Automating building volume checks to reduce time and costs and improve operational efficiency, enabling quick business decisions ◆ To be provided to real estate developers and others On February 6, ZISEDAI Co., Ltd. announced that its generative AI system "TASUKI TECH TOUCH & PLAN" can now instantly create multiple building volume plans considering sky ratios. This function will be offered to real estate developers and real estate brokerage firms after confirming its practical usefulness within the company's group. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Automating the existing warehouse as is, achieving significant labor and effort reduction as well as a substantial improvement in storage efficiency. ◆ Scheduled for release after May Yuasa Trading Co., Ltd. announced on February 5 that it has developed an automated transport system for picking in logistics facilities called "Twin Pick" in collaboration with Phoxter Co., Ltd. and Plus Logistics Co., Ltd. "Twin Pick" is a system that accommodates narrow spaces and significantly improves labor reduction and storage efficiency up to the ceiling height. The system is scheduled to be unveiled at Yuasa Trading's Kanto Logistics Center after May 2024. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Promoting the use of wooden structures in medium to large-scale buildings with standardized beam connection hardware that reduces costs, time, and effort. ◆ Increase in hybrid structures for decarbonization Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. announced on February 2 that it will release beam connection hardware for hybrid structures that join wooden small beams with large beams and columns made of reinforced concrete (RC) and steel structures in January 2024, in collaboration with Kanai Group. In recent years, the push for decarbonization has led to an increase in hybrid structures that incorporate wood into medium to large-scale RC and steel buildings. However, the connection hardware for hybrid structures cannot be addressed with standard products for single-family homes, necessitating custom-made items, which require significant costs, effort, and time, thus hindering the spread of wooden structures. In response, both companies have continued experiments together to develop highly versatile standardized connection hardware. They have also established a mass production system, aiming to promote the use of wooden structures in medium to large-scale buildings through this initiative.

Supporting job matching in the logistics, construction, and manufacturing industries, where further labor shortages are expected due to the 2024 issue. ◆ Acquisition of business from subsidiary Nentrys Co., Ltd. has acquired the business of the logistics, construction, and manufacturing industry-specific job introduction site "Job Megaphone" from its subsidiary Route4 Co., Ltd. as of February 3, 2024, and has changed the service name to "Truck Kingdom Job." Moving forward, we plan to expand this as a series business under the online platform "Truck Kingdom," which will broadly engage in the purchase and sale of commercial vehicles. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

The evolved "Remodela PRO" will open its API, making renovations more convenient. ◆ Service users can directly request work from craftsmen. Remodela Inc. announced on February 5 that it will renew its craftsman matching app "Remodela PRO" in January 2024, allowing service users to freely request work from craftsmen. *For more details, 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 reinforcement, self-improvement, and in-house training. <What is the lifespan of scaffolding? Things you should know to ensure safety> To prevent accidents at construction sites, it is essential to have scaffolding with high safety standards, so many site managers may be concerned about the lifespan of scaffolding. By knowing the lifespan of scaffolding, you can prevent accidents and disasters caused by deterioration. In this article, we will introduce the lifespan of scaffolding and the necessary knowledge to ensure safety. Please see below for more details.

Reduce the usage and cost of double-sided shear walls while improving seismic and wind resistance performance. ◆ It is possible to operate at a shear force of 5.0 with the same construction effort as a shear force of 4.3. On January 19, 2024, Iken Construction Co., Ltd. announced that it has obtained ministerial approval for a shear force of 5.0 using Nodah's structural MDF wood shear panel "Structural High Best Wood." With this certification, it is possible to operate at a shear force of 5.0 with the same construction effort as the shear force of 4.3, and the actual performance value of the shear wall usable in structural calculations will be equivalent to 5 times or more. The company has confirmed the improvement of seismic and wind resistance performance for two-story wooden buildings and the reduction in the usage of double-sided shear walls, expecting further cost reduction effects. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Improving the thermal environment to achieve a higher level of comfort and enhance the health maintenance of residents. ◆ Further enhancing the performance of "Econa Wall" Kitoshu Co., Ltd. will start handling its self-developed heat-retaining plaster wall material "Econa Wall NEB" under its housing brand "Kitoshu Housing" from January 20, 2024. "Econa Wall" is a heat-retaining plaster wall material developed by the company and launched in 2014, which alleviates indoor temperature fluctuations by absorbing and releasing heat while storing solar heat and nighttime cold air, creating a comfortable thermal environment. The new "Econa Wall NEB," as indicated by the NEB (Non Energy Benefit) in its name, is a wall material that elevates the thermal environment of homes to a higher level, achieving improved health maintenance and livability through reduced temperature disparities.

