(For field use) The theory that LINE is the strongest
※Note to the reader:
This is a column where I, a "scientifically minded person," verbalize and explain the anxieties that company presidents and management teams face on a daily basis.
I hope you understand in advance that this content may not be of much interest to those not involved in business.
Please be aware that this column is written with a relatively high level of passion, so it is likely quite long. Also, since it contains a lot of subjective content, it would be helpful if you could just think, "So this is what this guy is thinking..." and read it lightly.
And if you feel like it, I would be happy if you could leave a comment or send me a DM. I intend to reply to each one carefully.
Also, I would like to mention in advance that since I have spent many years in the logistics industry, the content tends to lean towards logistics.
Well then, here you go.
Various communication tools
Tools I use
The main communication tool my team uses is Slack.
Slack allows for direct messaging, creating channels (groups) for team interaction, and even holding online meetings. Another benefit is that you can ensure security by creating a Workspace.
Also, I think it's great that you can reply to messages with stamps (emojis), making interactions quick. Although, I'm not sure if the other party feels the same way...
Another tool we use (which is the R&R of our team) is Salesforce to track the progress of business expansion. However, while Salesforce is capable of many things, it is quite difficult to master perfectly, so it might be a waste if you don't have someone with BI skills...
...But, all things considered, I believe LINE is the strongest in Japan.
Especially for off-site operations and in environments where external personnel and freelancers are mixed in, I think LINE is the only choice.
The current state of DX in Japan is...
Now, despite being advocated so loudly, it seems that DX is not progressing very well in Japan. According to a survey by Chatwork in November 2023, about half of small and medium-sized business owners and back-office staff do not even know the word "DX" itself.
I don't intend to make discriminatory remarks, but I feel that there are many people with low IT literacy in labor-intensive workplaces. Even if you try to introduce some kind of DX tool, the allergic reaction to "mysterious" tools from the perspective of the field (or older management teams) is significant, so it would be difficult to introduce tools like Slack or Salesforce, which I mentioned at the beginning, to the field.
Why I think LINE is the strongest
Many people use LINE for private purposes
In contrast, the LINE app should already be installed on their smartphones. Even among older people, many have learned to use LINE, if only to communicate with their grandchildren (even if they cannot use other apps).
If it is an app they are already familiar with, their allergic reaction will be low.
The pros and cons of LINE
It goes without saying, but you can connect with LINE if you know the mobile number, and you can also make free calls. If you create a group in advance, all members in it can talk simultaneously. If you connect a Bluetooth earphone microphone, you can keep both hands free, allowing you to share information in real-time while doing other work.
The drawbacks are that it is difficult to trace past history, attached files are deleted after 30 days, videos are cut to 5 minutes when uploaded, and it is easy to connect automatically via phone number or send messages to the wrong person, which tends to lower security against information leakage.
If you want to clear these issues...
If you want to clear those issues, I think introducing LINE WORKS or an official account is a good idea. With LINE WORKS, you can set security with administrator privileges, and history can be saved for up to 3 years. If you create an official account, you can have workers report their workload or register their start/end times, and it is possible to link this to Google Spreadsheets for automatic aggregation.
Strictly speaking, LINE, LINE WORKS, and official LINE are different apps, but since the UI is similar to the LINE app, they will likely accept the introduction of a new tool without much discomfort.
In that sense, I personally think LINE is the strongest.
Afterword
Thank you for reading to the end.
I have listed the articles I have written so far in a sitemap.
Please take a look.
<<Scientifically minded person>>