First Kitchen Introduces 'desknet's NEO' and 'AppSuite' as Information Sharing Platform for Stores and Headquarters

Neo Corporation (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Masaki Saito) announces that Wendy's Japan Co., Ltd. and First Kitchen Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Osamu Shikiseki) have introduced 'desknet's NEO' and 'AppSuite' as their information sharing platform for stores and headquarters.

Background of Introduction

First Kitchen was facing an urgent need for replacement due to the announcement of the end of support for their current groupware system.

The previous system had issues such as the inability to upload files due to server capacity constraints. Furthermore, the analog operation of application and reporting tasks, primarily using paper and spreadsheet software, required a significant amount of time for aggregation work, especially at the headquarters.

There was a demand to build a robust information infrastructure that would resolve these issues and contribute to the efficiency of operations for both stores and headquarters.

Deciding Factors for Selecting 'desknet's NEO'

Complete Coverage of Existing Functions

Essential functions used in the previous system, such as bulletin boards, file sharing, schedule management, facility reservations, workflows, and simple applications, are all standard features, enabling a smooth transition.

Intuitive Usability

An interface that allows on-site store staff to use it without hesitation, regardless of their IT literacy. Basic functions can be utilized immediately after introduction, minimizing training costs.

High Cost Performance

The perpetual license for the on-premise version allows for reduced initial investment and long-term operational cost savings. It offers a superior cost advantage compared to competing products.

Scalability for App Development by Headquarters Departments

The no-code tool 'AppSuite' was highly valued for its ability to allow the company to flexibly systemize unique reporting flows and management tasks without relying on the IT department. It digitizes tasks previously done with paper and spreadsheets, leading to more efficient store applications/submissions and headquarters aggregation work.

Expected Effects of Introduction

Improved Operational Efficiency and Promotion of Paperless Operations

Reporting tasks from stores to headquarters are digitized by 'AppSuite', significantly reducing the time for aggregation and analysis. The exchange of paper and spreadsheets is reduced, promoting the visualization and transparency of operations.

Increased Speed and Reliability of Information Sharing

The bulletin board function allows for the simultaneous distribution of headquarters notices and campaign information, and read status management improves the speed of information dissemination. This ensures thorough communication to all stores nationwide.

Personalized Schedule Management

Transitioning from traditional shared store IDs to individual IDs enables personal schedule management. Login issues due to forgotten passwords during transfers are also resolved.

Enhanced Communication Between Headquarters and Stores

Functions such as document management, user directories, address books, and direct messaging strengthen collaboration between headquarters and stores nationwide.

Focus on Core Store Operations

By improving the efficiency of administrative tasks, an environment is created where staff can focus on 'core store operations' such as customer service and cooking, contributing to improved customer satisfaction.

Endorsement

Miki Yagi, Manager, Store Support Section, Store Support Department, First Kitchen:

We decided to adopt 'desknet's NEO' due to its wide range of necessary functions and its cost advantage. We will start by operating with the functions we used in our previous groupware, but since it also includes many new functions we want to utilize, we plan to gradually expand its scope of use and enhance its convenience.

We also have high expectations for improved operational efficiency through the use of 'AppSuite'.

We will continue to make improvements tailored to our company's operations, referring to case studies from other companies, to aim for the construction of a more productive work environment.

Implementation Support Partner: Panasonic Digital Co., Ltd.

Panasonic Digital Co., Ltd. offers various solutions tailored to customer needs, including 'desknet's NEO', which we have handled for over 15 years, 'AppSuite', 'ChatLuck', and other inter-company linked solutions.

We can also propose solutions that combine our own products, such as the workflow system 'MAJOR FLOW' and video surveillance systems, which can be integrated with 'desknet's NEO'. We provide services that fully cover the system lifecycle using cutting-edge IT technologies.

About desknet's NEO:

It is groupware equipped with a variety of applications that help improve organizational information sharing and communication, and enhance operational efficiency. With its no-code business app creation function that can infinitely expand its scope of use, it is utilized by organizations and groups of all industries and sizes, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations, local governments, and public offices, for purposes such as work style reform, telework, and DX promotion. Since its market entry in 1999, it boasts sales of over 5.4 million users as of March 2026*, and is recognized for its 'high functionality' and 'ease of use'.

*Total of cloud version contract users and cumulative package version sales users.

Product Site URL: https://www.desknets.com/

About AppSuite:

It is a no-code business app creation tool that allows anyone to easily create web systems with mouse operations for inefficient business processes and management tasks currently handled by paper, fax, email, and spreadsheet software. It can also be customized to fit your company's operations based on abundant templates. Apps created with 'AppSuite' function as a feature of the groupware 'desknet's NEO'. It enables business improvement led by the field, from system design to construction and operation.

Product Site URL: https://www.desknets.com/neo/appsuite/

About ChatLuck:

It is a self-developed business chat tool that helps transform work styles by improving communication between individuals, teams, and inside/outside the company, reducing email and meetings. It supports both cloud and on-premise deployment. It is used by a wide range of customers, including general companies, as well as local governments, financial institutions, and medical organizations that require high confidentiality.

Product Site URL: https://www.chatluck.com/

About NEOPORT:

It is an AI customer support tool for streamlining corporate inquiry response. It promotes automation of business and reduces user burden through its AI agent function.

Service Site: https://neoport.jp

First Kitchen Company Overview:

Company Name: First Kitchen Co., Ltd.

Representative: President and CEO Osamu Shikiseki

Headquarters: 2F, Nishi-Shinjuku IK Building, 4-5-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Stores: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Gunma, Nagano, Aichi, Gifu, Toyama, Osaka,

Kyoto, Hyogo, Wakayama, Shiga, Fukuoka

Established: September 1977

URL: https://www.first-kitchen.co.jp/company/

Panasonic Digital Co., Ltd. Company Overview:

Company Name: Panasonic Digital Co., Ltd.

Representative: President and CEO Hiroshi Abe

Osaka Headquarters: Panasonic XC OSAKA, 2-40 Suehirocho, Kita-ku, Osaka

Tokyo Headquarters: Sumitomo Fudosan Shiodome Hamarikyu Building 23F, 8-21-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Established: February 1999

URL: https://service.digital.panasonic.co.jp

Company Overview:

Company Name: Neo Corporation (Code: 3921, TSE Prime Market)

Representative: President and CEO Masaki Saito

Headquarters: 10F, Yokohama Landmark Tower, 2-2-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

Sales Offices: Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka

Established: February 1992

URL: https://www.neo.co.jp/

Contact Information Regarding Products

Neo Corporation

Contact: Sales Division

TEL: 045-640-5906 (Yokohama) 06-4560-5900 (Osaka)

052-856-3310 (Nagoya) 092-235-1221 (Fukuoka)

Fax: 045-640-5919

E-mail: neo@desknets.com

*Company names and product names listed in this press release are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective companies.