Obayashi Corporation Expands Use of Site Chat 'direct' Across All Construction Sites
Obayashi Corporation is expanding the use of the site-specific business chat tool 'direct', developed and provided by L is B Inc., to all domestic construction sites in its building and civil engineering divisions. This expansion includes the 'direct Apps (Task Function)' which was piloted from FY2024, with full availability planned from December 2025. The company is also leveraging chatbots integrated with external systems for automated notifications and real-time information sharing.
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- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 20:00
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L is B Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Taisuke Yokoi) announced that its site-specific business chat tool, 'direct/ダイレクト', is being utilized as a communication platform by Obayashi Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Toshimi Sato) across all domestic construction sites in its building and civil engineering divisions, including those of its partner companies.
Obayashi Corporation has established an environment where the 'direct Apps (Task Function)', which has been under trial since FY2024, will be available at all domestic construction sites starting December 2025. Currently, full-scale utilization is progressing at sites that have opted in. Additionally, by utilizing chatbots integrated with external systems, the company is advancing the automation of important notifications and real-time sharing of site information.
L is B aims to support improvements in safety and productivity at construction sites by providing 'direct' not merely as a chat tool, but as a foundational platform for site communication and operational management.
**'direct' Full Company Adoption for 6-7 Years, Expanding Communication Platform to Operational Management**
In January 2019, Obayashi Corporation announced the company-wide adoption of 'direct' and began its rollout to various construction sites in the building and civil engineering sectors (Note 1). Over approximately 6 to 7 years of operation, it has become widely ingrained as a daily information sharing tool, including among partner companies, and has solidified its position as a communication platform supporting site operations.
The background to this widespread adoption includes Obayashi Corporation's efforts to utilize 'direct' not just as an information sharing tool, but as a mechanism for more reliable management of site operations, as detailed below:
Note 1: Related article
Jan 2019 Business chat 'direct' adopted by Obayashi Corporation, implementation begins
https://l-is-b.com/ja/news/20190108_1254/
**(1) 'direct Apps (Task Function)' Available at All Sites**
To manage daily work instructions, corrective actions, and reports generated at construction sites, which were previously shared via chat, the 'direct Apps (Task Function)' began trial implementation from FY2024. This initiative aimed to organize corrective items, post-safety patrol improvement directives, and requests to partner companies as tasks, clarifying responsibilities and deadlines to allow stakeholders to view the status of actions at a glance.
A 'direct Apps Site Survey' conducted in March 2025 received feedback from recipients stating, 'It became clear what needs to be done and by when.' Managers commented, 'Fewer tasks were missed,' 'Progress can be viewed at a glance,' and 'It remains as a record.' These results indicated that the system helps organize action items that might otherwise be lost in chat, leading to improved reliability in site operations.
Based on this positive feedback, 'direct Apps (Task Function)' was introduced to Obayashi Corporation in December 2025, and is currently being utilized primarily at sites that have opted in.
**(2) Real-time Sharing of External System Information to Site Personnel via Chatbot**
'direct' enables information sharing integrated with external systems through the use of extended functions like chatbots. This allows for real-time notifications of information obtained from various systems to site personnel, supporting situational awareness and prompt responses.
Obayashi Corporation is promoting DX in construction sites by leveraging these mechanisms. For example, by integrating with the environmental measurement system 'SisMil' (Note 2), a chatbot automatically sends notifications when temperature or WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) values exceed set thresholds, enabling site managers and relevant personnel to grasp the situation immediately. Furthermore, construction progress information from the support system for reaching bearing strata of precast concrete piles, 'Kuyokunin' (Note 3), is also shared through 'direct'. By linking notifications from each system to 'direct', an environment has been created where stakeholders can check progress in real-time.
Notes 2 and 3: 'SisMil' and 'Kuyokunin' are systems developed by Obayashi Corporation. The chatbots that notify 'direct' from both systems were developed by Change Inc.
**Endorsement**
*We received an endorsement from Mr. Takada of Obayashi Corporation for this release.*
As we aim for further advanced utilization of 'direct', we focused on the task function of 'direct Apps' and decided to apply it to site operations.
While 'direct Apps' is multifunctional, there was some functional overlap with our company-wide standard system, so we deliberated on functional segmentation and operational rules. As a result, we decided on a policy to primarily deploy the highly effective task function, and also established training for the support desk and an operational framework.
Through trial implementation, we confirmed a certain level of effectiveness in organizing and visualizing instructions, rectifications, and action items. It is now available at all domestic construction sites. We view this initiative as an important first step towards the advanced utilization of 'direct', and will continue to collaborate with L is B Inc. to promote operational efficiency at construction sites while addressing role division with our company-wide standard system and managing security.