Significantly reduced travel time between Mumbai City and Navi Mumbai City across Mumbai Bay ◆ Total length of approximately 22 km IHI Infrastructure Systems Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as IIS) announced on January 19, 2024, that the offshore bridge of the Mumbai Bay Crossing Road Construction Project, which was being constructed in a joint venture with India's largest general contractor Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), has been completed, and the opening ceremony was held on January 12. The offshore bridge is approximately 22 km long and connects the central area of Mumbai City in the peninsula side, from Sewri, across Mumbai Bay to Navi Mumbai City in the eastern suburbs, making it the longest in India. In this project, IIS-L&T was responsible for the construction of the offshore bridge starting approximately 10 km from Sewri, and IIS carried out the manufacturing and transportation of steel deck box girders with heavy anti-corrosion coating, which was the first of its kind used in the country. *For further details, please refer to the related product information below.

Introduction of Takenaka Corporation's Innovative Wooden Construction Technology! Contributing to the Realization of a Sustainable Society with Japan's Tallest Wooden Rental Office Building in Nihonbashi, Tokyo ◆ Japan's Largest and Tallest Wooden Office Building Mitsui Fudosan and Takenaka Corporation began construction on January 4th for the "Tentative Name: Nihonbashi Honcho 1-Chome 3-Ban Project" in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. This project is attracting attention as Japan's largest and tallest wooden rental office building, with 18 stories above ground, a height of 84 meters, and a total floor area of approximately 28,000 square meters. It is expected to achieve a reduction of about 30% in CO2 emissions during the construction of the structural components compared to conventional steel-framed office buildings. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Acquired due to the evaluation of ITS's extensive support and the reduction of the workload for accounting personnel. ◆ Complete packaging of administrative processing tasks in the construction industry Uchida Yoko Co., Ltd. IT Solutions (hereinafter referred to as ITS) announced on January 18, 2024, that its construction industry ERP system "PROCES.S" has been awarded "High Performer" in the construction industry ERP category at the "ITreview Grid Award 2024 Winter" hosted by IT Cloud Co., Ltd. "PROCES.S" is a cloud-compatible ERP system specifically designed for the construction industry, fully packaging the necessary administrative processing tasks (accounting, cost management, billing and payment management, payment, JV management, payroll) required in the construction industry. By linking with the company's ERP extension option system UC+ (Yuktas) series, it is also possible to build a total system that covers all company operations. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Digitalization of paper forms in KY activities, supporting safety measures and improving operational efficiency ◆ The burden of paper forms is a factor in decreased safety awareness MC Data Plus Co., Ltd. has started providing a "KY (Hazard Prediction) support function" in its on-site construction management service "Work Site" from January 18, 2024. Currently, many KY activities at construction sites are operated using paper forms created by each contractor's work group, with some sites generating and storing over 100 forms per day. As a result, the burden of KY activities can lead to a decrease in safety awareness. *For more information, please refer to the related product information below.

Specially designed with GORE-TEX material that excels in waterproofing, breathability, windproofing, water repellency, and thermal insulation. ◆ Lightweight and easy to move, even in the rain without getting damp. On January 12, 2024, East Japan Railway Company announced that it will sell 150 limited edition JR original color GORE-TEX waterproof cold-weather half coats and pants. GORE-TEX is a high-performance material with waterproofing, breathability, windproofing, water repellency, and thermal insulation. It features a two-layer structure with a film that provides waterproof and breathable functions on the back of the outer fabric, making it lightweight and easy to move, allowing for comfortable work even in rainy conditions. *GORE-TEX is a trademark of W.L. Gore & Associates. Additionally, this product is a special version from the company. It includes TC series police response mesh pockets, high-brightness reflective materials, loops for arm badges and name tags, and double jersey cuffs. The pants feature a zippered opening at the hem and side access pockets. *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 reinforcement, self-improvement, and in-house training. <How much does it cost to assemble scaffolding? An introduction to market prices and unit costs> Scaffolding is essential for progressing work at construction sites. Some site managers may be curious about how much it costs to assemble such scaffolding. In this article, we will introduce the market prices and unit costs for scaffolding assembly. By referring to this article, you will be able to understand the appropriate market prices for scaffolding assembly costs, enabling you to reduce unnecessary expenses. Please see below for the continuation.

