EXAMPLE 01GENERATIVE AI / LLMs
Streamline work with generative AI
Customer service chatbots, automated internal documents, and more. We help identify effective uses and support adoption across your team.
Our processConsultScopePoCBuildRun
SERVICES / ONE-STOP
AI and systems,
from idea to operation.
One team takes on your AI and software development end to end, from the first idea through operations. If this is new to you, we explain the scope, cost, and impact until it all makes sense.
Contents
01
Common challenges
Q.01What is possible, and what should it cost?Your company wants to use AI or digitize operations, but you lack the technical knowledge to decide where to start.
Q.02Will the team understand how we work?The sales conversations go well, but you are unsure whether communication with the development team will be as clear once work begins.
Q.03Will AI deliver a return on investment?You worry the project may fail to increase revenue or reduce costs enough to justify the investment.
02
What we do
One continuous process, from consultation to operations.
STEP 01ConsultingClarify your needs, plan your AI roadmap, and train your team.Explore AI consulting →
STEP 02RequirementsTogether, we document what to build and where to start, in words and diagrams.
STEP 03PoCBuild a small prototype, assess its impact, and decide together whether to proceed.
STEP 04DevelopmentOne team for AI development, data analysis, and systems.AI developmentData analysisSystem development
STEP 05Operations and improvementMaintain and operate your system after launch, improving it through use.
One team, from start to finish.
Start with an idea, an upgrade, or a replacement for an existing system. We also take on standalone data analysis projects.
03
Project examples
Dark labels show the stages covered in each example. Contact us about other needs, too.
EXAMPLE 02FORECASTING / OPTIMIZATION
Add AI to your business
Add AI to existing systems and workflows, such as demand forecasting in customer management.
Our processConsultScopePoCBuildRun
EXAMPLE 03PoC → MVP → PRODUCTION
PoC and MVP for new ventures
Test your idea with a small prototype, then develop it into a production service if the results support it.
Our processConsultScopePoCBuildRun
EXAMPLE 04LEGACY → MODERN SYSTEMS
Legacy system replacement
Replace unsupported languages, CMS platforms, and business systems with secure, modern systems. We cover requirements, data migration, and operations after the switch.
Our processConsultScopePoCBuildRun
EXAMPLE 05MONTHLY RETAINER
SaaS launch and ongoing development
Stay with one team from launch through years of feature development and operations.
Our processConsultScopePoCBuildRun
EXAMPLE 06DATA ANALYSIS
Collect, analyze, and visualize data
Collect and organize scattered data, then turn it into analysis and dashboards for better decisions. Standalone data analysis projects are welcome.
Our processConsultScopePoCBuildRun
04
Technologies
We choose technologies to fit your needs.
Generative AICreate text, images, and video
AI agentsAI that runs tasks on its own
Machine learningForecasting and classification
OptimizationScheduling and allocation
Text analysisRead and organize documents
Image and video analysisDetect objects and motion
Audio analysisRead states and emotions
Causal inferenceMeasure true causal impact
Database developmentCollect and store data
DashboardsKey numbers at a glance
Geographic information systemsAnalyze data on maps
System integrationConnect existing systems
AI-driven developmentFaster, leaner builds with AI
UI/UX designEasy-to-use business screens
Cloud developmentBuilt on AWS or Google Cloud
SecuritySecure design and operation
05
Ways to work with us
Approaches can also be combined across phases. We help you choose the right approach during your free consultation.
Deliverable-based contractProject-basedAgree on deliverables and deadlines, then receive the completed work.Main phasesConsultationRequirementsPoCDevelopmentOperationsBest suited toDefined development projects and legacy system replacement
Service-based contractFixed-term supportAgree on the term and team, then work together.Main phasesConsultationRequirementsPoCDevelopmentOperationsBest suited toPoC and consulting (including requirements definition)
Service-based contractMonthly retainerRetain a team each month and adjust priorities as you go.Main phasesConsultationRequirementsPoCDevelopmentOperationsBest suited toOngoing SaaS development and AI research
Example combination
ConsultationRequirementsPoCDevelopmentOperationsFreeFixed-term supportProject-basedMonthly retainer
06
Pricing examples
Our end-to-end request examples, broken down by phase. The shaded band shows the phases we take on. You can start small and decide whether to move into development after seeing the PoC results.
