November 19, 2024
PFU brings Digital Solutions to Revolutionize Off-Grid work sites in Philippines
Digital Transformation of Agricultural and Educational Sectors with ScanSnap Image ScannersTOKYO, November 19, 2024 - PFU Limited, led by President and CEO Seiji Murakami, today announced its collaboration with Ricoh Company Ltd and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) initiative to digitalize work environments, particularly in areas without reliable access to electricity.
The ScanSnap iX1600 and ScanSnap SV600, developed and manufactured by PFU were introduced, showcasing its cutting-edge image scanning technology to streamline processes, boosting efficiency and productivity.
(educational site)
(agricultural cooperative)
The feasibility study examined the business potential of providing a one-stop package that uses a small-scale hydroelectric power generation system (3D-pico hydroelectric power generation(1)) with uniquely shaped wings made using a 3D printer to supply electricity in areas of the Philippines that are not electrified or have
insufficient electricity, and promotes digital ways of working for people engaged in education and agriculture.
Proposed by WEeeT-CAM, an internal team of TRIBUS, Ricoh's accelerator program for new business creation, this project was selected by JICA in 2020 and now has been completed as of 2024.
As a result of this study, the project has selected multiple educational and agricultural sites in the Philippines to demonstrate the feasibility. PFU cooperated with Ricoh in the verification experiment using PFU scanners (ScanSnap iX1600 and SV600)
The use of an image scanner has demonstrated the potential to create mutually beneficial business models by promoting digital transformation (DX) in emerging nations. By digitizing and automating manual work routines, more time can be dedicated to creative and strategic tasks.
Educational and agricultural sectors faced challenges to improve productivity and increase revenue due to the scarce existence of the middle class despite the increasing population. PFU will promote new innovations for maximizing fulfillment through work for local people through digital services while also contributing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its businesses.
Project Overview
Verification testing using image scanners "ScanSnap iX1600" and "ScanSnap SV600" when paired with Ricoh's small-scale hydroelectric power systems has confirmed their potential to drive DX in agriculture and education sectors even in off-grid areas and areas with limited access to electricity offering sustainable and efficient solutions to digitizing operations.
• Higher accounting efficiency on agricultural sites
The main office of an agricultural cooperative was able to simplify a large volume of processes conventionally done manually by using a scanner, which reduces the amount of time required monthly for these tasks by 26 hours. A shift to paperless work processes also successfully lowered the use of paper by 1.3 kg per month, equivalent to
approximately 260 sheets of A4 paper(2). ScanSnap iX1600 even realized faster responses to customers by directly sending the scanned documents to them.
• Lower workload on educational sites
Before the implementation of the proof-of-concept at the pilot elementary school, teachers faced a time-consuming reporting process, where the Ministry of Education requires both physical and digital copies of their reports submitted, which involved a weekly commitment of 5 hours - 1.5 hours one-way trip to town and additional 2 hours for
digitalizing documents.
With the introduction of the "ScanSnap SV600", teachers can now quickly and efficiently scan documents directly on-site, streamlining the document processing workflow and reducing the time to just 1 hour every week. It has not only saved valuable time but also reduced travel costs and administrative tasks, allowing teachers to devote more time to core educational activities such as lesson planning, student engagement and document preparation, ultimately improving the quality of education.
NOTE
- (1) Small-scale hydroelectric power generation of about several kW or less.
- (2) Equivalent to approximately 260 sheets of A4 paper. Calculating that a sheet of typical A4 paper weighs approximately 5g.
Relevant Information
Report on the Completion of the SDGs Business Model Formulation Survey with the Private Sector for DX of Workplaces Utilizing 3D-Pico Hydro Generator System in Philippines
https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/643/643/643_118_1000052831.html
Ricoh's proposal selected for JICA's SME/SDGs Business Support Project
https://www.ricoh.com/info/2021/0608_1
About WEeeT-CAM (Japanese)
https://accelerator.ricoh/lifeparts2019weeetcam/
Liaison for Proof-of-Concept Testing in the Philippines
The International Children's Action Network (ICAN), an international NGO operating in the Philippines since 1994 to build a better society by working with the local community
https://ican.or.jp/
PMCEI, a coffee exporting company that operates for 1. quality improvement and export of coffee and cacao, 2. survey on overseas expansion of companies, 3. educational exchange (Japanese)
https://www.facebook.com/PMCEI/
Since its founding in 1960, PFU has been headquartered in Ishikawa, Japan and expanding its business globally. In 2022, PFU joined the Ricoh Group. Based on the technologies cultivated through computer development, we provide a total range of IT-related products and services, including hardware such as image scanners and embedded computers,
security and document management software and services, IT infrastructure building, and multi-vendor services in partnership with other companies.
For more information, please visit https://www.pfu.ricoh.com/global/
About Ricoh
Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimize business performance.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh's global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organizational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2024, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,348 billion yen (approx. 15.5 billion USD).
It is Ricoh's mission and vision to empower individuals to find Fulfillment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future.
For further information, please visit http://www.ricoh.com/
