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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.8

Maintenance Service Contract Renewal Negotiation with Overseas Client / 海外顧客からの保守サービス契約更新交渉

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

A sales representative proposes new service offerings including digital predictive maintenance for renewing a 10-year-old plant maintenance contract with an overseas customer.
10年前納入プラント設備の保守契約更新で、デジタル予防保全を含む新サービス内容を提案する場面です。

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 now offer predictive maintenance utilizing...(...を活用した予防保全を提供する)
2.We monitor performance data in...(...でパフォーマンスデータを監視する)
3.We detect potential issues before...(...の前に潜在的な問題を検出する)
4.Let me elaborate on the reasons...(理由について詳しく説明させてください)
5.Based on our calculations...(私たちの計算に基づくと...)
6.We can offer 2 alternatives...(2つの代替案を提供できます)
7.We will carry out a comprehensive assessment before...(...の前に包括的な評価を実施します)

1-2 Essential words
1.utilize(活用する)
2.monitor(監視する)
3.detect(検出する)
4.elaborate(詳しく説明する)
5.assess(評価する)
6.accommodate(対応する)
7.alternative(代替案)
8.comprehensive(包括的な)
9.consult(協議する)
10.demonstrate(実証する)
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)

A sales representative proposes new service offerings including digital predictive maintenance for renewing a 10-year-old plant maintenance contract with an overseas customer.
10年前納入プラント設備の保守契約更新で、デジタル予防保全を含む新サービス内容を提案する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. Our 10-year maintenance contract is expiring soon, and we need to discuss renewal options. Could you explain what new services you can offer?
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。10年間の保守契約がまもなく満了しますので、更新オプションについて話し合う必要があります。どのような新しいサービスを提供できるか説明していただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. We now offer predictive maintenance utilizing digital technology. First, we install sensors on critical equipment. Second, we monitor performance data in real time. Third, we detect potential issues before breakdowns occur. This approach can reduce unplanned downtime by 30 percent.
(承知しました。現在、デジタル技術を活用した予防保全を提供しています。第一に、重要な機器にセンサーを設置します。第二に、性能データをリアルタイムで監視します。第三に、故障が発生する前に潜在的な問題を検出します。このアプローチにより、計画外のダウンタイムを30パーセント削減できます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we need to assess the cost effectiveness carefully. What is the pricing structure for this new contract compared to our current one?
(それは有望に聞こえます。しかし、費用対効果を慎重に評価する必要があります。現在の契約と比較して、この新しい契約の価格体系はどうなっていますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
The annual fee is 180000 USD, which is 15 percent higher than your current contract. Let me elaborate on the reasons. The digital monitoring system requires initial investment in sensors and software. However, you will reduce emergency repair costs significantly. Based on our calculations, clients typically save 25 percent on total maintenance expenses within 3 years.
(年間料金は180000米ドルで、現在の契約より15パーセント高くなります。理由について詳しく説明させてください。デジタル監視システムには、センサーとソフトウェアへの初期投資が必要です。しかし、緊急修理費用を大幅に削減できます。私たちの計算に基づくと、お客様は通常3年以内に総保守費用の25パーセントを節約できます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
I appreciate the detailed explanation. We are concerned about the higher upfront cost. Could you provide flexible options that might accommodate our budget constraints this year?
(詳細な説明をありがとうございます。初期費用が高いことを懸念しています。今年の予算制約に対応できる柔軟なオプションを提供していただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. We can offer 2 alternatives. Option 1 is a phased implementation where we install sensors on half the equipment this year and complete the remainder next year. This reduces the first-year cost to 140000 USD. Option 2 is a 5-year contract with a 10 percent discount on the annual fee. Both options maintain the same service quality and response time.
(もちろんです。2つの代替案を提供できます。オプション1は段階的な導入で、今年は機器の半分にセンサーを設置し、残りを来年完了させます。これにより初年度の費用は140000米ドルに削減されます。オプション2は5年契約で、年間料金が10パーセント割引になります。どちらのオプションも同じサービス品質と応答時間を維持します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Those options are helpful. One more question: how do you evaluate the current performance of our plant equipment? We want to make sure the new system is appropriate for our facility.
(それらのオプションは役立ちます。もう1つ質問があります。当社のプラント設備の現在の性能をどのように評価しますか?新しいシステムが当社の施設に適切であることを確認したいのです。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We will carry out a comprehensive assessment before contract renewal. Our engineers will inspect all equipment installed 10 years ago and classify them by criticality. We will also consult with your maintenance team to understand operational patterns. This assessment takes 2 weeks and is provided at no additional cost. After that, we can demonstrate how the predictive system works specifically for your plant.
(契約更新前に包括的な評価を実施します。当社のエンジニアが10年前に設置されたすべての機器を検査し、重要度別に分類します。また、運用パターンを理解するために貴社の保守チームと協議します。この評価には2週間かかり、追加費用はかかりません。その後、予測システムが貴社のプラントに対してどのように機能するかを実証できます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Excellent. That assessment will help us make an informed decision. Please proceed with the evaluation, and we will review your proposal in detail after that.
(素晴らしい。その評価により、十分な情報に基づいた決定ができます。評価を進めてください。その後、貴社の提案を詳細に検討します。)
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)

