【Closing Time Reduced from 30 Minutes to Under 5】Unit Count Increased from 5 to 9, Yet Reception Staff Levels Maintained Despite Patient Growth｜Ace Dental (Gunma) Implements Automated Settlement Machine

The automated settlement machine 'Temasack,' developed by Kawanishi Barkmed Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture), a company specializing in DX-related services for the healthcare industry, has been introduced at Ace Dental (Hikari Medical Corporation) in Gunma Prefecture.

The clinic simultaneously relocated from its former facility to a new one and increased the number of treatment units from 5 to 9. While it is common to increase reception staff in response to rising patient numbers, the clinic has maintained its current reception staffing levels.

Furthermore, post-treatment closing procedures have been drastically shortened from 30 minutes to under 5 minutes. This has led to significant improvements in both patient satisfaction and staff working conditions, including reduced anxiety over accounting errors and expanded cashless payment options.

The introduction of the automated settlement machine 'Temasack' has simultaneously achieved increased patient capacity and improved working conditions, reducing the burden on reception staff and shortening departure times.

Background: Re-evaluating Reception Structure Ahead of Relocation with Anticipated Patient Growth

At the time of relocating from the old clinic to the new one, the clinic increased its number of treatment units from 5 to 9.

This expansion brought about anticipated challenges such as:

- Increase in patient volume - Increased workload for reception staff - Risk of disputes due to accounting errors

In particular, the clinic strongly felt the following issues:

- Workload associated with cash closing and cash management - Cash handling errors (miscalculations) - Need to expand cashless payment options - Long wait times for payment processing

Additionally, past experiences with disputes arising from billing errors contributed to significant psychological stress among reception staff.

Effect (1): Maintaining Reception Staff Levels Despite Increased Unit Count

With the relocation, the number of treatment units was increased from 5 to 9. The automated settlement machine 'Temasack' was installed next to the merchandise display.

At the new clinic, the number of treatment units has been increased, and daily patient visits have also risen.

However, the clinic has successfully maintained the same number of reception staff as at the previous location.

This outcome is largely due to the realization of 'labor-saving in accounting tasks' and 'efficiency in reception operations' through the introduction of the automated settlement machine.

Effect (2): Drastic Reduction in Closing Time from '30 Minutes' to 'Under 5 Minutes'

After introducing the automated settlement machine 'Temasack,' staff departure times have become approximately 30 minutes earlier than before.

Prior to implementation, end-of-day closing procedures took about 30 minutes.

After implementation, this time has been reduced to under 5 minutes.

As a result:

- Post-treatment cleanup time reduced from 60 minutes to 30 minutes - Staff departure times advanced by approximately 30 minutes

These improvements have led to enhanced operational efficiency, reduced staff burden, and improved working conditions.

【Performance Measurement of Accounting Operations】

Before Implementation

After Implementation

Payment Waiting Time

7–10 minutes per person

7–10 minutes per person

Cash Closing Time

21–30 minutes per day

Under 5 minutes per day

Frequency of Miscalculations

Approximately 2–3 times per month

Almost non-existent

Overtime Hours

0–5 minutes per person per day

0–5 minutes per person per day

※Reception Staff: 2 persons, Average Daily Outpatient Count: 51–80 patients

※Assessment by clinic staff as of March 2026 (Implementation: November 2024)

【5-Point Scale Evaluation of Challenges in Reception and Accounting Tasks】

Before Implementation

After Implementation

Staff Shortage

4: Slightly felt

4: Slightly felt

Length of Payment Waiting Time

4: Slightly felt

2: Not much felt

Cash Closing and Cash Management

5: Strongly felt

1: Not felt

Miscalculations and Cash Handling Errors

5: Strongly felt

1: Not felt

Cashless Payments

4: Slightly felt

1: Not felt

Reception Service and Hospitality Quality

4: Slightly felt

2: Not much felt

※Evaluation Criteria: 5-point scale from '1: Not felt' to '5: Strongly felt'

※Assessment by clinic staff as of March 2026 (Implementation: November 2024)

Effect (3): Enhanced Patient Satisfaction Through Expanded Cashless Payments

In addition to card payments, the system now supports QR code and electronic money payments. Expanding payment options helps prevent cash handling mistakes.

After implementation, errors in cash exchange have been eliminated, significantly reducing the psychological burden on staff.

In addition to previous credit card payments (limited to insurance-covered treatments), the clinic now broadly supports:

- QR code payments - Electronic money payments

As a result, the clinic has received positive feedback from patients.

Message to Medical Institutions Considering Implementation

Even if you carefully build trust during treatment, the payment process is the final and important interaction between the clinic and the patient. Therefore, we believe that establishing an accurate and smooth payment system helps maintain the clinic’s credibility.

We consider the introduction of an automated settlement machine not only an improvement in accuracy but also an investment that reduces the psychological burden on reception staff and ultimately contributes to staff retention.

About Hikari Medical Corporation Ace Dental

The clinic operates as a 'dental clinic accessible from age 0 (pregnancy),' valuing not only oral health but also supporting healthy overall development, including breathing and posture. Rather than focusing solely on cavity prevention and teeth alignment, the clinic supports parents in giving their children the 'gift of health' through breastfeeding guidance, nutritional counseling, and MFT (Myofunctional Therapy).

In addition to pediatric care, the clinic offers a wide range of treatments—such as regular check-ups, periodontal disease treatment, Blue Radical therapy, implants, dentures, and whitening—so families can continue visiting throughout their lives.

As a 'family dental clinic,' the clinic values a consistent system capable of supporting patients from preventive care to advanced treatments.

The clinic provides a safe and comfortable environment for parents and children, with exterior parking for 22 vehicles.

About the Implemented Automated Settlement Machine 'Temasack'

The system is also praised for its adaptability, allowing continuous adjustments and improvements based on on-site needs.

The company provides useful information and content, including product specifications, case studies, manga explanations, AR trial placements, selection guides, and subsidy information.

Automated Settlement Machine Temasack｜Official Website

For product inquiries and material requests, click here

Overview of Implementation Site

Clinic Name: Hikari Medical Corporation Ace Dental

Address: 112-5 Okubo, Yoshioka-machi, Kitagunma-gun, Gunma 370-3602

Department: Dentistry

URL: https://www.ace-dent.jp/

Company Overview (Provider)

Company Name: Kawanishi Barkmed Co., Ltd.

Address: 805 Okayama Fukoku Seimei Ekimae Building, 1-6 Ekimotomachi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-0024

Representative: Akira Motoyama

Established: July 2019

Business: Internet-related services for the medical industry and other related businesses

URL: https://kawanishi-bm.co.jp/

Contact for This Matter

Contact Form: https://kawanishi-bm.co.jp/contact/