Japanese consumer co-ops are currently advancing the "DX-CO·OP Project" to enhance the convenience and enjoyment of their members' lives. Digital Transformation (DX) goes beyond simply improving business processes; it involves leveraging data like big data, AI, and IoT to fundamentally reshape business models, organizations, corporate culture, and workplace environments, ultimately creating a competitive edge.

A key objective of the Co-op's "DX-CO･OP Project" is to position itself as a "Producer of Community Activities within a Transforming Local Society." Consumer co-ops across the nation engage in initiatives known as " Co-op Member Activities," which encompass a variety of initiatives undertaken by Co-ops and co-op members. These member activities are organized for Co-op members, and include both voluntary and spontaneous initiatives planned and participated in by members, as well as social contribution activities organized by the Co-ops. Examples of such activities include visits to the production sites of CO・OP Brand products, hosting information exchange meetings on baby food, and educational sessions focused on peace and sustainability.

To enhance the promotion of "Co-op Member Activities" among Co-op members who are unfamiliar with or have not yet participated in them, JCCU has initiated a new project that leverages digital transformation (DX) to foster new connections. In the past, information regarding "Co-op Member Activities", including available projects and participation methods, was primarily disseminated through paper flyers and newsletters. In the current era, where widespread smartphone usage allows for easy access to information, the development of the "Co-op Link" system was undertaken to establish a more effective approach to publicity and recruitment.

"My Page" （Website image）

Across the country, numerous "Co-op Member Activities" initiatives are organized by consumer co-ops. Each initiative is presented on Co-op Link through a dedicated introduction page, which provides an overview and detailed schedule. Participants are able to apply directly through the application forms available on these pages. Moreover, when a Co-op member engages in a project, the "Co-op Link" system suggests related projects and events as "recommended activities," tailored to the member's registered interests.

Co-op staff responsible for planning member activities can efficiently manage the entire process within Co-op Link, encompassing planning, recruitment, participant registration, inquiry management, day-of check-in, feedback collection, and the creation of project execution reports. This system significantly streamlines the approval process, which was previously conducted through paper or email exchanges, allowing it to be completed with a single click. Upon the project's conclusion, sharing the project overview with Co-op members is simplified, enabling them to gain insight into the project's content and overall atmosphere.

Each Co-op member's "My Page" provides a detailed record of their participation history in "Co-op Member Activities". The primary objective of "Co-op Link" is to facilitate easy participation in and familiarization with "Co-op Member Activities" for all Co-op members.

The "Co-op Link" system is scheduled to be launched in September 2024 at Co-op Mirai. Co-op Mirai will initially implement the system through web page operations, integrating it with their existing website, and is also exploring the possibility of linking it with social media platforms. Additionally, Miyagi Co-op and Co-op Gifu are expected to adopt the system in the near future.

Moving forward, JCCU aims to contribute to Co-op members through the DX-CO･OP Project.