Bringing 'FDE' to Mid-Sized and Small Enterprises: Launch of 'Sorulab AI Implementation'

Sorulab AI Implementation (Representatives: Tatsuya Ochi, Yukinobu Okamoto)

Overview

Sorulab Co., Ltd. (Kita-ku, Osaka / Representatives: Tatsuya Ochi, Yukinobu Okamoto) announced on July 16, 2026, the launch of 'Sorulab AI Implementation,' a hands-on service to integrate AI into organizations for mid-sized and small enterprises.

'Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE),' a concept established by U.S.-based Palantir Technologies and now widely adopted by companies like Anthropic and OpenAI, involves technical experts entering client sites to implement functional systems. Sorulab has systematized this approach specifically for mid-sized and small enterprises in Japan.

Rather than simply deploying tools and leaving, our representatives enter the field and provide continuous support until the organization can fully leverage AI.

[In Commemoration of PR TIMES Distribution]

We are expanding our 60-minute free diagnostic sessions from 3 to 10 companies per month, available until October 31, 2026. Sessions will be conducted directly by our representatives.

Reserve a Free Diagnostic

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar?

"We introduced a DX system, but the frontline couldn’t use it effectively and eventually reverted to old methods."

"Employees are still tied up with routine tasks like estimates, daily reports, invoicing, and data entry."

"Expertise held by veteran staff is disappearing because it hasn’t been properly documented or transferred."

Such concerns are not uncommon in mid-sized and small enterprises.

The root cause lies in the lack of viable options to build systems tailored to internal workflows. Due to high development costs and a shortage of in-house engineering talent, custom-built systems have historically been out of reach for most SMEs. As a result, companies had no choice but to adapt their operations to fit existing off-the-shelf systems.

Thus, the issue isn’t lack of effort by staff, but rather a structural limitation: the only feasible option has been to force business processes to conform to systems. This inevitably leads to inefficiencies.

What is Sorulab AI Implementation?

The key feature of Sorulab AI Implementation is that Sorulab—understanding both management strategy and frontline operations—takes full responsibility from problem identification to AI-powered system implementation and on-site adoption. We don’t stop at strategic advice, nor do we build systems without frontline insight.

Another distinguishing feature is our approach. Instead of pushing disruptive 'reforms' that upend current workflows, we:

Use your current organizational practices as a foundation, guiding improvements step by step.

Respecting your existing culture, we embed AI as an immediately useful tool on the frontline.

Sorulab structures this process into three phases: 'Organize, Build, Grow.' We identify where AI can add value from both management and operational perspectives, tailor solutions for actual use, and cultivate organizational capability—from a few employees to the entire company.

Running All Three Steps Concurrently

We run 'Organize, Build, Grow' simultaneously.

Leadership Perspective

"AI utilization itself is not the goal. AI and systems are tools. What matters is using them to advance frontline challenges and achieve tangible results."

"From observing the field, I’m convinced that AI only takes root in an organization when all employees—not just management or a few specialists—adopt it and integrate it into their daily work."

CEO Tatsuya Ochi

"Theoretical advice alone won’t move the frontline or the company forward. That’s why we enter the field and work alongside you. We listen to your frontline’s concerns and build systems that actually work. As AI becomes embedded and teams continue working toward shared goals, organizations become self-sustaining. Beyond that, we believe everyone can reach results they once thought unattainable."

CEO Yukinobu Okamoto

Why Now? (The Rise of AI and the FDE Trend)

The conditions enabling mid-sized and small enterprises to adopt AI have dramatically improved over the past 1–2 years. Two key reasons:

First, advancements in AI technology. The cost of building systems tailored to specific workflows has significantly decreased. What was once accessible only to large enterprises—customized systems aligned with internal operations—has now become a realistic option for SMEs.

Second, a shift in support models. 'Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)' is a role pioneered around 2010 by U.S. data analytics firm Palantir. Designed for environments where requirements are hard to articulate, data sharing is difficult, and needs evolve daily, FDEs embed themselves in client operations to build functional systems from within.

In 2026, this approach is being widely adopted in the generative AI space. Leading AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI, major consulting firms, and large domestic SaaS providers and startups are launching FDE-style teams and roles.

Sorulab’s representatives have long practiced this 'deep on-site implementation' approach with mid-sized and small enterprises. We’ve systematized this expertise into 'Sorulab AI Implementation' and are now launching it as a formal service.

What Sets Us Apart?

In many SME environments, operational manuals, data definitions, and system specifications are often incomplete or missing. As a result, strategic advice alone fails to move the frontline, and systems built without frontline input often go unused.

Sorulab AI Implementation bridges this gap by moving fluidly between management and operations, transforming client needs directly into functional solutions. Below is a comparison of the scope covered by different support models.

Comparison of Support Model Coverage

Sorulab takes full responsibility for these 'gaps,' ensuring we don’t stop at tool deployment or recommendations—we accompany clients until they become organizations that can fully master AI.

Implementation Approach (Entry Point: The 3 Steps)

From Consultation to Full-Scale Support

Target: Mid-sized and small enterprises with 30+ employees * To ensure diagnostic outcomes lead to action, we request participation from executives or decision-makers.

Base: Kita-ku, Osaka (On-site support available in the Kansai region)

Initial Contact: 60-minute free diagnostic (online via Teams/Zoom or in-person). We’ll honestly assess whether 'Sorulab AI Implementation' is suitable for your case—no sales pitch.

[In Commemoration of PR TIMES Release] Expanded Free Diagnostics

To celebrate this announcement, we’re increasing our monthly free diagnostic slots from 3 to 10 companies. Sessions will be conducted directly by representatives Ochi and Okamoto.

We’ll provide clear guidance on 'where AI can add value in your business'—on the spot. No sales pitch.

· Regular: 3 companies/month → Special: 10 companies/month

· Conducted by: Representatives (Ochi & Okamoto)

· Period: Until October 31, 2026

Reserve a Free Diagnostic

About the Consultation

The 60-minute free diagnostic is a collaborative session to clarify your current challenges and visualize your 'next step.' Our goal is to assess compatibility and approach, ensuring you’re fully confident before proceeding to full-scale implementation. We will not request a contract on the spot.