About Ashisuto

This paper is an update of "Ashisuto: Philosophy and Beliefs" dated 1985.10.9 and 1993.6.30. The original, called "Second Decade," was published on 1983.6.22.

"Second Decade" was originally written more than nineteen years ago to inform all employees about the history, philosophy, values, fundamental beliefs, goals and possibilities of K.K. Ashisuto. Our surroundings and business have changed immensely since the original version was written. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion among current and prospective employees, I have revised this document to reflect those changes while reaffirming the fundamental beliefs that remain unchanged. It is very important that all Ashisuto members read this paper carefully so that all are in agreement about our fundamental beliefs and can act accordingly.

The purpose of this paper is fourfold :

1. To present to employees the views of Bill Totten, Ashisuto's founder.
2. To stimulate each of you to think carefully and thoroughly about K.K. Ashisuto's philosophy and beliefs.
3. To foster discussion among Ashisuto members about our philosophy and beliefs.
4. To achieve, through this process, a consensus among all Ashisuto members about the philosophy and beliefs of K.K. Ashisuto.

What I want you to do with this paper :

1. Read and understand this paper thoroughly.
2. Think about it.
3. Give me your ideas and suggestions in writing.

Through this process, I believe that K.K. Ashisuto can achieve the internal consensus it needs to reach its potential. It is up to each of us to improve our working environment.

Ashisuto is a company that sells computer software products and related services to Japanese organizations that need them.

1. Ashisuto sells computer software products that others have manufactured; it does not develop software products itself. Ashisuto also sells consulting, training and other related services that promote effective use of the software we sell.
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2. Ashisuto helps customers achieve their goals through providing software products and services.
3. Ashisuto sells computer software and related services that help our customers improve their productivity and decision-making. We do not sell software for amusement, entertainment, wasting of time, or numbing of minds.

We believe that selling computer products will be one of the world's most important businesses for a long time. We plan to continue concentrating on this business until we're confident we've become the BEST company we can be in this field, or until a better business opportunity emerges.

Our goals are simple. They are to become :

1. The best company from which to buy computer software products.
2. The best company at which to work in the field of computer software.
3. The best company for every supplier.

Please notice the emphasis is on the word best. Our goal is to become the best in every aspect of our business, not merely in a single aspect such as size, profitability, product and service quality, or working environment. The context referred to is becoming the best vis-a-vis ourselves, not in competition with others. We simply strive to become the best we can possibly be.

PRIORITY OF GOALS

Let's look at each goal in order of priority.

1. The best company from which to buy computer software products:
I believe the role of any company is to contribute to society by providing products or services useful, helpful and beneficial to other members of that society. Ashisuto sells its products and services honestly and competently, always striving to ensure that customers receive from us more value than they pay to us.

2. The best company at which to work in the field of computer software: The best company provides challenging work that employees can be proud of accomplishing. The best company offers career paths that enable employees to develop themselves to their fullest potentials professionally and personally, encouraging them to become responsible members of society -- the best citizens, employees, spouses and parents they possibly can be.

3. The best company for every supplier:
'Every supplier' means any person or organization that provides goods or services necessary for our business. This includes software developers, those who rent us office space, those who sell us stationery and other office supplies and equipment, banks, consultants, lawyers, accountants, and so on. Ashisuto must strive to become the best company for such suppliers to deal with by always being honest and sincere.

We should never forget that our customers always come first, before employees or suppliers. We must treat each customer as a king. Our customers keep us in business; if we always strive to help them unfailingly, they will reciprocate.