<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.9
Evaluating Technical Feasibility for Customization Requirements / カスタマイズ要求に対する技術的実現可能性の検討
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
Evaluating feasibility of special customization requests for unique product shapes from a Chinese home appliance manufacturer.
中国家電メーカーからの特殊形状製品に対応する特別カスタマイズ要求の実現可能性を検討する場面です。
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.I appreciate you sharing...(...を共有いただきありがとうございます)
2.Could you elaborate on...(...について詳しく説明していただけますか)
3.Let me describe our approach(当社のアプローチを説明させてください)
4.I will consult with our technical team...(技術チームと相談します...)
5.Based on similar projects...(類似プロジェクトに基づくと...)
6.I estimate the customization will add...(カスタマイズにより...が追加されると見積もります)
7.We commit to a performance guarantee(性能保証をお約束します)
1-2 Essential words
1.elaborate(詳しく説明する)
2.assess(評価する)
3.collaborate(協力する)
4.demonstrate(実演する)
5.consult(相談する)
6.submit(提出する)
7.anticipate(予想する)
8.accommodate(対応する)
9.estimate(見積もる)
10.enhance(向上させる)
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)
Evaluating feasibility of special customization requests for unique product shapes from a Chinese home appliance manufacturer.
中国家電メーカーからの特殊形状製品に対応する特別カスタマイズ要求の実現可能性を検討する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss a customization request for our new product line. Our latest appliance has a unique curved shape, and standard industrial robots cannot handle it properly.
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。新製品ラインのカスタマイズについて相談させてください。最新の家電製品は独特な曲線形状を持っており、標準的な産業用ロボットでは適切に対応できません。)
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
I appreciate you sharing the details. Could you elaborate on the specific challenges with the current standard robots? Understanding the exact limitations will help us assess the feasibility of customization.
(詳細を共有いただきありがとうございます。現在の標準ロボットにおける具体的な課題について詳しく説明していただけますか?正確な制約を理解することで、カスタマイズの実現可能性を評価できます。)
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
The curved surface requires a specialized gripper design and modified motion paths. Standard grippers cannot accommodate the irregular shape, and we are concerned about potential damage during handling. We need a robot system that can adapt to our unique product design completely.
(曲面には特殊なグリッパー設計と修正された動作経路が必要です。標準グリッパーでは不規則な形状に対応できず、取り扱い中の損傷の可能性を懸念しています。当社独自の製品設計に完全に適応できるロボットシステムが必要です。)
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
I understand your requirements clearly. Let me describe our approach. First, our engineering team will assess the product specifications and calculate the customization scope. Second, we will collaborate with you to define the gripper design and motion parameters. Third, we will demonstrate a prototype solution before final manufacturing. This ensures the system meets your expectations completely.
(ご要件を明確に理解しました。当社のアプローチを説明させてください。第一に、エンジニアリングチームが製品仕様を評価し、カスタマイズの範囲を計算します。第二に、グリッパー設計と動作パラメータを定義するために協力します。第三に、最終製造前にプロトタイプソリューションを実演します。これにより、システムが貴社の期待に完全に応えることを保証します。)
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
That sounds reasonable. However, we need to know the development timeline and cost implications. Can you provide a detailed estimate? We are under pressure to launch this product line within 6 months.
(それは妥当に聞こえます。しかし、開発期間とコストへの影響を知る必要があります。詳細な見積もりを提供していただけますか?この製品ラインを6か月以内に立ち上げるプレッシャーを受けています。)
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
I will consult with our technical team immediately and submit a comprehensive proposal within 3 business days. The proposal will consist of the customization specifications, development timeline, and cost breakdown. Based on similar projects, I anticipate the development period will be approximately 4 months, which should accommodate your 6-month launch schedule.
(直ちに技術チームと相談し、3営業日以内に包括的な提案を提出します。提案にはカスタマイズ仕様、開発スケジュール、コスト内訳が含まれます。類似プロジェクトに基づくと、開発期間は約4か月と予想され、貴社の6か月の立ち上げスケジュールに対応できるはずです。)
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
What about the cost? We need to make sure the customization cost is justified. Can you give us a preliminary estimate now?
