Kashiwabara Corporation

    No More Unlocked Doors: Kashiwabara Corporation Facility Access with Keycafe

    Close up of Kashiwabara Corporation's SmartBox
    Kashiwabara Corporation
    Industry

    Facilities & Logistics

    Location

    Yamaguchi, Japan

    Employees

    1,165

    “Keycafe solved our biggest problem - digital lock failures preventing staff access.”

    Rin Odahara

    Facility Management, Kashiwabara Hands

    About Kashiwabara Corporation

    Kashiwabara Corporation is a construction and infrastructure repair business based in Japan, providing services for both residential and commercial buildings.

    Gideon Leung

    Author

    Product Marketing Manager

    Gideon Leung is the Marketing Manager at Keycafe, leading global marketing and serving as the company's product expert. He writes the technical documentation, feature announcements, product updates, and how-to guides that help customers worldwide get the most out of the platform.

    Challenge

    Kashiwabara Corporation operates an internal training facility in Yamaguchi, where trainees perform repair work on full-scale mock-ups of buildings. The training center operates without on-site staff, placing the responsibility of door access—both locking and unlocking—entirely on its users.

    Before using Keycafe, each room was equipped with a QR code-based access system, but it was prone to frequent technical issues. The codes often failed to scan correctly, doors would not unlock, and the electronic locking mechanisms were unreliable. Because all access points in the facility relied on this unstable system, users sometimes left without properly locking doors, creating significant security risks. It was clear that a more dependable and user-friendly solution was needed.

    Pain Points

    • Unreliable Access SystemFrequent malfunctions with the QR code-based system prevented users from reliably unlocking or locking doors.
    • User FrustrationAs a self-managed facility, every access issue led to frustration for users, with no immediate fix.
    • Increased Admin BurdenTime-consuming intervention from remote administrators reduced overall operational efficiency.
    • Security RisksThe inability to properly lock doors due to system errors resulted in unsecured facilities after use.
    Kashiwabara Corporation staff member placing keys into a SmartBoxExterior of a Kashiwabara Corporation facilityInterior of a Kashiwabara Corporation facility with a basketball court

    Solution

    To address ongoing issues with door access, Kashiwabara’s management team began evaluating alternative solutions under two key criteria: enabling unattended key handover and allowing for remote facility management. While smart locks were initially considered, they were ultimately excluded due to the requirement to replace all existing doors, which was not feasible in terms of cost and timeline.

    Keycafe was selected as the optimal solution thanks to its simplicity and speed of deployment. From order placement to installation and operational readiness, the entire process was completed within a short timeframe — making it an efficient and practical choice for the facility's unique needs.

    Kashiwabara Corporation’s Implementation

    • User Access CodesStaff receive an access code in advance to retrieve keys, enabling key handoffs outside business hours.
    • Real-Time ManagementWhen staff have inquiries, administrators can remotely check access logs in real time, with the option to review history via the mobile app for added peace of mind.
    • Remote SmartBox ControlThe ability to operate the SmartBox remotely provides a key advantage in managing an unmanned facility.

    Results

    The biggest benefit of implementing Keycafe was eliminating the issue of doors not being able to be locked or unlocked within the facility. In the rare case of doors being left unlocked, it’s now easy to check key usage history and status from the management dashboard.

    After implementation, Rin Odawara shared her feedback: "We feel confident that choosing Keycafe was the right decision. Users can operate the system intuitively, and administrators find it efficient to manage remotely with real-time notifications and log checks, through both the desktop and mobile app."

    The Outcome

    • No More Unlocked DoorsUsers can take physical keys from the SmartBox to unlock and lock doors, resolving the major issue of doors not opening or closing properly.
    • Saved TimeBoth users and management are relieved from unnecessary stress and time-consuming troubleshooting.
    • Enhanced SecurityWith Keycafe’s management dashboard, the team can track who used which key and when, ensuring top-level security for the training center.
    Exterior of a Kashiwabara Corporation housing facilityInterior of a Kashiwabara Corporation living quartersKashiwabara Corporation staff member taking keys from a SmartBox bin

    Customize Your Solution Now

    Configure and purchase your smart key management system in minutes. Our onboarding specialists will work with you to set up your solution and ensure it's a success. If Keycafe is not the right fit for your business, you may return it for a full refund for up to 45 days!

    SmartBox