- Several million yen saved annually in reduced
system maintenance and management costs. - 2,700 work hours per year saved
by improving route information access. - 1,000 iPhone and 100 iPad devices used
in the field for data entry. - < 18 months development time
for new Safety Communication System app.
Starting from Shinjuku, Japan’s largest terminal station, Odakyu Electric Railway connects Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape to some of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, including Hakone and Enoshima. With a rich history spanning over 90 years, Odakyu has grown hand-in-hand with the local community, constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing world.
Recently, Odakyu has made digitalization and improving the digital literacy of the entire organization a major initiative, in response to future labor shortages. As part of its ambitious digital transformation (DX) strategy, Odakyu made a bold move: bringing app development in-house using Claris FileMaker, a low-code platform.
This shift proved to be a game-changer. By leveraging the expertise of employees in the field, Odakyu quickly developed impactful solutions that streamlined operations, reduced costs, and empowered its workforce. Here are the stories of three in-house developers who led this transformation and became heroes of Odakyu’s digital transformation journey.
Safety Communication System: Keita Sugiyama’s journey from novice to trailblazer.
In 2022, Keita Sugiyama, a former train driver with basic programming knowledge but no development experience, was tasked with replacing the existing system and creating Odakyu’s first FileMaker app: the Safety Communication System. This system shares vital information on railway operation safety, including notices, instructions, and near-miss reports.
“I was suddenly told to develop a system using FileMaker,” Mr. Sugiyama recalls. “To be honest, I was surprised. I started from scratch, learning through trial and error with free seminars and resources like the Claris YouTube channel.”
Despite initial challenges, Mr. Sugiyama’s familiarity with field operations enabled him to design a system tailored to users’ needs. Features like templates and automatic data conversion reduced input burdens for employees.
Within 18 months, with the support from a Claris Platinum Partner, Kotobuki Shokai Corporation, the system was operational, saving the company tens of millions of yen in update costs and reducing annual maintenance expenses by several million yen. The system’s user-friendly interface, compatible with iPhone and iPad devices, also allowed for seamless data entry in the field, enhancing efficiency across the board.
Mr. Sugiyama reflects on FileMaker’s impact: “It’s intuitive and visually operable, so it overcame traditional development hurdles. I’m not good at English, so I appreciated being able to operate scripts in Japanese.”
Rekken: Yasutaka Ito’s tool for train drivers.
During the pandemic, Mr. Ito added FileMaker developer alongside his train driver role. His mission? Create Rekken, a train driving information app that simplifies route checks for train drivers. Previously, route information was managed via spreadsheets and paper diagrams, requiring drivers to sift through complex data to find assignments—a time-consuming process.
“In traditional programming, you write code, compile it, and implement it. FileMaker’s ability to visually design and instantly reflect changes was revolutionary,” says Mr. Ito.
Rekken consolidated train operation data into an accessible, mobile-friendly interface. Drivers could quickly check route information on their iPhone or iPad, even during operational abnormalities. This app saved approximately 2,700 work hours annually and contributed to improving operational efficiency and reduced workload for drivers at their duty station.
Tool Ledger System: Yoshiki Kayama’s step toward paperless operations.
In 2024, the Vehicle Operations Department tackled another inefficiency: managing tools loaned to employees. Yoshiki Kayama, a mechanic with no prior development experience, took the lead. Using FileMaker, Mr. Kayama and his team developed a tool ledger system that replaced paper-based processes, eliminating storage issues and standardizing operations across workplaces.
By integrating the ledger with a master employee database created by Mr. Sugiyama, the department centralized information management, simplifying updates during personnel changes. “First, we’re focusing on fostering a culture of transformation,” says Mr. Kayama. “As more employees experience the benefits, we’ll expand the system’s adoption.”
Empowering innovation from within.
Odakyu’s transition to in-house development has yielded more than 10 FileMaker apps, each tailored to specific departmental needs. Beyond the cost savings and efficiency gains, this shift has fostered a culture of empowerment and innovation. Employees closest to the challenges—drivers and mechanics —are now equipped to create solutions that address their unique pain points.
Developers are continuously emerging from various operational departments, such as the Passenger Sales Department, Operations Vehicle Department, Civil Engineering Department, and Electrical Department, leading to a rapid expansion of systematization across business operations.
DX Promotion Project Manager Naoto Endo highlights the broader impact: “With the option to develop systems in-house, employees see that their ideas can become reality. This awareness drives digital initiatives and enhances the value we deliver to customers.”
Odakyu’s story is a testament to the power of problem solvers. By placing tools in the hands of those who understand the work best, companies can achieve extraordinary results—all while empowering their teams to lead the charge into the future.