Val Lab Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suginami-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Munefumi Kikuchi), provider of the route search service 'Ekispert', has launched a new feature called 'AI Route Advisor' for its cloud-based commuting allowance management service 'Ekispert Commute Fee Web'.
What is 'AI Route Advisor'?
This feature supports HR administrators in approving irregular commuting route applications submitted by employees. The AI compares the 'characteristics and benefits of the submitted route' with those of the 'cheapest (or fastest)* route' and provides a detailed explanation of the results as 'review points'. By objectively assessing route validity, the system reduces manual verification efforts and minimizes inconsistencies in approval decisions.
Development Background
As hybrid work models become standard and diverse workstyles prompt companies to reevaluate commuting allowances, HR and administrative departments face increasingly complex management tasks. With 'Ekispert Commute Fee Web', when employees apply using their home address, the system automatically suggests compliant routes based on pre-set company policies, eliminating the need for manual validation during approval. However, in practice, a significant number of employees manually apply by specifying arbitrary stations instead of their home addresses. In such cases, approvers previously had to manually verify the distance and transfer feasibility using maps or route search tools. To resolve this burden and uncertainty, Val Lab developed the 'AI Route Advisor', enabling users to access objective AI analysis directly from the approval screen with simple operations.
Moving forward, 'Ekispert Commute Fee Web' will continue enhancing its features and services to meet evolving customer and market needs.
*Users can pre-select whether analysis is based on the 'cheapest' or 'fastest' route.
Participation in the 18th HR EXPO (Personnel, Labor, Education & Recruitment) [Tokyo]
The 18th HR EXPO [Tokyo] is a comprehensive exhibition featuring HR management systems, training programs, and recruitment services. At the 'Ekispert Commute Fee Web' booth, Val Lab will demonstrate its solutions for challenges such as fare adjustments in railways and buses, along with the newly launched 'AI Route Advisor', using live screen demonstrations.
<Event Overview>
Dates: June 17 (Wed) – 19 (Fri), 2026, 10:00–18:00 (until 17:00 on the final day)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Booth Number: E8-34
Organizer: RX Japan Co., Ltd.
Registration Form: https://www.office-expo.jp/tokyo/ja-jp/register.html?code=1672026080415683-W2M
*Prior registration via the official website is required for entry.
Ekispert Commute Fee Web
Product Details: https://teiki-web.ekispert.com/
'Ekispert Commute Fee Web' is a cloud service that centralizes complex commuting allowance tasks such as route searches, allowance disbursements, and reimbursements. It enables significant operational efficiency and reduces commuting costs through accurate route validation. The service also supports fare updates due to transportation price changes and adapts to diverse work arrangements like telecommuting and multi-site operations.
Route Search Service 'Ekispert'
Brand Website: https://ekispert.jp/
'Ekispert' was Japan’s first route search service, launched in 1988. For over 35 years, as a pioneer in route search technology, it has provided optimal public transportation routes and fare information across Japan—including railways, buses, flights, and ferries—using up-to-date data and proprietary algorithms. Used for personal travel planning and business applications such as expense settlements and commuter pass calculations, it has served over 120,000 corporate clients.
*First route search service for public transportation in Japan (based on internal research, February 1988)
Company Information
Company Name: Val Lab Co., Ltd.
CEO: Munefumi Kikuchi
Headquarters: 2-3-17 Koenji-kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Founded: July 26, 1976
Capital: 41 million JPY
Corporate Website: https://www.val.co.jp/
* 'Ekispert' is a trademark or registered trademark of Val Lab Co., Ltd.
* Other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
* Specifications and services are subject to change without notice.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product
- Dates in source: 2026/6/17 / 2026/6/19