Promoting accident prevention in the semiconductor industry, which is facing a serious labor shortage, and creating a safer workplace ◆Exhibiting at the Smart Factory EXPO HACARUS Inc., a company that develops and provides AI solutions, announced on January 16, 2024, that it is collaborating with Tokyo Electron Limited on the joint development of AI for accident prevention. The AI currently under joint development will be exhibited at the Smart Factory EXPO Tokyo, held from January 24 to 26, 2024. Due to the severe labor shortage in the semiconductor industry, Tokyo Electron Limited is working on accident prevention, including efforts with its business partners, to create a safer workplace. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

Streamlining analog tasks in bridge inspections with 3D point clouds and automatic image organization, reducing infrastructure inspection costs ◆ Inspection record tasks can be completed with just a smartphone Mapry Inc. will release the app "mapry Bridge," which supports inspection tasks for small bridges, in February 2024. Basis Consulting Inc. will also participate as a sales partner for the app. "mapry Bridge" is a smartphone app based on the map function of iOS mapry. It allows users to associate and save photos taken with a smartphone and point clouds captured with a 3D scanner to various drawings of registered bridges on the map, completing traditional analog tasks with just a smartphone. Historical records and damage diagrams entered on "mapry Bridge," as well as location maps, are organized and linked to field data, and automatically placed in the company's mapryGIS record notebook, making data exchange between the field and the office easier. As a result, the need for diagramming tasks from paper materials that were previously done in-house is eliminated, making this app a revolutionary tool for infrastructure inspection record tasks. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism recognizes that "Scanat" can shorten the on-site survey process and improve economic efficiency and constructability. ◆With this registration, the use of "Scanat" will be eligible for additional points in construction performance evaluations. The 3D scanning measurement app "Scanat" by nat Co., Ltd. has been registered in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's new technology information provision system "NETIS" as of January 12, 2024. "NETIS" is a database system established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to promote the use of new technologies through information sharing and provision. Technologies registered in "NETIS" are promoted for use by the government. If contractors of public works propose the use of registered technologies and actually utilize them in construction, additional points will be awarded in construction performance evaluations based on the effectiveness. *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. <Introducing 5 Types of Scaffolding! How to Distinguish Size Standards> There are various types of scaffolding used at construction sites. Scaffolding is set up to allow workers to safely perform tasks at heights. On the other hand, scaffolding must be easy to dismantle after construction, meaning it should not only support workers securely while in use but also be easy to assemble and disassemble. This time, we will explain the types of scaffolding and size standards. Please see below for more details.

By equipping hydraulic cylinders with oil leak detection sensors, we can monitor the deterioration of the seal area and suggest appropriate timing for parts replacement. ◆ Enables monitoring of the deterioration of hydraulic cylinder seal areas and failure prediction. On January 9, 2024, Kayaba Corporation announced the development of oil leak detection sensors for hydraulic cylinders used in large and ultra-large construction machinery. This allows for the monitoring of the deterioration of the seal area of hydraulic cylinders and the prediction of failures. *For more information, please refer to the related product information below.

Data is accurately obtained in locations where human access is difficult using indoor inspection drones. ◆ Active in hazardous work environments such as inspecting water channels in purification facilities. On January 9, 2024, Liberaware Inc. announced that its indoor inspection drone "IBIS" has been introduced for inspection services at Tokyu Construction Co., Ltd., confirming its usefulness. Tokyu Construction is engaged in seismic reinforcement work for facilities that purify household sewage and rainwater using sedimentation tanks and microbial reaction tanks before discharging it into rivers. In this project, an internal investigation of a reinforced concrete water channel, approximately 3 meters wide, 2 meters high, and 50 to 60 meters long, which is laid underground in the facility, will be conducted first. However, the interior of the water channel is a dangerous place for humans to enter due to concerns about accumulated sediment and the generation of oxygen-deficient and toxic gases. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

Despite the expansion of the market size, the workforce is decreasing, leading to a strengthened recruitment of young talent and specialized middle to high-class professionals through digital transformation (DX). ◆ Job openings have increased for three consecutive years On January 9, 2024, Struct Co., Ltd. released data on job openings over the past three years from its construction industry-focused job matching platform, "Construction JOBs." According to the data, while the domestic market size in the construction industry is increasing due to the recovery of the housing market and development demand, the number of job openings on "Construction JOBs" has increased for three consecutive years due to labor shortages caused by a declining workforce and aging population. In the fiscal year 2021, the number of workers in the construction industry was 4.85 million, a decrease of about 29% from its peak. As a result, the effective job openings-to-applicants ratio for the construction industry, including mining, is 5.32 times, which is more than four times the overall effective job openings-to-applicants ratio for all industries. Additionally, the aging population and declining birthrate are accelerating, with over 30% of workers being 55 years or older and just over 10% being 29 years or younger in 2021, making the transfer of skills to the next generation a significant challenge.

Efforts to promote women's participation in the construction industry have achieved a female ratio significantly higher than the industry average. ◆ In December, the gender ratio reversed On December 29, 2023, IAR Co., Ltd., a staffing company for the construction industry, announced that the number of female technical staff hired in 2023 reached 260, accounting for 40.4% of the total, and that in December alone, the number of women surpassed that of men. This figure, which greatly exceeds the industry average, is seen as a result of the company's focus on increasing women's participation in the construction industry as it faces the "2024 problem." *For more details, 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 reinforcement, self-improvement, and in-house training. <What is scaffolding used for roofing work? Features and precautions when installing it> Scaffolding is necessary during construction work, but what types and precautions are there specifically for roofing work? According to the law, scaffolding installation is mandatory when work is conducted at a height of 2 meters or more. In roofing work, it is crucial to prioritize safety and consideration for neighboring residents by installing appropriate scaffolding. So, what kind of scaffolding should be installed for roofing work? This time, we will explain the scaffolding used for roofing work. Please see below for the continuation.

