Mitsumoa Conducts Survey on 'Digital Transformation and Management in Field Industries' Targeting Blue-Collar Business Owners

Mitsumoa Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Tokyo; CEO: Ayako Ishikawa) announces the results of a survey conducted on 'Digital Transformation and Management in Field Industries' targeting business owners in on-site industries such as equipment, maintenance, and renovation.

<Summary>

- More than two-thirds of operations have been digitized. However, when asked whether they can centralize their data, half responded that they cannot.

- About two-thirds of respondents feel the benefits of digitization, particularly in improved profit margins and reduced working hours.

- Awareness of the term 'blue-collar billionaire' is around one-quarter of respondents. Meanwhile, two out of three business owners expressed a desire for their employees to achieve an annual income of ¥10 million.

- Approximately 40% of field industry business owners expect growth in the field industry.

- Half of the business owners cite 'labor shortage' as the primary obstacle to the industry's current progress.

Followed by price competition (30%), talent development (26%), and subcontracting structures (24%).

<Detailed Survey Findings>

More than two-thirds of operations have been digitized. However, when asked whether they can centralize their data, half responded that they cannot.

Regarding the question, 'To what extent are the listed operations digitized?', most operations were reported to be over two-thirds digitized. However, when asked whether these operations are centralized, responses were split evenly between those who can and those who cannot. While digitization of individual operations is progressing, some business owners still face challenges in centralizing data.

About two-thirds feel the benefits of digitization, particularly in improved profit margins and reduced working hours.

When asked, 'What benefits have you experienced from digitizing operations?', approximately two-thirds of business owners reported feeling positive effects. When asked specifically about the most impactful benefits, 'reduced working hours' and 'improved profit margins' were the most frequently cited, indicating that digitization is contributing to core business areas such as staffing shortages and revenue.

Awareness of the term 'blue-collar billionaire' is around one-quarter. Meanwhile, two out of three business owners aim for employees to earn ¥10 million annually.

The term 'blue-collar billionaire'*, increasingly used in the U.S., was known by only about one-quarter of field industry business owners. However, 66% responded that they would like their company to aim for employees earning ¥10 million annually. While awareness of the term is still low, the results indicate a growing trend within field industries to increase the number of high-income employees.

*Refers to workers in skilled, labor-intensive 'blue-collar' jobs who, due to high technical expertise and chronic labor shortages, accumulate significant wealth or high incomes amid advancing AI and technology.

Approximately 40% of field industry business owners expect growth in the field industry.

When asked, 'Do you think the field industry will grow in the future?', 40% of business owners responded that it will. Conversely, only about 20% believe it may shrink, indicating strong optimism about the industry's future from a managerial perspective.

Half of business owners identify 'labor shortage' as the main obstacle to the industry's growth.

Followed by price competition (30%), talent development (26%), and subcontracting structures (24%).

While growth in the field industry is expected, when asked, 'What do you think are the barriers to growth in the field industry?', half cited 'labor shortage'. Although digitization has helped reduce working hours, as noted in previous responses, businesses are increasingly using digitization to mitigate labor shortages by improving operational efficiency.

Other barriers include price competition (30%), talent development (26%), and subcontracting structures (24%). Long-standing industries may be hindered by entrenched customs and practices that have developed over time. Addressing these various challenges could unlock greater growth potential for the field industry.

<Summary>

Recently, in the U.S., the concept of 'blue-collar billionaires'—skilled on-site workers achieving high incomes—has gained attention. While AI and automation advance, on-site tasks such as equipment installation, maintenance, and construction management are difficult to replace, leading to a renewed appreciation of their value. This survey reveals that similar potential is beginning to emerge in Japan's field industries.

First, awareness of the term 'blue-collar billionaire' remains low, with only about one in four business owners familiar with it. However, 66% of owners expressed a desire to build a company where employees earn ¥10 million annually. While the term itself is not yet widespread, the mindset among business owners to enhance the value of on-site workers and create environments enabling high incomes is already spreading.

One key enabler of this vision is the advancement of digitization across many operations. In fact, about two-thirds of business owners report feeling the benefits of digitization. The effects on 'reduced working hours' and 'improved profit margins' are particularly highly rated, showing that DX contributes not only to operational efficiency but also to improved corporate profitability.

However, while digitization of individual operations is progressing, only a limited number of companies can centralize their operations and data. Moving forward, the ability to integrate customer management, project management, construction management, and billing into a unified system—transitioning from digitizing individual tasks to optimizing overall management—will become increasingly important.

This survey also revealed that about 40% of business owners expect growth in the field industry. Considering the need to maintain social infrastructure and renew residential and industrial equipment, the importance of field industries is expected to grow further.

Realizing a Japanese version of the 'blue-collar billionaire' requires more than just wage increases. It demands DX that boosts productivity, investment in talent development, and a shift toward business models that ensure fair profits. By properly evaluating the value of on-site workers and ensuring this value is reflected in compensation, field industries in Japan could evolve into even more attractive sectors than before.

Prowan supports field-facing businesses with an all-in-one solution, covering estimation, customer management, sales support, daily reports, construction documentation, analytical reporting, and financial management. Leveraging these survey results, we aim to proactively address the challenges faced by many businesses and contribute to advancing DX across the industry.

Mitsumoa has published a note on 'blue-collar billionaires' on its official note platform.

URL: Mitsumoa is Creating Japan's Blue-Collar Billionaires

[Survey Overview]

Survey