Obayashi Corporation
DX Headquarters, Advanced Digital Solution Center, Advanced Technology Department, Advanced Technology Division, Takada
**About the Site-Specific Business Chat 'direct/ダイレクト'**
The site-specific business chat 'direct' is widely used by field workers in various industries, including construction, infrastructure, facilities, and manufacturing, for information sharing using photos and blueprints taken at sites, as well as for emergency communication. Over 10,000 companies have adopted 'direct'.
'direct' Service Site: https://direct4b.com/ja/
**About 'direct Apps'**
'direct Apps' are extension applications that manage operations in conjunction with 'direct'. They connect communication on chat directly to operational management.
[Tasks]
Instruction details from 'direct' chats can be registered as tasks with a single click, allowing for visualization of progress with assigned personnel and deadlines. Work requests spanning multiple partner companies can be managed in a list, with status changes and updates possible through intuitive operation. This enables efficient task management without increasing the practical burden on site staff.
[Bulletin Board]
Information to be communicated to partner companies and related contractors, such as work notifications and rules, can be posted and organized by category. Reactions like 'likes' and comments are possible for posts, supporting two-way information sharing.
[Schedule Adjustment 'Triske']
Easily adjust schedules for internal and external members. It streamlines the presentation of date options and collection of responses for meetings like foreman meetings and safety committee meetings, significantly reducing the time-consuming process of schedule coordination.
'direct Apps' Feature Page: https://direct4b.com/ja/feature/apps/
*Company names, product names, and service names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
*Information provided herein is subject to change without notice.
**About L is B Inc.**
Founded in 2010 as a company supporting site operational improvements and digitalization, L is B Inc. focuses on realizing business reforms and problem-solving by sincerely addressing customer challenges, developing and selling a variety of solutions. We continue to be a company that constantly challenges new things and brings smiles to people.
■Company Name: L is B Inc.
■President & CEO: Taisuke Yokoi
■Established: September 29, 2010
■Headquarters: PLUTUS BLDG 2F, 3-11-1 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
■Company URL: https://l-is-b.com/ja/
**[Inquiries from Media]**
L is B Inc.
PR Marketing Department
https://l-is-b.com/ja/contact/
Obayashi Corporation has established an environment where the 'direct Apps (Task Function)', which has been under trial since FY2024, will be available at all domestic construction sites starting December 2025. Currently, full-scale utilization is progressing at sites that have opted in. Additionally, by utilizing chatbots integrated with external systems, the company is advancing the automation of important notifications and real-time sharing of site information.
L is B aims to support improvements in safety and productivity at construction sites by providing 'direct' not merely as a chat tool, but as a foundational platform for site communication and operational management.
**'direct' Full Company Adoption for 6-7 Years, Expanding Communication Platform to Operational Management**
In January 2019, Obayashi Corporation announced the company-wide adoption of 'direct' and began its rollout to various construction sites in the building and civil engineering sectors (Note 1). Over approximately 6 to 7 years of operation, it has become widely ingrained as a daily information sharing tool, including among partner companies, and has solidified its position as a communication platform supporting site operations.
The background to this widespread adoption includes Obayashi Corporation's efforts to utilize 'direct' not just as an information sharing tool, but as a mechanism for more reliable management of site operations, as detailed below:
Note 1: Related article
Jan 2019 Business chat 'direct' adopted by Obayashi Corporation, implementation begins
https://l-is-b.com/ja/news/20190108_1254/
**(1) 'direct Apps (Task Function)' Available at All Sites**
To manage daily work instructions, corrective actions, and reports generated at construction sites, which were previously shared via chat, the 'direct Apps (Task Function)' began trial implementation from FY2024. This initiative aimed to organize corrective items, post-safety patrol improvement directives, and requests to partner companies as tasks, clarifying responsibilities and deadlines to allow stakeholders to view the status of actions at a glance.
A 'direct Apps Site Survey' conducted in March 2025 received feedback from recipients stating, 'It became clear what needs to be done and by when.' Managers commented, 'Fewer tasks were missed,' 'Progress can be viewed at a glance,' and 'It remains as a record.' These results indicated that the system helps organize action items that might otherwise be lost in chat, leading to improved reliability in site operations.
Based on this positive feedback, 'direct Apps (Task Function)' was introduced to Obayashi Corporation in December 2025, and is currently being utilized primarily at sites that have opted in.
**(2) Real-time Sharing of External System Information to Site Personnel via Chatbot**
'direct' enables information sharing integrated with external systems through the use of extended functions like chatbots. This allows for real-time notifications of information obtained from various systems to site personnel, supporting situational awareness and prompt responses.
