<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.15
Business Efficiency Improvement through Digitalization / デジタル化による業務効率改善
0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入
0-1 Greetings
Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.
講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。
[Tips / 会話のヒント]
・Can you hear me clearly?
私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?
今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)
軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)
0-2 Introduction
In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?
本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?
- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.
経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。
- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.
What do you think would be challenging?
経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?
Situation / シチュエーション
This is a discussion about system integration to improve operational efficiency through EDI implementation, inventory automation, and digitalization of ordering processes.
EDIシステム導入・在庫管理自動化・発注プロセスデジタル化により業務効率向上とコスト削減を実現するシステム統合について協議する場面です。
1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!
1-1 Basic phrases
1.We've calculated the implementation cost at...(...での導入コストを計算した)
2.We can accommodate your situation by...(...することで貴社の状況に対応できる)
3.This approach will lessen the burden on...(このアプローチは...の負担を軽減する)
4.We'll assign a dedicated technical specialist to...(...に専任の技術スペシャリストを配置する)
5.They'll monitor system performance...(システムパフォーマンスを監視する)
6.We'll carry out weekly progress reviews to...(...するために毎週進捗レビューを実施する)
7.Based on the annual savings...(年間削減額に基づくと...)
1-2 Essential words
1.accelerate(加速する)
2.enhance(向上させる)
3.eliminate(なくす)
4.calculated(計算した)
5.accommodate(対応する)
6.lessen(軽減する)
7.assign(配置する)
8.monitor(監視する)
9.detect(検出する)
10.consult with(相談する)
2. Try (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!
Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)
This is a discussion about system integration to improve operational efficiency through EDI implementation, inventory automation, and digitalization of ordering processes.
EDIシステム導入・在庫管理自動化・発注プロセスデジタル化により業務効率向上とコスト削減を実現するシステム統合について協議する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. I'd like to discuss your proposal for EDI system integration and process digitalization. Can you walk me through the key benefits you see for our supply chain?
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。EDIシステム統合とプロセスのデジタル化に関するご提案について話し合いたいと思います。サプライチェーンにおける主なメリットについて説明していただけますか?)
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
Certainly. First, EDI integration will eliminate manual order entry and accelerate order processing by 40 percent. Second, automated inventory management will reduce stock discrepancies and enhance visibility across both companies. Third, digitalized purchasing procedures will cut administrative costs by approximately 15,000 USD per year.
(承知しました。第一に、EDI統合により手作業での注文入力がなくなり、注文処理が40パーセント加速します。第二に、在庫管理の自動化により在庫の不一致が減少し、両社間での可視性が向上します。第三に、購買手続きのデジタル化により、年間約15,000米ドルの管理コストが削減されます。)
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Those numbers sound promising. However, I'm concerned about the initial investment required. What's the estimated cost for implementing this system on our side?
(その数字は有望に聞こえます。しかし、必要な初期投資が心配です。当社側でこのシステムを導入する場合の推定コストはいくらですか?)
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
We've calculated the implementation cost at approximately 45,000 USD for your facility. This includes software licensing, system integration, and staff training. Based on the annual savings I mentioned, you would recover this investment within 3 years.
(貴社の施設での導入コストは約45,000米ドルと計算しています。これにはソフトウェアライセンス、システム統合、スタッフトレーニングが含まれます。先ほど申し上げた年間削減額に基づくと、3年以内にこの投資を回収できます。)
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
I appreciate the breakdown. But we're currently modernizing our warehouse system, and our IT team is already overwhelmed. How can we coordinate both projects without disturbing our daily operations?
(内訳をありがとうございます。しかし、現在倉庫システムを近代化しており、IT部門はすでに手一杯です。日常業務を妨げることなく、両方のプロジェクトをどのように調整できますか?)
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
We can accommodate your situation by implementing the system in 3 phases over 6 months. Phase 1 focuses on EDI setup with minimal IT involvement. Phase 2 connects inventory data after your warehouse modernization is complete. Phase 3 adds advanced features. This approach will lessen the burden on your team and ensure smooth transition.
(6か月間で3段階に分けてシステムを導入することで、貴社の状況に対応できます。第1段階ではITの関与を最小限に抑えてEDIのセットアップに集中します。第2段階では倉庫の近代化完了後に在庫データを接続します。第3段階では高度な機能を追加します。このアプローチにより、貴社チームの負担が軽減され、スムーズな移行が保証されます。)
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
That phased approach makes sense. One more concern—what happens if we detect technical issues during the transition? What kind of support can we count on?
(その段階的アプローチは理にかなっています。もう1つ懸念があります。移行中に技術的な問題を検出した場合はどうなりますか?どのようなサポートを期待できますか?)
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
We'll assign a dedicated technical specialist to your facility throughout the entire implementation period. They'll monitor system performance daily and respond to any issues within 4 hours. Additionally, we'll carry out weekly progress reviews to make sure everything stays on track.
(導入期間全体を通じて、専任の技術スペシャリストを貴社施設に配置します。彼らは毎日システムパフォーマンスを監視し、4時間以内にあらゆる問題に対応します。さらに、すべてが順調に進んでいることを確認するため、毎週進捗レビューを実施します。)
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Excellent. Your proposal demonstrates careful consideration of our constraints. Let me consult with our IT director and CFO. I'll submit our decision by next Friday. This could really enhance our partnership efficiency.
(素晴らしい。ご提案は当社の制約を慎重に考慮していることを示しています。IT部門長とCFOに相談させてください。来週金曜日までに決定を提出します。これは本当にパートナーシップの効率を向上させる可能性があります。)
3. Use (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)
Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!
Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)
This is a discussion about system integration to improve operational efficiency through EDI implementation, inventory automation, and digitalization of ordering processes.
EDIシステム導入・在庫管理自動化・発注プロセスデジタル化により業務効率向上とコスト削減を実現するシステム統合について協議する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. I'd like to discuss your proposal for EDI system integration and process digitalization. Can you walk me through the key benefits you see for our supply chain?
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
Certainly. First, EDI integration will [なくす] manual order entry and [加速する] order processing by 40 percent. Second, automated inventory management will reduce stock discrepancies and [向上させる] visibility across both companies. Third, digitalized purchasing procedures will cut administrative costs by approximately 15,000 USD per year.
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Those numbers sound promising. However, I'm concerned about the initial investment required. What's the estimated cost for implementing this system on our side?
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
We've [計算した] the implementation cost at approximately 45,000 USD for your facility. This includes software licensing, system integration, and staff training. Based on the annual savings I mentioned, you would recover this investment within 3 years.
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
I appreciate the breakdown. But we're currently modernizing our warehouse system, and our IT team is already overwhelmed. How can we coordinate both projects without disturbing our daily operations?
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
We can [対応する] your situation by implementing the system in 3 phases over 6 months. Phase 1 focuses on EDI setup with minimal IT involvement. Phase 2 connects inventory data after your warehouse modernization is complete. Phase 3 adds advanced features. This approach will [軽減する] the burden on your team and ensure smooth transition.
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
That phased approach makes sense. One more concern—what happens if we detect technical issues during the transition? What kind of support can we count on?
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
We'll [配置する] a dedicated technical specialist to your facility throughout the entire implementation period. They'll [監視する] system performance daily and respond to any issues within 4 hours. Additionally, we'll carry out weekly progress reviews to make sure everything stays on track.
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Excellent. Your proposal demonstrates careful consideration of our constraints. Let me consult with our IT director and CFO. I'll submit our decision by next Friday. This could really enhance our partnership efficiency.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践
Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!
*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.
このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。
Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)
This is a discussion about system integration to improve operational efficiency through EDI implementation, inventory automation, and digitalization of ordering processes.
EDIシステム導入・在庫管理自動化・発注プロセスデジタル化により業務効率向上とコスト削減を実現するシステム統合について協議する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. I'd like to discuss your proposal for EDI system integration and process digitalization. Can you walk me through the key benefits you see for our supply chain?
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
Certainly. First, EDI integration will eliminate manual order entry and accelerate order processing by 40 percent. Second, automated inventory management will reduce stock discrepancies and enhance visibility across both companies. Third, digitalized purchasing procedures will cut administrative costs by approximately 15,000 USD per year.
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Those numbers sound promising. However, I'm concerned about the initial investment required. What's the estimated cost for implementing this system on our side?
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
[貴社の施設での導入コストは約45,000米ドルと計算しています。] This includes software licensing, system integration, and staff training. Based on the annual savings I mentioned, you would recover this investment within 3 years.
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
I appreciate the breakdown. But we're currently modernizing our warehouse system, and our IT team is already overwhelmed. How can we coordinate both projects without disturbing our daily operations?
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
[6か月間で3段階に分けてシステムを導入することで、貴社の状況に対応できます。] Phase 1 focuses on EDI setup with minimal IT involvement. Phase 2 connects inventory data after your warehouse modernization is complete. Phase 3 adds advanced features. [このアプローチにより、貴社チームの負担が軽減され、スムーズな移行が保証されます。]
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
That phased approach makes sense. One more concern—what happens if we detect technical issues during the transition? What kind of support can we count on?
🧑🎓【Student / Buyer】:
[導入期間全体を通じて、専任の技術スペシャリストを貴社施設に配置します。] They'll monitor system performance daily and respond to any issues within 4 hours. Additionally, we'll carry out weekly progress reviews to make sure everything stays on track.
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
Excellent. Your proposal demonstrates careful consideration of our constraints. Let me consult with our IT director and CFO. I'll submit our decision by next Friday. This could really enhance our partnership efficiency.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用
Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。
Situation / シチュエーション
You are a buyer proposing EDI system integration and digitalization to an overseas supplier. The supplier is concerned about implementation costs and coordination with their ongoing warehouse modernization project.
あなたは海外サプライヤーにEDIシステム統合とデジタル化を提案するバイヤーです。サプライヤーは導入コストと進行中の倉庫近代化プロジェクトとの調整を懸念しています。
👨💼【Teacher / Supplier Operations Manager】:
I understand the benefits of EDI integration, but we need more details about the implementation timeline and support structure. Can you elaborate on how this will work with our current situation?
(EDI統合のメリットは理解していますが、導入スケジュールとサポート体制についてもっと詳しく知る必要があります。当社の現状でこれがどのように機能するか詳しく説明していただけますか?)
🧑🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)
Hints / ヒント
1. Explain the cost breakdown and ROI timeline
2. Describe the phased implementation approach
3. Present the dedicated support structure
4. Clarify the monitoring and review process
※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6. Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り
Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!
6-1 Comments from student
・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ
6-2 Feedback from teacher
・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント
*6-3 Questions from student (if any)
Japanese translation(日本語訳)
1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ
2. Try (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!
3. Use (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!
4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!
5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り
"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”
「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」
5-1. Comments from Student
- Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
- Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ
5-2. Feedback from Teacher
- Good points / 良かった点
- Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
- What to review / 復習ポイント
5-3. Question from Students (If any)
