Persol Business Process Design Launches "Zero-Based Examination" Service to Reduce Workload in Subsidy and Grant Examination Using AI

Persol Business Process Design Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Kazuyuki Ichimura), part of the Persol Group, which upholds the vision of "Working and Smiling," will launch the service "Zero-Based Examination" on July 8, 2026. This service utilizes generative AI and AI agents to reduce the human workload in examination processes for companies and local governments.

This service comprehensively supports the optimization of business processes, the implementation of automation technologies utilizing generative AI, AI agents, AI voice bots, and the continuous improvement of business operations, thereby reducing the workload and improving the quality of examination tasks.

For details on "Zero-Based Examination," click here: https://zeroka.jp/service/shinsa

Background

Examination processes for subsidies and grants in administrative bodies and local governments, as well as various application, approval, and examination processes within companies, are still largely operated by humans, leading to issues such as increased workload, processing delays, and variations in quality due to subjective judgment. In particular, subsidy and grant examination processes have the characteristic that it is difficult to operate them stably while responding to system revisions and changes in examination criteria.

Furthermore, the fluctuation in workload due to changes in the number of applications is significant, making it a crucial challenge to secure staffing for peak periods and optimize costs.

Against this backdrop, there is a growing demand for new operational methods that promote the standardization and automation of examination processes using digital technologies such as generative AI, thereby achieving both increased productivity and quality assurance.

Overview

This service supports the entire process of examination operations, from application reception to content verification, judgment, and notification, by providing comprehensive support from business design and optimization to technology implementation and operation/improvement. It designs optimal business processes, including tasks that require human judgment and approval, and achieves automation and efficient business operations through the utilization of generative AI, AI agents, AI voice bots, and other technologies.

Support Contents

Process Optimization Consulting

Based on our track record and business design expertise in examination processes for government agencies, local governments, and private companies, we support the optimization of business processes, including visualization and standardization of examination flows, design of exception handling, and establishment of rules.

Introduction and Implementation of Automation Technologies using AI, etc.

We realize automation of various processes such as application reception, document verification, input assistance, judgment support, and inquiry response by combining technologies such as generative AI, AI agents, RPA, OCR, and AI voice bots. By selecting and integrating the optimal technologies according to business characteristics and operational conditions, and constructing processes, we reduce the workload. Furthermore, we achieve error-free operations through automation and prevent variations in quality due to subjective judgment.

Continuous Improvement

We support continuous improvement of business operations, not just the introduction of automation technologies. We also respond to system modifications due to system changes and revisions of operational flows, building an operational structure that can adapt to changes. By continuously making improvements that are practical, we achieve automation that becomes ingrained in operations and is utilized stably.

"Zero-Based Examination" Service Details

Example of Zero-Based Application Reception in Subsidy Project Examination Procedures

By introducing AI and other technologies into the administrative tasks of subsidy project examination procedures for local governments, we aimed to automate 2,000 phone inquiries per month. This reduced the time spent on inquiry response from 160 hours per month to 96 hours (approximately 40% reduction), leading to improved operational efficiency and contributing to the overall efficiency of examination-related tasks.

Future Development

Going forward, in addition to subsidy and grant application examination, we will expand the application of this service to a wide range of examination areas, including application screening for various services and internal company application processes. Through this service, we will support the achievement of both advanced and efficient examination operations, contributing to the realization of more sustainable and high-quality business operations.

Examples of Operations Targeted by "Zero-Based Examination"

<For Local Governments>

Support for examination and scoring of public recruitment and proposal (RFP) applications

Check operations for bidding eligibility examination and registration applications

Qualification judgment and duplicate checks for various benefit and support systems

Document examination and deficiency checks for various permit and license applications

<For Companies>

Fraud and duplicate checks for expense applications, etc.

Verification and examination of application documents such as membership screening and enrollment screening for various services

Risk checks and suitability verification for contract conclusion

Automation of checks in internal approval and decision-making processes

*In addition to the above operations, a wide range of processes including application reception, examination, judgment, and approval are targeted.

For details on "Zero-Based Examination," click here: https://zeroka.jp/service/shinsa

About "Zero-Based" Services

Persol Business Process Design offers "Zero-Based" services to promote DX in all industries and sectors. "Zero-Based" is a concept that aims to bring the workload in business processes as close to "zero" as possible, realizing process DX across a wide range.

Under this philosophy, we provide one-stop support from advanced solution design for corporate DX and business transformation to development, PoC (Proof of Concept), and business implementation/establishment, addressing a wide range of issues faced by companies. By leveraging our accumulated experience and knowledge, and in collaboration with various partner companies that provide business and tool-linked automation solutions, we will continue to provide high-quality DX services to customers in diverse fields, including middle and back-office operations.

Through process DX with "Zero-Based" going forward, we will contribute not only to improving on-site productivity but also to enhancing corporate value in the medium to long term.

About Persol Business Process Design Co., Ltd. <https://www.persol-bd.co.jp/>

Persol Business Process Design Co., Ltd. provides BPO services tailored to customer issues by combining three strengths: process design capabilities, organizational/human resource management capabilities, and human resource development capabilities, with AI and other technologies. With the mission of "Innovating all work and organizations, and creating a society overflowing with better working environments," we contribute to realizing the future that organizations aim for and to creating a society where people can thrive.