Smoothly conduct disaster prevention and safety confirmation during disasters in the construction industry to prevent workplace accidents. ◆ Providing "Cross Zero for Business" tailored for the construction industry KENTEM (Kensetsu System Co., Ltd.) announced on December 25 that it will release the comprehensive disaster prevention app "Cross Zero for Business [Construction Option]" for the construction industry on January 17, 2024. The app includes numerous features that can be utilized in daily construction sites, such as safety confirmation during disasters, sharing of hazard prediction activity records, and group chat functionality accessible to partner companies. *For more information, please check the related product information below.*

The upgraded "Kuraemon Pad DX" digitizes construction sites, improving work efficiency and safety. ◆ Internal storage is 8 times larger Lukre Co., Ltd. released the sixth generation of the construction site tablet "Kuraemon Pad DX" on December 21. The new model features internal storage that is eight times larger than the previous model, and the CPU processing speed is three times faster, allowing for quicker operation and the ability to store and manage approximately 320,000 construction photos and about 5.36 million drawings and documents. *For more information, please check the related product information below.

By allowing invoice payments via card, we can extend payment deadlines and support cash flow for construction contractors. ◆Challenges in cash flow in the construction industry Digital Garage Inc. announced on December 19 the launch of a B2B payment service for the construction industry called "DGFT Invoice Card Payment for Otsuka Shokai," based on the "DGFT Invoice Card Payment." In the construction industry, there have traditionally been cash flow challenges due to the layered subcontracting structure and commercial practices such as promissory notes, and recently, there has also been pressure on profits due to rising material costs caused by the depreciation of the yen. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

SpiderPlus Acquires Fundamental Patent for "Visualization of Updated Areas in Construction Drawings" With this patented technology, it becomes possible to visualize the updated areas during drawing updates and transfer data, thereby streamlining on-site operations. ◆Industry's First Fundamental Patent SpiderPlus Inc., which offers the construction DX service "SPIDERPLUS," announced on December 19 that it has acquired the industry's first fundamental patent technology for "Visualization of Updated Areas in Construction Drawings." This patent technology automatically visualizes the updated areas when construction drawings are updated, allows for switching between the drawings before and after the update, and enables the transfer of data such as icons, notes, and photos. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

The workwear suit developed for young professionals has evolved into a suit that is also utilized in business settings. ◆ Sales from September are 119% compared to the previous year. Oasis Lifestyle Group announced on December 19 that the cumulative sales of its workwear suit "WWS" have surpassed 250,000 units. Since February 2023, WWS has seen sales exceed the same month of the previous year for 11 consecutive months, with sales from September to November reaching 119% compared to the same period last year. In the second half of the year, production will be increased to three times last year's volume, and a lightweight, heat-retaining winter "Biz Warm Model" is also being sold. Sales of the winter model have surged since October, with about 90% sold out by the end of November, indicating its popularity. *For more details, please check the related product information below.

"Scaffolding Column" from a long-established temporary equipment manufacturer with over 70 years of experience. At Chuo Built Industry, we provide accurate knowledge and information about scaffolding, contributing to safety and efficiency at construction sites. Please use this for knowledge reinforcement, self-improvement, and in-house training. <What are the types of scaffolding at construction sites? An explanation of the characteristics of external scaffolding, internal scaffolding, and ground scaffolding.> Scaffolding, which is essential for construction work, is indispensable for the craftsmen involved in the project. Scaffolding is used in various locations from the early stages of construction to the end. Moreover, scaffolding is not a one-time setup; it is adapted and reshaped according to the progress of the work. Scaffolding is necessary not only to ensure the safety of craftsmen but also to allow them to focus on their tasks and perform quality work. Therefore, it is required to set up scaffolding that is easy for craftsmen to work on. In this article, we will explain the classification of scaffolding set up for different tasks. Please see below for the continuation.

Utilizing a closed network with high security and high response, it can be used in important sites that support social infrastructure. ◆ Provided in a local 5G environment Science Arts Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. announced on December 12 that they will start offering the "On-Premises Version of Buddycom" in a local 5G environment in spring 2024. "Buddycom" is a live communication platform that connects non-desk workers. The two companies have previously provided a cloud version of Buddycom in a local 5G environment, allowing multiple users to share voice, live video, and accurate information. *For more details, please check the related product information below.