| Request example | Consultation | Requirements | PoC | Development | Operations | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXAMPLE 01Streamlining work with generative AIExamples: customer service chatbots, automated internal documents | Free1–2 weeksFind where AI helps | JPY 0.3–0.6M2–3 weeksNarrow down high-impact tasks | JPY 1.2–2.4M1–2 monthsTest accuracy on real data | JPY 3–5M2–3 monthsBuild into your systems | From JPY 0.1M/monthOngoingAdoption and tuning | Initial developmentAbout JPY 4.5–8M Running costFrom JPY 0.1M/month |
| EXAMPLE 02Adding AI to your current businessExample: CRM with demand forecasting | Free1–2 weeksUnderstand your workflow | JPY 0.5–1M2–4 weeksDefine targets and metrics | JPY 1.2–2.4M1–2 monthsValidate on past data | JPY 10–12.5M4–5 monthsAdd forecasts to your CRM | From JPY 0.2M/monthOngoingRetraining and improvement | Initial developmentAbout JPY 12–16M Running costFrom JPY 0.2M/month |
| EXAMPLE 03PoC and MVP for new venturesExamples: PoC prototypes, MVP development | Free1–2 weeksShape the idea | JPY 0.3–0.6M2–3 weeksSet the hypotheses to test | JPY 0.6–0.9M1–2 monthsBuild small, gauge traction | JPY 1.2–2.4M2–3 monthsLaunch as an MVP | — | Initial developmentAbout JPY 2.1–3.9M Running cost— |
| EXAMPLE 04Legacy system replacementExample: replacing unsupported systems or websites | Free1–2 weeksReview the current system | JPY 0.3–0.6M2–3 weeksMap specs and data | — | JPY 3–4.5M3–4 monthsMigrate to the new system | From JPY 0.15M/monthOngoingMaintenance after cutover | Initial developmentAbout JPY 3.3–5.1M Running costFrom JPY 0.15M/month |
| EXAMPLE 05Launching and growing a SaaSMonthly billing, with the same team throughout | Free1–2 weeksHear your service idea | JPY 0.5–1M2–4 weeksDecide the first features | — | From JPY 1.2M/monthSeveral yearsKeep adding features | Included in the monthly feeOngoingRun it with the same team | Initial developmentAbout JPY 0.5–1M Running costFrom JPY 1.2M/month |
| EXAMPLE 06Collecting, analyzing, and visualizing dataExamples: analysis reports, dashboards | Free1–2 weeksUnderstand data and goals | — | — | JPY 1–3M1–2 monthsCollect, clean, visualize | — | Initial developmentAbout JPY 1–3M Running cost— |
Notes
- These figures are examples only. Actual quotes depend on your project.
- Initial development covers requirements, PoC, and development.
- Running cost is the monthly operations fee and includes server costs (for Example 05, it also covers monthly development).
Not sure which option fits? We can talk it through, including budget.
Book a free 30-min call ↗07
Why RIWB
01
Work directly with a skilled team
Work directly with the developers for quick responses as your needs change. Our expertise covers the full process, from AI to data applications.
02
Focused on business value
We work with you to deliver a strong return on investment, guided by your business goals.
03
Clear guidance from the start
Our small team keeps costs down, and we explain the scope, cost breakdown, and expected impact from your perspective, taking time to make sure everything is clear.
How we compare
At RIWB, a small in-house team handles development. Each member brings deep expertise and works across the whole process, so fewer people and less management are needed, making the total cost easier to keep down.
