Launch of New FDE-Style Co-Development Service 'Forward Runner' to Internalize AI and RPA Utilization

Cloudworks Consulting Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koichi Ohiru; hereinafter "the company"), a provider of AI/DX consulting, outsourced development, engineer dispatch, and staffing services, announces the launch of 'Forward Runner (Forward Runner)', a new FDE-style co-development support service for AI and RPA.

FDE (Forward Deployed Engineer) refers to engineers who deeply embed themselves within client organizations to oversee the entire process—from problem definition and design to development and operational stabilization—under one integrated workflow. Unlike traditional outsourcing, FDEs work alongside client teams, fully understanding their operations and challenges before supporting implementation.

With Forward Runner, this FDE-style support aims to eliminate the common misalignment between 'consulting' and 'development' phases, ensuring AI and RPA solutions are effectively adopted and sustained within client operations.

■ Background of the Launch of 'Forward Runner'

In recent years, interest in DX initiatives using AI and RPA has grown, driven by the need for operational efficiency and labor shortage mitigation. However, organizations face several challenges at the operational level:

- Difficulty identifying which tasks should be automated
- Challenges in comparing and selecting appropriate AI/RPA tools
- Inability to resolve errors post-implementation, leading to abandoned systems
- 'Black-box' automation created by external vendors or former employees
- Desire to reduce reliance on outsourcing and build internal operational capabilities

These issues cannot be resolved by simply introducing tools. What's needed is support that understands real-world operations and enables tailored design, implementation, and sustainable adoption.

'Forward Runner' aims to embed AI and RPA utilization into daily operations through FDE-style implementation support—distinct from training or BPO models.

■ Three Key Values Provided by 'Forward Runner'

1. On-Site, FDE-Style Implementation Support

Forward Runner deploys professional engineers directly into client operations to collaboratively resolve challenges in workflow analysis, design, development, and operations.

In AI and RPA implementations, systems often fail because development proceeds without a deep understanding of actual workflows. Forward Runner addresses this by having FDEs work closely with teams to identify issues and support implementation, ensuring automation is practical and effectively used in daily operations.

Additionally, through unlimited chat support and web meetings, the service provides real-time assistance on development errors and complex logic, preventing project stagnation and accelerating operational improvements.

2. Internalization Support to Prevent Knowledge Silos

Relying on individual staff or external vendors for AI and RPA creates risks—operations may halt when personnel change or systems are updated.

Forward Runner supports the development of internal capabilities using web meetings and learning content, enabling employees to understand, operate, and maintain AI and RPA systems.

Beyond mere development outsourcing, the service increases the number of capable internal users and ensures organizational knowledge retention, empowering companies to continuously improve operations using their own resources.

3. Cross-Platform Technology Selection Expertise

Effective AI and RPA adoption requires selecting the right technology based on business needs—not defaulting to a single tool.

Forward Runner offers impartial recommendations across a wide range of tools, including AI/SaaS platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, Dify, and n8n, as well as RPA tools such as UiPath, Power Automate, and WinActor.

The service supports not only new implementations but also the analysis and handover of legacy robots from other vendors—even without documentation—enabling optimization of existing assets.

■ Service Overview: 'Forward Runner'

- Service Name: Forward Runner
- Offering: FDE-style RPA and AI co-development support
- Target Clients: Companies aiming to adopt, improve, or internalize RPA and AI
- Support Areas: Workflow analysis, tool selection, development and deployment, operations and maintenance, internalization and self-sufficiency support
- Pricing: From ¥110,000 per month
- Service URL: https://www.forward-runner.jp/

■ About Cloudworks Consulting Inc.

- Company Name: Cloudworks Consulting Inc.
- CEO: Koichi Ohiru
- Address: 28F, Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Business: AX/DX consulting, outsourced development, engineer dispatch, and staffing (SES)
- Capital: ¥51 million
- URL: https://cw-consulting.co.jp/

■ Inquiries

- Cloudworks Consulting Inc.
- Contact: https://cw-consulting.co.jp/form/contact/