(コストについてはどうですか?カスタマイズコストが正当化されることを確認する必要があります。今、概算見積もりを提供していただけますか?)
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
Based on the complexity you described, I estimate the customization will add approximately 15000 USD to 20000 USD to the standard robot price of 80000 USD. This includes the specialized gripper design, modified control software, and on-site testing. The investment is considerable, but it will enhance your production efficiency significantly and reduce the risk of product damage.
(説明された複雑さに基づくと、カスタマイズにより標準ロボット価格80000米ドルに約15000米ドルから20000米ドルが追加されると見積もります。これには特殊グリッパー設計、修正された制御ソフトウェア、現地テストが含まれます。投資は相当なものですが、生産効率を大幅に向上させ、製品損傷のリスクを軽減します。)
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
That is helpful. One more concern — what if the customization does not work as expected? Do you offer any guarantee?
(それは参考になります。もう1つ懸念があります。カスタマイズが期待通りに機能しない場合はどうなりますか?何か保証はありますか?)
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
We commit to a performance guarantee. If the customized system does not meet the agreed specifications after installation, we will modify it at no additional cost until it performs correctly. Additionally, we will provide 2 months of on-site support after delivery to monitor performance and assist with any adjustments. This commitment ensures your investment is protected.
(性能保証をお約束します。カスタマイズされたシステムが設置後に合意された仕様を満たさない場合、正しく機能するまで追加費用なしで修正します。さらに、納品後2か月間の現地サポートを提供し、性能を監視し、調整を支援します。このコミットメントにより、貴社の投資が保護されます。)
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
Excellent. Your proposal addresses our main concerns. Please proceed with the detailed proposal, and we will coordinate with our technical team to prepare the product specifications for you. I look forward to receiving your comprehensive plan within 3 days.
(素晴らしい。貴社の提案は当社の主な懸念に対応しています。詳細な提案を進めてください。当社の技術チームと調整して、製品仕様を準備します。3日以内に包括的な計画を受け取ることを楽しみにしています。)
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)
Evaluating feasibility of special customization requests for unique product shapes from a Chinese home appliance manufacturer.
中国家電メーカーからの特殊形状製品に対応する特別カスタマイズ要求の実現可能性を検討する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss a customization request for our new product line. Our latest appliance has a unique curved shape, and standard industrial robots cannot handle it properly.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
I appreciate you sharing the details. Could you [詳しく説明する] on the specific challenges with the current standard robots? Understanding the exact limitations will help us [評価する] the feasibility of customization.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
The curved surface requires a specialized gripper design and modified motion paths. Standard grippers cannot accommodate the irregular shape, and we are concerned about potential damage during handling. We need a robot system that can adapt to our unique product design completely.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
I understand your requirements clearly. Let me describe our approach. First, our engineering team will [評価する] the product specifications and calculate the customization scope. Second, we will [協力する] with you to define the gripper design and motion parameters. Third, we will [実演する] a prototype solution before final manufacturing. This ensures the system meets your expectations completely.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
That sounds reasonable. However, we need to know the development timeline and cost implications. Can you provide a detailed estimate? We are under pressure to launch this product line within 6 months.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
I will [相談する] with our technical team immediately and [提出する] a comprehensive proposal within 3 business days. The proposal will consist of the customization specifications, development timeline, and cost breakdown. Based on similar projects, I [予想する] the development period will be approximately 4 months, which should [対応する] your 6-month launch schedule.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
What about the cost? We need to make sure the customization cost is justified. Can you give us a preliminary estimate now?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
Based on the complexity you described, I [見積もる] the customization will add approximately 15000 USD to 20000 USD to the standard robot price of 80000 USD. This includes the specialized gripper design, modified control software, and on-site testing. The investment is considerable, but it will [向上させる] your production efficiency significantly and reduce the risk of product damage.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
That is helpful. One more concern — what if the customization does not work as expected? Do you offer any guarantee?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
We commit to a performance guarantee. If the customized system does not meet the agreed specifications after installation, we will modify it at no additional cost until it performs correctly. Additionally, we will provide 2 months of on-site support after delivery to monitor performance and [支援する] with any adjustments. This commitment ensures your investment is protected.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
Excellent. Your proposal addresses our main concerns. Please proceed with the detailed proposal, and we will coordinate with our technical team to prepare the product specifications for you. I look forward to receiving your comprehensive plan within 3 days.
