Ainet and Daitec, providers of information processing services for the oil sales industry, launch strategic collaboration in the SS and propane gas sectors - Contributing to the sustainable business development of the energy industry through mutual deployment of accounting systems and cloud services -

Ainet Corporation (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, President: Tomomichi Saeki, hereinafter "Ainet") and Daitec Corporation (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, President: Tsukasa Ashihara, hereinafter "Daitec") announce the launch of a strategic collaboration in the business fields for service stations (hereinafter, SS) and propane gas providers.

1. Background of Collaboration

The oil industry has undergone restructuring of oil wholesalers over the past 20 years, and the business environment surrounding the SS industry is facing a major turning point, with a decrease in population and a projected decline in fuel demand in the future. In this situation, system providers whose main customers are in the SS industry are required to break away from conventional sales and development structures and transition to more efficient and high-value-added business models.

Meanwhile, the propane gas industry is experiencing a declining demand due to population decrease and the spread of all-electric homes. In this environment, the acceleration of business closures and M&A among small and medium-sized businesses due to the aging of management and labor shortages is occurring. Under these circumstances, it is urgent to improve the efficiency of meter reading and delivery and to promote sales management systems utilizing IT technology.

Both companies have determined that by concentrating resources through collaboration, rather than dispersing limited management resources (personnel, technology, funds), they can stably provide higher quality systems and services, and have agreed to this collaboration.

2. Strengths and Roles of Both Companies

Ainet has provided contract calculation services for SS for approximately 50 years since its founding, and is currently used at approximately 6,000 SS nationwide. In addition, its systems for propane gas sales companies have been adopted by approximately 300 companies, demonstrating extensive experience in the energy industry.

On the other hand, Daitec, as an ENEOS designated calculation center, has its POS systems used at approximately 4,500 SS nationwide and ENEOS simple credit terminals at approximately 1,000 SS nationwide, and is well-versed in back-office operations at the site level.

By combining the strengths of these two companies, we will accelerate the resolution of issues facing the entire energy industry.

3. Overview of Collaboration

(1) Collaboration in SS Business

In this collaboration, Ainet will establish a system to handle Daitec's accounting system specialized for ENEOS-affiliated SS and its high-functionality, high-usability cloud product "NaviX Cloud SS" as a sales agent. We aim to introduce the system to 200 SS over the next 5 years, aiming to provide higher quality and more stable systems and services to ENEOS-affiliated SS and their operators.

(2) Collaboration in Propane Gas Business

A system will be established where Daitec will act as a sales agent for "Propanet," Ainet's core product for propane gas providers. We aim to introduce the system to 50 companies over the next 5 years, aiming to improve operational efficiency and strengthen management support for propane gas businesses.

4. Future Outlook

Through this collaboration, we will build a system that can flexibly respond to changes in the energy industry. By integrating the technologies, products, and sales channels cultivated by both companies, we will maximize the business value and achieve sustainable growth for SS and propane gas providers, thereby contributing to the development of the entire industry.

<Overview of Daitec>

Company Name: Daitec Corporation

Location: Omori MH Building, 6-16-19 Minamioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Business: Development and operation of information processing services for the oil sales industry, development and sales of CAD for the construction industry, development and provision of cloud services for the housing industry, provision of construction IoT platforms

Official Website: https://www.daitec.co.jp/

<Overview of Ainet>

Company Name: Ainet Corporation

Location: Yokohama Symbiosis Stage West Tower 13F, 5-1-2 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City

Business: Managed cloud, accounting systems for the oil sales industry, LP gas sales management systems, systems for finance and distribution industries, IoT device development, system design, inspection/testing, operation/evaluation for artificial satellites in space development

Official Website: https://www.inet.co.jp/