Bridging Information to Boost On-Site Efficiency and Sales Collaboration

Eliminating Inefficiencies: Building the DX Foundation for Smart Buildings

— Could you start by telling us about your business?

Mr. Takatsu: In Southeast Asia, rapid urbanization has driven the construction of high-rise buildings and large-scale complexes. Buildings today are evaluated not only as places for living and working, but also in terms of efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. Against this backdrop, demand for smart cities and smart buildings is growing, and we need to respond to that need.

For about 50 years, Hitachi Elevator has supported safe and comfortable mobility in Thailand. Elevators and escalators are essential infrastructure that support urban development. Building on that expertise, we are now taking on the Smart Building Business, enhancing building value across multiple dimensions—security, energy efficiency, and facility management. Our mission is to “Shape the Future of Buildings,” contributing sustainable value to society and making cities and people’s lives better.

Overcoming Fragmented Information and Reporting Burdens

— What challenges did you face in moving this business forward?

Mr. Takatsu: Communication with customers and partners was spread across multiple channels—email, LINE, and face-to-face discussions. Tracking progress and managing tasks was extremely time-consuming. With information scattered, delays and oversights became real risks.

Mr. Wongrattanatrai: On-site management relied heavily on Excel, which had become increasingly complex and cumbersome. On top of that, staff had to return to the office each time to prepare reports, halting on-site work. This sometimes caused delays in customer response and a decline in work quality, which made it clear we needed a better solution.

— Why did you decide on KANNA?

Mr. Takatsu: We considered several tools, but KANNA’s simple and intuitive UI made it easy for staff to adopt quickly. Most importantly, the support system was decisive. Many new tools fail to gain traction after rollout, but KANNA provided face-to-face assistance in three languages—Thai, Japanese, and English. This close, hands-on support made implementation remarkably smooth.

Connecting On-Site, Management, and Sales to Elevate Efficiency and Proposals

— What impact have you seen since adopting KANNA?

Mr. Wongrattanatrai: The biggest change is in reporting. Previously, staff had to return to the office and use a computer to prepare reports. Now, with just a smartphone, they can attach photos and submit real-time updates from the site. This has significantly reduced work hours and accelerated information sharing.

Mr. Paksarn: From a management perspective, KANNA has delivered three major benefits:

1. Reduced processes – Project management teams no longer need frequent office meetings, since information is updated in real time.
2. Faster problem-solving – Especially for issues requiring back-office support, responses are now quicker and more accurate.
3. A bridge between teams – By giving sales access to real-time project data, they can better understand challenges and solutions, enabling them to make more accurate and persuasive proposals to clients.

Ultimately, this has raised the overall quality of our sales activities. Sales teams can now deliver reliable, timely solutions based on the latest on-site information.

Looking Ahead: Extending KANNA Beyond the Company

— What are your future plans?

Mr. Takatsu: We plan to expand KANNA’s use beyond internal operations, extending it to collaboration with partners and customers as well. By seamlessly connecting sites, offices, and external stakeholders, we can further improve the speed and quality of projects.
Our ultimate goal is to contribute to sustainable urban development in Thailand through our Smart Building Business. We are confident that KANNA will be an essential foundation for realizing this vision.