| RIWB | Large SIers | Typical development firms | Early-stage firms and freelancers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost and team | ||||
| Team | Small expert team (2–4 people) | Large, multi-layered | Mid-sized | 1–2 people |
| Subcontracting | None (built in-house) | Often multi-tier | Partly outsourced | None |
| Total cost | Easier to keep down | High | Moderate | Low |
| Project size | From a few million yen to about JPY 100 million | From tens of millions of yen | From a few million to tens of millions of yen | From a few hundred thousand yen to JPY 10 million |
| How we work | ||||
| End-to-end delivery | One team from concept and requirements to development and operations | Different teams for each phase | Mostly development (planning or AI often go elsewhere) | Limited to certain phases |
| Direct contact with developers | Yes | Through account managers | Often through account managers | Yes |
| Speed of decisions | Fast | Slow | Moderate | Fast |
| Expertise and quality | ||||
| AI and data expertise | Strong (R&D track record) | Depends on the department | Limited | Depends on the individual |
| Consistent quality | Team code review | High | Moderate | Depends on one person |
| After launch | ||||
| Maintenance after launch | The same team handles maintenance and operations | Via maintenance contracts (sometimes another department or firm) | Usually offered | Not always available |
| Long-term stability | Knowledge is shared, so work continues if staff change | High | Varies by company | Can stop for personal reasons |
These are general tendencies; individual companies vary.
08
Selected work
Client project ・ Advertising / Promotion
AI that checks image rights risks
AI that judges rights risks, plus a business app to review the results
Generative AIImage & Speech Analysis
Learn more →
Client project ・ IT
Long-term development of a data-analysis SaaS for a startup
Built the analysis models, ran the PoC, then developed the SaaS itself
Data AnalyticsWeb Applications
Learn more →
Client project ・ Call center
AI that evaluates phone-handling skills
Transcribes calls and evaluates them with generative AI
Image & Speech AnalysisGenerative AI
Learn more →
Client project ・ HR
Aptitude test system for recruitment (development and maintenance)
Rebuilt a legacy system on a modern stack, from requirements to maintenance, designed so features are easy to add later
Web Applications
Learn more →Facing a similar challenge? Tell us about it.
Book a free 30-min call ↗09
How it works
- 01ContactSend us a message through the contact form.
- 02Discovery and free consultationWe discuss your current situation and needs.
- 03Proposal and estimateWe provide an initial estimate within one to two weeks.
- 04Agreement and orderWe sign the necessary agreements, including an NDA.
- 05Development and deliveryWe carry out the work as proposed.
- 06Handover and reviewYou review the deliverables, and we make revisions as needed.
- 07PaymentWe issue an invoice at the billing cutoff. Payment is due by the end of the following month.
10
FAQ
Can we talk before we have a defined project?
Yes. We can help from the earliest planning stages, clarifying your business needs and goals before proposing a suitable plan.
Can we work with you without technical knowledge?
Yes. We explain things in plain language and define requirements together as your understanding grows.
Can we commission a PoC only?
Yes. We take on proof-of-concept projects on their own. You can review the results before deciding whether to move into full development.
Can you rebuild a system another company developed?
Yes. We review the current system’s specifications and data, then propose what to rebuild and how to migrate.
How long does it take to receive an estimate?
We usually provide a preliminary estimate about one to two weeks after the initial meeting. In that time, we clarify your needs, select technologies, and estimate the effort.
How much does AI development cost?
In our cost examples, initial development for streamlining work with generative AI is about JPY 4.5–8M, and a PoC or MVP is about JPY 2.1–3.9M. We quote each project individually based on its scope.
How does payment work?
We agree on the timing and number of payments with you based on the contract type and scope. Payments can be split between an upfront fee and delivery, or across several milestones.
How are your development teams organized?
A small team handles system and AI development end to end. We assign specialists to suit each project.
What support do you provide before and after launch?
We agree on screen mock-ups before development and test before delivery. We roll out in stages so your work isn’t disrupted, and explain how to use the system after delivery.
Can you maintain and operate the system after delivery?
Yes. The team that built the system handles its maintenance and operation. We quote the scope and cost for each system. For maintenance-only requests on systems built by another company, we review the system first and then explain the terms.
Can we come back with new ideas after delivery?
Yes. Feel free to get in touch even before an idea becomes a project. More than 80% of our clients have worked with us on two or more projects, or on a project lasting a year or longer.
How do you handle confidential information and customer data?
We always sign a non-disclosure agreement when we enter into a service contract, and can sign one at the consultation stage if you prefer. We handle the information you share with careful attention to security.
Can you work in English?
Yes. We can hold meetings, prepare documents, and build systems in English.
Can companies outside Japan work with you?
Yes. We have worked with companies outside Japan, and we work online with clients across Japan and overseas, in Japanese and English.
Do you offer academic discounts?
We offer discounted rates for academic work and can accommodate research funding schedules and split invoicing.