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)
Evaluating feasibility of special customization requests for unique product shapes from a Chinese home appliance manufacturer.
中国家電メーカーからの特殊形状製品に対応する特別カスタマイズ要求の実現可能性を検討する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss a customization request for our new product line. Our latest appliance has a unique curved shape, and standard industrial robots cannot handle it properly.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
[詳細を共有いただきありがとうございます。] Could you elaborate on the specific challenges with the current standard robots? Understanding the exact limitations will help us assess the feasibility of customization.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
The curved surface requires a specialized gripper design and modified motion paths. Standard grippers cannot accommodate the irregular shape, and we are concerned about potential damage during handling. We need a robot system that can adapt to our unique product design completely.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
I understand your requirements clearly. [当社のアプローチを説明させてください。] First, our engineering team will assess the product specifications and calculate the customization scope. Second, we will collaborate with you to define the gripper design and motion parameters. Third, we will demonstrate a prototype solution before final manufacturing. This ensures the system meets your expectations completely.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
That sounds reasonable. However, we need to know the development timeline and cost implications. Can you provide a detailed estimate? We are under pressure to launch this product line within 6 months.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
[直ちに技術チームと相談し、3営業日以内に包括的な提案を提出します。] The proposal will consist of the customization specifications, development timeline, and cost breakdown. [類似プロジェクトに基づくと、開発期間は約4か月と予想され、貴社の6か月の立ち上げスケジュールに対応できるはずです。]
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
What about the cost? We need to make sure the customization cost is justified. Can you give us a preliminary estimate now?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
Based on the complexity you described, I estimate the customization will add approximately 15000 USD to 20000 USD to the standard robot price of 80000 USD. This includes the specialized gripper design, modified control software, and on-site testing. The investment is considerable, but it will enhance your production efficiency significantly and reduce the risk of product damage.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
That is helpful. One more concern — what if the customization does not work as expected? Do you offer any guarantee?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative, Industrial Robot Manufacturer】:
[性能保証をお約束します。] If the customized system does not meet the agreed specifications after installation, we will modify it at no additional cost until it performs correctly. Additionally, we will provide 2 months of on-site support after delivery to monitor performance and assist with any adjustments. This commitment ensures your investment is protected.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
Excellent. Your proposal addresses our main concerns. Please proceed with the detailed proposal, and we will coordinate with our technical team to prepare the product specifications for you. I look forward to receiving your comprehensive plan within 3 days.
\ 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
A Chinese home appliance manufacturer requires a customized industrial robot system to handle products with unique curved shapes that standard robots cannot accommodate.
The sales representative must collaborate with the technical team to assess feasibility and provide a detailed proposal including development timeline and cost breakdown.
中国の家電製造会社が、標準ロボットでは対応できない独特な曲線形状の製品を扱うため、カスタマイズされた産業用ロボットシステムを要求している。
営業担当者は技術チームと協力して実現可能性を評価し、開発期間とコスト内訳を含む詳細な提案を提供する必要がある。
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager, Chinese Home Appliance Manufacturer】:
We need a customized robot solution for our new product line. Can you explain how your company will approach this customization project and what we can expect in terms of timeline and cost?
(新製品ラインのカスタマイズされたロボットソリューションが必要です。貴社がこのカスタマイズプロジェクトにどのようにアプローチするか、また期間とコストの面で何を期待できるか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. Describe the customization assessment process
2. Explain the collaboration approach
3. Provide the development timeline estimate
4. Clarify the cost breakdown and investment value
※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)
