024 and is planned to be used in new construction and repair work conducted by IIS. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Experience a vivid construction site with a digital twin in a VR space! ◆ Planning and consideration can be done in the VR space Earthbrain Co., Ltd. has started offering "Smart Construction VR" from October 2, allowing users to easily experience a vivid construction site with a digital twin using VR devices. With "Smart Construction VR," users can view the construction site in the VR space and consider detailed plans. In the VR space, users can move freely in a first-person perspective and switch the display of survey and design data to check the construction site, enabling stakeholders from distant locations to experience the actual site. Additionally, the construction site in VR can also be viewed by nearby residents, facilitating understanding of the construction work. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Job seekers looking to change careers can differentiate themselves with qualifications, but there are many job opportunities even without them. ◆ About 60% do not have qualifications On September 22, Yumeshin Co., Ltd., which operates the job site "Ore no Yume" for construction management engineers, released the results of a survey on construction management qualifications targeting 10,000 construction management engineers. The survey found that about 60% responded that they "do not have" construction management qualifications, indicating that there are many job opportunities available for those without qualifications. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

In response to the demand for easily acquiring BIM/CIM skills at any time, an AI chat and dedicated engineers are available to assist. ◆ The AI chat is available 24/7, 365 days a year. On September 20, the construction DX startup Malme Inc. launched the service "BIM/CIM Agent" on its owned media "BIM/CIM HUB," which allows users to resolve questions related to BIM/CIM at any time. In the field of BIM/CIM, 3D CAD operators and young engineers often express that "there is no one around to ask questions." This service addresses such concerns by providing a two-tier solution to BIM/CIM inquiries through an AI chat and dedicated engineers. The AI chat utilizes ChatGPT to offer a high-performance chatbot specialized in BIM/CIM, available 24/7 with free membership registration. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

A dedicated vibrator system that vibrates in conjunction with the concrete pump truck's pressure delivery, suppressing the decrease in the fluidity of concrete. ◆ Enables long-distance pumping while maintaining the fluidity of fresh concrete. On September 22, Fujisoft Inc. announced the development of the "Concrete Vibration Pumping Method (Shin Pumping Method)" in collaboration with Taisei Corporation, Kyokuto Development Co., Ltd., and Nawa Co., Ltd., which allows for long-distance pumping of fresh concrete while maintaining its fluidity. In recent years, the need for technology to pump fresh concrete over long distances has arisen due to the increasing height of buildings. Applying vibration to concrete can suppress the decrease in fluidity; however, there are concerns about material separation due to vibration, leading to increased costs from measures such as adjusting concrete mixtures and improving pump performance. To address this, the four companies developed the "Shin Pumping Method," which automatically vibrates fresh concrete using a dedicated vibrator linked to the concrete pumping process, thereby suppressing the decrease in fluidity. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Despite feeling issues with paper contracts, transitioning to electronic contracts requires significant effort, so we continue with paper contracts. ◆ About 80% reported issues with paper contracts Ritex Corporation announced the results of a survey titled "Problems with Paper Contracts in the Construction Industry," targeting 300 sales representatives from general contractors on September 21. The survey revealed that about 80% of respondents identified problems with contracts in paper format. Specific issues included the need for storage space, the possibility of not being able to quickly find the documents being searched for, the risk of loss or theft, not reducing man-hours, and the necessity of stamp duty. Additionally, 30% of respondents indicated that it takes one to several days to search for past contracts. Furthermore, about 60% reported having lost paper contracts, and among them, approximately 70% of business owners stated that this led to troubles.

In light of the tightening of regulations on overtime work limits starting in April 2024, what is the response of construction companies? ◆ Trends in overtime management and the introduction of IT tools in construction companies On September 21, 2023, Craft Bank Co., Ltd. announced the results of a survey on the "2024 issue in the construction industry" as the deadline approaches for the application of overtime work limit regulations, similar to other industries, in April 2024. The survey was conducted online and received responses from a total of 1,506 individuals, including business owners, craftsmen, and office workers from construction companies with 5 to 100 employees. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Investigation of the burden on workers at construction sites where the management of equipment and materials is an issue ◆ Survey on the actual burden at construction sites in the construction industry MAMORIO Inc. has released the results of an internet survey regarding the "burden of searching for equipment and materials at construction sites," conducted with 264 men and women working at construction sites nationwide. This survey investigates the burden on site workers caused by the inability to find necessary equipment and materials at construction sites. *For more details, please refer to the related product information below.

