This time, we interviewed with Mr. Masaaki Ishikawa, the operating officer and general manager, about the fixed asset management system "EZDP V3" developed by Material Automation (Thailand) (MAT).

Background of development of fixed asset management system

Mr. Ishikawa:
The first version of the package, which went on sale in 2004, was named "Easy-DP" with the concept as it is. Needless to say, "DP" is "depreciation" and "easy! Depreciation" (laughs). It was a product that could only perform simple flat-rate calculations, but after that, I have got many requests received from customers, and not only simple calculations but other functions were also required. Five years later, we released "Easy-DP Pro," which incorporates a BOI management function only for Thailand and a function that allows you to manage assets in a parent company and subsidiary relationship.

Editor:
The functions are gradually increasing, aren’t they?

Mr. Ishikawa:
That's right. In the second version of "Easy-DP Pro", apart from the addition of standard functions, we have developed a function to easily take inventory as an option. It can issue an asset management sticker with a barcode printed on it from the system and attach it to the fixed assets. You can easily create an asset inventory table by simply reading the barcode at the handy terminal when performing asset inventory at the end of the period.

We reflected the voice of customers that the number of fixed assets is large and its management is always complicated and troublesome. Especially in factories with a large number of fixed assets, it has been highly evaluated as a convenient function from customers. Any software can be used for calculation only, but I think that the function that is particular about physical management is a feature that other system companies' products are not available.

Editor:
Did development go smoothly? Please let us know if you have any difficulties.

Mr. Ishikawa:
In Thailand, the depreciation calculation was on a pro-rate basis, which was a different calculation method from Japan. In addition, the law is ambiguous in interpretation, and different methods are used by customers. From "Easy-DP" that performs simple daily calculation to "Easy-DP Pro", we reviewed the ideal form of depreciation calculation and then newly developed "EZDP V3" to support more flexible depreciation calculation.

This product was compatible with many depreciation methods so that it could be used not only in Thailand but also in neighboring countries, but this work was quite difficult to adjust and the functions had to be revised many times.

Features and benefits of "EZDP V3"

Editor:
Then, please explain the new functions and features added in "EZDP V3".

Mr. Ishikawa:
The biggest additional function is the function that corresponds to the change of the calculated item. For example, in the case of products purchased from overseas, the acquisition price may change from the time of input due to the notification of expenses after a long delay. Some clients have already started depreciation and I was often asked what we should do. In that case, this product has a function that automatically recalculates and adjusts the calculated depreciation difference in the past month in the current month. If you make a typo and notice it a few months later, you can correct these to use this function.

You can also use this function when the audit corporation requests you to review the statutory durable years (amortization period). There are few cases, but it can also be used when you are asked to change the depreciation method. In addition to general multi-currency and multi-language, multi-company function that can manage multiple subsidiaries and multi-layer function that is convenient when you want to manage tax and accounting separately are also available from this product.

Editor:
Is there anything that has evolved except for the function?

Mr. Ishikawa:
Since the system configuration is built with a web application, it is possible to access from multiple locations in a cloud environment. The function for internal control has also been enhanced by managing the menus to be edited and referenced by the logged-in user. In addition, licenses are offered as subscriptions for each level according to the number of assets, making it easy to purchase.

Providing a free trial edition

Editor:
Please tell us about the free trial service that you recently engaged in.

Mr. Ishikawa:
Yes, we have started offering a free trial version to let more people know about "EZDP V3". Those who manage fixed assets with Excel, those who are already using software but are not satisfied with the function, try "EZDP V3" once with the free trial version. The number of registered assets is limited to 500, and the trial period is limited to 2 months, but you can try all the functions during that period.

If you apply through MAT website, we will send you a license and a set of manuals by e-mail from the installer required for installation. There is no Japanese version, but we have a video posted on YouTube for how to. There is also a Thai version, so it would be good for you to ask Thai staff in charge to watch it.

▶Click here for more details on fixed asset management "EZDP V3"

▲“EZDP V3” Instructional Video

Editor:
When it comes to fixed asset management software, I thought that there was no big difference in functions, but the "EZDP V3" that you introduced has a variety of functions that reflect customer needs, including compliance with Thailand's original rules. You can also evaluate it before you buy it, so it might be a good idea to try it first. Thank you for today.

Masaaki Ishikawa
Operating Officer and General Manager