A sales representative proposes new service offerings including digital predictive maintenance for renewing a 10-year-old plant maintenance contract with an overseas customer.
10年前納入プラント設備の保守契約更新で、デジタル予防保全を含む新サービス内容を提案する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. Our 10-year maintenance contract is expiring soon, and we need to discuss renewal options. Could you explain what new services you can offer?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. We now offer predictive maintenance [活用する] digital technology. First, we install sensors on critical equipment. Second, we [監視する] performance data in real time. Third, we [検出する] potential issues before breakdowns occur. This approach can reduce unplanned downtime by 30 percent.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we need to assess the cost effectiveness carefully. What is the pricing structure for this new contract compared to our current one?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
The annual fee is 180000 USD, which is 15 percent higher than your current contract. Let me [詳しく説明する] on the reasons. The digital monitoring system requires initial investment in sensors and software. However, you will reduce emergency repair costs significantly. Based on our calculations, clients typically save 25 percent on total maintenance expenses within 3 years.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
I appreciate the detailed explanation. We are concerned about the higher upfront cost. Could you provide flexible options that might accommodate our budget constraints this year?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. We can offer 2 [代替案]. Option 1 is a phased implementation where we install sensors on half the equipment this year and complete the remainder next year. This reduces the first-year cost to 140000 USD. Option 2 is a 5-year contract with a 10 percent discount on the annual fee. Both options maintain the same service quality and response time.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Those options are helpful. One more question: how do you evaluate the current performance of our plant equipment? We want to make sure the new system is appropriate for our facility.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We will carry out a [包括的な] assessment before contract renewal. Our engineers will inspect all equipment installed 10 years ago and classify them by criticality. We will also [協議する] with your maintenance team to understand operational patterns. This assessment takes 2 weeks and is provided at no additional cost. After that, we can [実証する] how the predictive system works specifically for your plant.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Excellent. That assessment will help us make an informed decision. Please proceed with the evaluation, and we will review your proposal in detail after that.
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)

A sales representative proposes new service offerings including digital predictive maintenance for renewing a 10-year-old plant maintenance contract with an overseas customer.
10年前納入プラント設備の保守契約更新で、デジタル予防保全を含む新サービス内容を提案する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. Our 10-year maintenance contract is expiring soon, and we need to discuss renewal options. Could you explain what new services you can offer?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. [現在、デジタル技術を活用した予防保全を提供しています。] First, we install sensors on critical equipment. [第二に、性能データをリアルタイムで監視します。] [第三に、故障が発生する前に潜在的な問題を検出します。] This approach can reduce unplanned downtime by 30 percent.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we need to assess the cost effectiveness carefully. What is the pricing structure for this new contract compared to our current one?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
The annual fee is 180000 USD, which is 15 percent higher than your current contract. [理由について詳しく説明させてください。] The digital monitoring system requires initial investment in sensors and software. However, you will reduce emergency repair costs significantly. Based on our calculations, clients typically save 25 percent on total maintenance expenses within 3 years.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
I appreciate the detailed explanation. We are concerned about the higher upfront cost. Could you provide flexible options that might accommodate our budget constraints this year?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. We can offer 2 alternatives. Option 1 is a phased implementation where we install sensors on half the equipment this year and complete the remainder next year. This reduces the first-year cost to 140000 USD. Option 2 is a 5-year contract with a 10 percent discount on the annual fee. Both options maintain the same service quality and response time.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Those options are helpful. One more question: how do you evaluate the current performance of our plant equipment? We want to make sure the new system is appropriate for our facility.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
[契約更新前に包括的な評価を実施します。] Our engineers will inspect all equipment installed 10 years ago and classify them by criticality. We will also consult with your maintenance team to understand operational patterns. This assessment takes 2 weeks and is provided at no additional cost. After that, we can demonstrate how the predictive system works specifically for your plant.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Excellent. That assessment will help us make an informed decision. Please proceed with the evaluation, and we will review your proposal in detail after that.
\ 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
Your company's 10-year plant maintenance contract is expiring, and the customer wants to discuss renewal with new digital services.
You need to propose predictive maintenance options and explain cost effectiveness to address their budget concerns.
貴社の10年間のプラント保守契約が満了を迎え、顧客は新しいデジタルサービスを含む更新について話し合いたいと考えています。
予算上の懸念に対処するため、予防保全オプションを提案し、費用対効果を説明する必要があります。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Maintenance Manager】:
Our contract is ending soon. Can you explain your new maintenance services and how they benefit our plant operations?
(当社の契約はまもなく終了します。新しい保守サービスと、それが当社のプラント運営にどのように役立つかを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 digital monitoring system
2. Explain cost savings over time
3. Present flexible contract options
4. Propose a preliminary assessment
​※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)

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