Works Applications, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Osamu Hata; hereinafter “WAP”) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DevRev, Inc.(Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, U.S.; Co-founder and CEO: Dilraj Pandey; hereinafter “DevRev”) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at realizing an AI knowledge platform.This collaboration will combine the operational knowledge WAP has cultivated through the development and implementation of ERP systems for major Japanese companies with DevRev’s knowledge graph, data synchronization, and AI agent technologies.The two companies will explore methods for linking disparate information—including not only data accumulated in WAP’s ERP system “HUE,” but also corporate business systems, documents, emails, and chats, as well as recorded and shared insights and decision-making processes of relevant personnel. The goal is to build a platform where both humans and AI agents can leverage this knowledge based on the context of business operations and past decisions.Starting with internal testing at WAP, the two companies will define the specific business processes, technical requirements, and operational criteria. Based on the insights gained, they will explore joint development and the establishment of a support framework for sales and implementation in the Japanese market.

Connecting data and operational knowledge scattered throughout the enterprise to create a knowledge foundation that both humans and AI can utilize

　The use of generative AI extends beyond information retrieval and document creation to AI agents that autonomously execute tasks across multiple systems. Meanwhile, in many companies, customer information, transaction data, product information, inquiry histories, and internal documents are scattered across multiple systems and departments.To utilize AI agents in practical business operations, a system is needed that not only searches for information but also understands the relationships between “customers,” “products,” “transactions,” “inquiries,” and “decisions,” and can operate in accordance with user permissions and the company’s approval and audit rules. WAP possesses expertise gained from addressing the complex business processes, commercial practices, permissions and approvals, and audit requirements of Japanese companies.DevRev provides an AI-native platform that connects structured and unstructured data and constructs their relationships as a knowledge graph. By combining these strengths, the two companies aim to realize an “AI Knowledge Platform” that accumulates a company’s operational knowledge and decision-making history, enabling AI to be utilized under proper authorization and control.

　WAP positions itself as the first validation environment, or “Customer Zero,” and will validate DevRev’s platform through internal operations such as customer support and product implementation.They will test methods for linking product information, configuration details, and historical inquiry and response records to facilitate reference to similar cases and verification of the rationale behind specific configurations and responses. By leveraging past cases and decision-making to resolve customer requests more efficiently and reducing the time spent searching for information, they aim to create an environment where staff can focus on tasks that require their specialized knowledge and judgment.

　Through a co-creation process, we will define the target operations, platform configuration, security requirements, and challenges related to implementation and operation.In addition to ensuring that the basis for responses can be verified, we will define—on a phased basis—the scope within which AI can reference and execute tasks, as well as the conditions requiring human verification and approval, tailored to the specific business operations in question. Furthermore, we will continue to explore a joint development framework—including the utilization of both companies’ overseas development resources—as well as a sales and implementation support framework for major Japanese corporations.

[Comments from the Representatives of Both Companies]

Osamu Hata, Representative Director and CEO, Works Applications, Inc.

In an era where AI agents handle corporate operations, it is essential that they operate safely under established authority and controls, based on an understanding of the business context and past decisions.We will undertake the challenge of building this foundation by combining the business knowledge we have cultivated through ERP systems for Japanese companies with DevRev’s knowledge graph and AI agent technologies. To begin with, our company will serve as the first user to verify the value of this system.

Dheeraj Pandey, Co-founder and CEO, DevRev, Inc.

When it comes to corporate AI adoption, it is not just the capabilities of the model that matter; a foundation that allows the model to utilize business context and knowledge within the necessary scope of authority is equally important. By combining Works Applications’ deep insights into the operations of Japanese companies with DevRev’s technology, we will explore the potential to move beyond simply searching for information to a point where AI can verify the basis for its decisions and take action.We plan to first validate this approach within Works Applications’ own operations and then apply the lessons learned to build a platform that will be useful for the day-to-day operations of Japanese companies.

[About DevRev]

DevRev offers “Computer,” an AI-native platform that connects information scattered throughout an organization and supports teams in searching, answering questions, and taking business actions. Computer synchronizes information from existing business systems while maintaining access permissions, thereby building a knowledge graph specific to each company’s operations.This robust foundation supports enterprise search, internal service desks, and customer self-service—including voice-enabled options.
DevRev, Inc. is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and DevRev Japan G.K. is responsible for providing AI solutions for the Japanese market.Founded in 2020 and backed by Khosla Ventures and Mayfield, DevRev is led by co-founder and CEO Dheeraj Pandey—a co-founder and former CEO of Nutanix who also serves on the board of Adobe—andManoj Agarwal, a co-founder and former Senior Vice President of Engineering at Nutanix. The company currently operates from eight locations worldwide. For more information, please visit devrev.ai .