The service "freee Permission" that allows for easy application for permits has begun supporting construction business permits based on Article 3 of the Construction Business Act. ◆ Automatically generate the necessary documents for construction business operating permits just by answering questions. On September 14, 2023, freee Co., Ltd. announced that its service "freee Permission," which simplifies the application process for permits, has started supporting construction business permits. By simply answering questions in the input form on a PC or smartphone, it is possible to automatically generate the documents required for construction business permits. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

The number of registered users for the construction industry matching platform "Sukedachi" has surpassed 200,000 businesses. ◆ Achieved approximately 6 years after the service launch On September 15, 2023, Sukedachi Inc. announced that the number of registered users on its matching platform "Sukedachi," which connects craftsmen in the construction industry with construction companies, has exceeded 200,000 businesses. This achievement comes approximately 6 years after the service was launched, which is exclusively used by those engaged in the construction industry. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

"Scaffolding Column" from a long-established temporary equipment manufacturer with over 70 years of establishment. At Chuo Built Industry, we provide accurate knowledge and information about scaffolding to contribute to safety and efficiency at construction sites. Please use this for knowledge reaffirmation, self-improvement, and internal training. <What are the market trends for large-scale repair work on condominiums? Challenges and predictions for the future> The construction of condominiums in Japan has been concentrated in two main periods. The first period is the period of high economic growth. Japan's high growth period refers to the 19 years of economic growth from 1955 to 1973. At that time, Japan had been 10 years post-war, and industries, including automobiles and electrical machinery, rapidly developed by incorporating the latest technologies from abroad. The second period is the bubble economy. The bubble economy refers to the prosperous era from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. The background of the bubble economy includes massive real estate investments. Currently, the aging of many large buildings constructed during those times has become a problem. Therefore, this time we will explain the current state of large-scale repair work on condominiums. Please see below for the continuation.

Teikoku Databank investigates and analyzes the number of bankruptcies and their causes in the construction industry up to the end of August 2023. ◆ Report on the trends in the construction industry based on national corporate bankruptcy statistics On September 10, 2023, Teikoku Databank, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Teikoku Databank) announced a report on the bankruptcy trends in the construction industry as part of the national corporate bankruptcy statistics for August 2023. This report compiles data on construction companies that went bankrupt due to legal proceedings with debts of 10 million yen or more. *For further details, please check the related product information below.

A new method using compressed sensing enables the analysis of high-speed vibrations in structures without the need for specialized dedicated cameras. ◆Development of Compressed Sensing DIC Technology On September 11, the Structural Planning Institute announced that it has developed a new technology for easily and accurately measuring high-speed vibrations in structures in collaboration with Assistant Professor Yoshimaki Kato from the Department of Marine Engineering at Hiroshima National College of Maritime Technology. In manufacturing, measuring vibrations that affect product performance, lifespan, and safety is essential. However, there have been many challenges, such as the high cost and low pixel count of high-speed cameras needed for measurement. To address this, the two parties developed the Compressed Sensing DIC technology by combining the data science technique of compressed sensing with Digital Image Correlation (DIC), successfully measuring high-speed phenomena using low-speed cameras. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

The application of metal-compatible RFID to lightweight temporary equipment such as scaffolding has achieved operational efficiency. ◆ Introduction of "Equipment Management System Utilizing Metal-Compatible RFID" On September 11, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. announced that its "Equipment Management System Utilizing Metal-Compatible RFID" has been implemented by Act One Yamaiichi Co., Ltd., a rental company for lightweight temporary construction equipment. During a five-month trial period, the system reduced the time for inbound and outbound operations and inspections by approximately 20% compared to conventional methods. Typically, RFID communication distance decreases when attached to metal, but this system utilizes UHF band metal-compatible RFID. By applying metal-compatible RFID to lightweight temporary equipment such as scaffolding, multiple RFIDs can be read simultaneously. Additionally, by capturing the product codes printed on the RFID with an app, it can be integrated with the equipment management system. Furthermore, the system is designed to be highly durable, making it usable even in harsh environments such as construction sites and high-pressure washing processes. *For more information, please refer to the related product information below.

Integrating a 3D vibration reduction device with buildings to significantly reduce harmful vibrations in all directions. ◆ Patent obtained, vibration reduction effect verified. Tanaka Seismic Structure Research Institute Co., Ltd. has developed the world's first "3D Vibration Reduction Device" to solve various vibration issues. The "3D Vibration Reduction Device" is a device that continuously reduces three-dimensional vertical, horizontal, and diagonal vibrations using proprietary technology, and is provided along with a vibration reduction prediction analysis system. Two experimental patents have already been obtained, and in August 2020, four units installed in facilities above NEXCO's highway tunnels significantly reduced traffic vibrations from underground highway tunnels. As a result, complaints about vibrations from nearby residents have drastically decreased. *For more information, please check the related product information below.