This is our first interview column about our employees' challenges.

We spoke with Mr. Y, Director of IT Planning, who created our membership site, Chemical-navi. In 2011, Mr. Y moved from Sales to the Planning Department. Although he was new to IT, his unique experience helped him change the company.

• "Why is buying for work so difficult? Amazon is so fast and easy." This question was the start of Chemical-navi.

The team changed the rules:

• New Workflow: Instead of "Approve then Ship," they chose "Ship first, adjust later."

• Result: This drastically reduced waiting time. We delivered samples while the customer was still excited about their project.

Some staff worried that digital tools would stop "real" communication.

But Chemical-navi created a better connection:

• Lowering Barriers: Researchers often felt bad calling a salesperson for just one sample. With a website, they could click a button without hesitation.

• Useful Content: The site added helpful tools like "Formulation Search" and "Insights"

• Modern Style: We believe that "providing the right info at the right time" is the best way to communicate today.

The "Amazon-style" idea continues today. The 2024 update focuses on how researchers think:

• Easy Search: You can search not only by "Product Name" but also by "Application" or "Regulation."

• Instant Data: Information about certifications and physical properties is now online. You don't need to ask a salesperson anymore.

• Support for Innovation: We provide webinar videos and "hints" for new product development.

We are now looking toward the future of AI. Soon, people will talk to AI instead of typing keywords.

Chemical-navi aims to be more than a catalog—we want to be a "Knowledge Base" or a "Research Notebook" for every researchers.