Obayashi Corporation is promoting DX in construction sites by leveraging these mechanisms. For example, by integrating with the environmental measurement system 'SisMil' (Note 2), a chatbot automatically sends notifications when temperature or WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) values exceed set thresholds, enabling site managers and relevant personnel to grasp the situation immediately. Furthermore, construction progress information from the support system for reaching bearing strata of precast concrete piles, 'Kuyokunin' (Note 3), is also shared through 'direct'. By linking notifications from each system to 'direct', an environment has been created where stakeholders can check progress in real-time.
Notes 2 and 3: 'SisMil' and 'Kuyokunin' are systems developed by Obayashi Corporation. The chatbots that notify 'direct' from both systems were developed by Change Inc.
**Endorsement**
*We received an endorsement from Mr. Takada of Obayashi Corporation for this release.*
As we aim for further advanced utilization of 'direct', we focused on the task function of 'direct Apps' and decided to apply it to site operations.
While 'direct Apps' is multifunctional, there was some functional overlap with our company-wide standard system, so we deliberated on functional segmentation and operational rules. As a result, we decided on a policy to primarily deploy the highly effective task function, and also established training for the support desk and an operational framework.
Through trial implementation, we confirmed a certain level of effectiveness in organizing and visualizing instructions, rectifications, and action items. It is now available at all domestic construction sites. We view this initiative as an important first step towards the advanced utilization of 'direct', and will continue to collaborate with L is B Inc. to promote operational efficiency at construction sites while addressing role division with our company-wide standard system and managing security.
Obayashi Corporation
DX Headquarters, Advanced Digital Solution Center, Advanced Technology Department, Advanced Technology Division, Takada
**About the Site-Specific Business Chat 'direct/ダイレクト'**
The site-specific business chat 'direct' is widely used by field workers in various industries, including construction, infrastructure, facilities, and manufacturing, for information sharing using photos and blueprints taken at sites, as well as for emergency communication. Over 10,000 companies have adopted 'direct'.
'direct' Service Site: https://direct4b.com/ja/
**About 'direct Apps'**
'direct Apps' are extension applications that manage operations in conjunction with 'direct'. They connect communication on chat directly to operational management.
[Tasks]
Instruction details from 'direct' chats can be registered as tasks with a single click, allowing for visualization of progress with assigned personnel and deadlines. Work requests spanning multiple partner companies can be managed in a list, with status changes and updates possible through intuitive operation. This enables efficient task management without increasing the practical burden on site staff.
[Bulletin Board]
Information to be communicated to partner companies and related contractors, such as work notifications and rules, can be posted and organized by category. Reactions like 'likes' and comments are possible for posts, supporting two-way information sharing.
[Schedule Adjustment 'Triske']
Easily adjust schedules for internal and external members. It streamlines the presentation of date options and collection of responses for meetings like foreman meetings and safety committee meetings, significantly reducing the time-consuming process of schedule coordination.
'direct Apps' Feature Page: https://direct4b.com/ja/feature/apps/
*Company names, product names, and service names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
*Information provided herein is subject to change without notice.
**About L is B Inc.**
Founded in 2010 as a company supporting site operational improvements and digitalization, L is B Inc. focuses on realizing business reforms and problem-solving by sincerely addressing customer challenges, developing and selling a variety of solutions. We continue to be a company that constantly challenges new things and brings smiles to people.
■Company Name: L is B Inc.
■President & CEO: Taisuke Yokoi
■Established: September 29, 2010
■Headquarters: PLUTUS BLDG 2F, 3-11-1 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
■Company URL: https://l-is-b.com/ja/
**[Inquiries from Media]**
L is B Inc.
PR Marketing Department
https://l-is-b.com/ja/contact/
FAQ
What is 'direct'?
'direct' is a site-specific business chat tool developed and provided by L is B Inc. It is designed for field workers and supports information sharing through text, photos, and blueprints, as well as emergency communication. It is used by over 10,000 companies across various industries.
What is 'direct Apps'?
'direct Apps' are extension applications that work with 'direct' to manage operations. They include features like 'Tasks' for managing instructions and deadlines, 'Bulletin Board' for sharing important information, and 'Schedule Adjustment Triske' for coordinating meetings.
When did Obayashi Corporation start using 'direct'?
Obayashi Corporation announced the company-wide adoption of 'direct' in January 2019.
What new features are being rolled out at Obayashi Corporation?
Obayashi Corporation is expanding the use of 'direct Apps (Task Function)' to all domestic construction sites from December 2025. They are also using chatbots integrated with external systems for automated notifications and real-time information sharing.
What are some examples of external systems integrated with 'direct' at Obayashi Corporation?
Examples include the environmental measurement system 'SisMil' for temperature and WBGT notifications, and the pile support system 'Kuyokunin' for sharing construction progress information.