Explore our frequently asked questions.
USJP offers two types of services: "Project-Based," which supports system selection and implementation, and "Retainer-Based," which provides ongoing IT functions on a continuous basis.
Our fees vary depending on the service. Retainer-based services are billed at a fixed monthly or annual rate, while project-based services are billed at a fixed fee or on an hourly basis.
Project durations range from short-term engagements of approximately three months to long-term projects lasting over two years. For longer engagements, we divide the work into phases of two to six months, with clearly defined goals and deliverables for each phase to manage risk.
The engagement process is as follows: ① Needs and Goals Assessment → ② Service Proposal and Fee Presentation → ③ Contract → ④ Service Delivery. There are no fees until the contract is signed. An NDA can be executed at the outset if needed.
Annual contracts are standard for ongoing services, but a trial period of several months can be arranged in the first year. We can accommodate service modifications or early termination in response to changes in your business environment or organization during the contract period.
Yes. Our consultants are deeply familiar with both U.S. and Japanese business environments. They understand the intentions and culture of Japanese headquarters while staying current on the latest U.S. IT trends and vendor landscape, enabling them to collaborate effectively with local staff.
Some consulting firms and accounting firms do receive commissions from software vendors, but USJP accepts no such payments. We always maintain a neutral position and support optimal system selection and implementation.
By setting an IT vision aligned with your business strategy and establishing a 3 to 5-year investment roadmap, you can clarify ROI and make focused, waste-free investments across areas from infrastructure to security.
The mid-term plan is designed as a "rolling plan" that is reviewed annually and updated to reflect market changes and emerging technologies, functioning as a living document that remains aligned with current realities.
The key is to develop an actionable plan that goes beyond simple system implementation to include process improvement and change management.
While comprehensive ERP implementation was once considered ideal, the widespread adoption of SaaS, APIs, and AI-powered code generation has made a more flexible architecture the preferred approach — one that keeps core systems minimal and leverages AI for additional functionality.
The key is to identify areas where AI can provide solutions, build a small-scale pilot, and learn from it before moving to the next step.
Rather than developing AI systems on your behalf, USJP helps you build an organization where employees can adopt AI independently. Through our AI Empowerment service, we support talent development and culture transformation via workshops.
In the early stages of AI adoption, it is safest to avoid using sensitive information. By reviewing applicable regulations and industry standards as needed, and establishing appropriate governance and monitoring processes, risks can be effectively managed.
Constraints from Japanese headquarters often prevent local needs from being addressed. USJP bridges the gap between headquarters and local requirements, supporting the advancement of systems best suited for the U.S. subsidiary.
We realistically assess the vendor's support capabilities and work to establish appropriate contract terms and team structures. When necessary, we also help manage client staff expectations.
We support security framework development based on guidelines such as NIST and COBIT, as well as compliance with headquarters IT policies and J-SOX requirements. For highly regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, and telecommunications, we can also refer specialized security service providers.
