Hitoshi Goto<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ukihiko Takagi<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the previous article, we covered key points for managing visa issuance and length of stay. This time, we will look at key considerations for PC software use in overseas projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The terms of use for PC software is another legal matter that requires attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is common to bring PCs used in Japan overseas for business trips, but strictly speaking, this can sometimes violate laws and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, Microsoft products used by many people on their PCs often have licenses valid only for use in Japan, and using them overseas as-is violates regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When using software overseas, you must check the license terms, and if the license is only for use within Japan, you must obtain a local license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, when installing software products on client PCs as a provider, export control may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking Microsoft products as an example, they are subject to export regulations under Japan’s Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (the latest regulatory information can be found on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry website), as well as US laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also necessary to prepare a document called a ‘parameter sheet’ to confirm with customs whether export permission is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PCs that can be used in Japan cannot necessarily be used overseas as-is – rather, you should assume they cannot, and properly investigate and address the issues before taking them abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
In Japan, the mainstream approach for progress and issue management is to have people input data into spreadsheet formats like Excel, create separate reports as needed, and have administrative staff compile them into reports for meetings and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This management approach is common in factories as well. In Japan, having indirect work staff (often managers) collect data and process it in various ways for detailed management seems to be a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another reason indirect work staff are needed is that even when online management tools are available, people often do not input data. In Japan, engineers and workers – not just in IT – tend to view data entry as a hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If left unattended, management information is not kept current, requiring indirect work staff for updates as well. That said, there is a trend toward reducing indirect work staff in Japan too, so it is unclear how long this approach will remain mainstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, overseas companies are thorough about reducing indirect man-hours. Not only large companies but also mid-sized companies use the same tools for managing their projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This applies not only to progress and issue management, but also to inquiry management during system operation, program change management, configuration management, test process management, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There may be issues with input data quality, but if you define it as part of their tasks, they will understand that entering the latest information is part of their job and will reliably input their results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High workforce mobility is a major reason why entering the latest information into tools is mandatory. When someone suddenly resigns or is dismissed, if the latest information is not entered, it becomes difficult for remaining members to take over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For global information sharing, web management tools are convenient. If you are utilizing overseas companies, you should primarily use web tools rather than spreadsheets, and the Japanese side needs to get accustomed to this as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<< Read Part 12 of the Series<\/a> | Read Part 14 of the Series >><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hitoshi Goto Ukihiko Takagi In the previous article, we covered key points for managing visa issuance and leng […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":40,"template":"","case_wall_type":[16,12],"case_business_area":[47],"class_list":["post-101","column","type-column","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","case_wall_type-wall-11","case_wall_type-wall-7","case_business_area-business-area-6"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n