<Summary> The introduction of material handling equipment is progressing as a measure to address the issues of aging and labor shortages, but new problems may arise as a result of this implementation. Additionally, there may be individuals who are unsure of what to do next after the introduction. This article will introduce points to consider before implementing material handling equipment and the utilization of data, along with case studies. <Contents> 1. Trends in Automation Centered on Material Handling Equipment 2. Concerns Regarding the Introduction of Material Handling Equipment 3. Requirements After Automation Advances 4. Case Studies of Predictive Systems Conclusion

Since the introduction of a cap on overtime hours for truck drivers in April 2024, the so-called "2024 logistics problem" is spreading throughout the logistics industry. The constraints on working hours are having a multifaceted impact on securing transportation capacity, fluctuations in freight rates, and the implementation of countermeasures, making it urgent to understand the realities on the ground in companies. NX Research Institute conducted an additional survey regarding the 2024 logistics problem as an adjunct to its quarterly "Corporate Logistics Short-Term Trend Survey (NX Research Institute Tankan)." In response to this additional survey, 609 companies provided answers, and based on those results, we organized the challenges faced on-site and future outlooks. This survey is planned to be conducted continuously and regularly in the future. Additionally, the graphs and tables are created based on valid responses for each question. *The published materials for the Corporate Logistics Short-Term Trend Survey (NX Research Institute Tankan) can be found at the following link: (https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/tankan)

India's population has exceeded 1.4 billion, making it the most populous country in the world. The economy is also experiencing significant growth, with the current GDP ranking fifth globally; it is projected to surpass Japan to become fourth by 2025 and Germany to become third by 2027. Furthermore, India has a large youth population, and an increase in the labor force is expected in the future. The IT industry and startup sector are attracting global attention, with many global companies advancing into the Indian market. Given this background, India is currently one of the most closely watched countries in terms of economic growth and market expansion. This article will provide an overview of the domestic logistics situation in India.

The free webinar that was announced last week has increased its capacity due to a large number of applicants. If you are interested in logistics personnel training, please apply as soon as possible. In the first part, we will present a case study on how to switch from analog management, such as handwritten daily reports, to logistics management and data analysis utilizing DX in warehouse operations. In the second part, we will introduce the content of the e-learning program for training logistics managers that was released this month. If you are interested in logistics personnel development, we encourage you to participate in this opportunity. ● Session Details [Part 1] Case Study on Improving Logistics Centers Using DX Tools Speaker: Tadayuki Katagame (NX Research Institute, Research & Consulting Unit 4) [Part 2] Introduction to e-Learning "Logistics Management and Operations" Speaker: Takashi Yoshioka (NX Research Institute, Research & Consulting Unit 5) ● Event Overview Date: June 17, 2025 (Tuesday) 14:00 - 14:50 Venue: Online *Using Zoom Video Webinar (free to use) Capacity: 100 people *First come, first served Application Deadline: June 13, 2025 (Friday) 18:00

The issues of labor shortages due to declining birth rates and an aging population, as well as work style reforms, are prompting many companies in the logistics industry to address these challenges through measures such as the introduction of material handling equipment and digital devices. This article discusses the concerns associated with the introduction of material handling equipment in logistics facilities.

NX Research Institute, Inc. (President: Yoshihito Suzuki), Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. (President: Daisaku Matsuo), and Mujin Japan, Inc. (CEO: Isamu Arase) have conducted a demonstration experiment (hereinafter referred to as "this demonstration") as part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's commissioned project "FY 2024 Project for Building a Foundation for Efficiency and Value Creation in Distribution and Logistics (Creation of Model Cases for Automation of Logistics Facilities)" (hereinafter referred to as "this project"). This initiative addresses the recent challenge of labor shortages and aims to create model cases for the standard specifications, usage environments, and operational methods of cart trucks used in the supply chain, including wholesale, retail, and transportation industries, by introducing and maximizing the use of automation equipment. For more details, please refer to the URL below. https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/release/2025_06_03_news_20250603

In this seminar, we will focus on the development of human resources in logistics management with two scheduled presentations. In the first part, we will discuss a case study of switching from analog management, such as handwritten work reports, in warehouse operations to logistics management and data analysis utilizing DX. In the second part, we will introduce the content of the e-learning program for training logistics managers that was released this month. If you are interested in the development of logistics personnel, we encourage you to participate in this opportunity. ● Session Details [Part 1] Case Study of Improving Logistics Centers Using DX Tools Speaker: Tadayuki Katagame (NX Research Institute, Research & Consulting Unit 4) [Part 2] Introduction to e-Learning "Logistics Management and Operations" Speaker: Takashi Yoshioka (NX Research Institute, Research & Consulting Unit 5) ● Event Overview Date: June 17, 2025 (Tuesday) 14:00 - 14:50 Venue: Online *Using Zoom Video Webinar (Free to use) Capacity: 100 people *First come, first served Application Deadline: June 13, 2025 (Friday) 18:00

NX Research Institute has published the "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook," which compiles information and data directly related to practical applications from the perspective of logistics technology. The overall coordinator of this book will explain the background and key points that led to its publication.

In January of this year (2025), a road collapsed in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, resulting in a truck falling into the hole. The cause was determined to be a broken sewer pipe underground, and it is expected that repairs will take 5 to 7 years. Additionally, in our country, the nationwide water supply and sewage systems are aging, and there is a possibility that similar accidents may occur in the future. If such incidents happen, just like during disasters, regular flush toilets may become unusable, and it is believed that "poop logistics" will be necessary to provide alternative means.

The price of domestic rice (edible rice) has skyrocketed, leading to a situation reported as the "Reiwa Rice Crisis." Starting around the summer of 2024, rice became scarce, and retail prices began to rise sharply, with the crisis reigniting in 2025. While the variety of dishes on our dining tables has diversified and enriched our lives due to advancements in distribution, rice remains our staple food, and the rise in rice prices has had a significant impact on consumer life. Why has the price of rice increased so much now? We will organize the causes and countermeasures from the perspective of the entire supply chain, including production, distribution, and sales. This report will continue from the previous one, examining the issues of self-consumed rice at the distribution stage ("distribution") and the trends in demand and corporate responses at the sales and consumption stage ("sales").

NX Research Institute and Zenrin Datacom will co-host a webinar focused on logistics DX (Digital Transformation) in "transportation." DX promotion is rapidly advancing in transportation, including aspects such as checking delivery status and managing labor hours, including driver wait times. In this webinar, we will introduce the theme of "visualization," taking into account the points required by shippers and logistics operators, as well as the use of smartphones for DX and future measures. If you are interested in improving operations using DX, please take this opportunity to participate. Date: May 26, 2025 (Monday) 14:00–15:00 Application Deadline: May 22, 2025 (Thursday) 18:00 Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 200 people (first-come, first-served basis) Target Audience: - Management and DX promotion departments of logistics companies - Those who want to improve the efficiency and quality of delivery operations - Those who wish to reduce on-site burdens while advancing data utilization Details and Registration: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/seminar/seminar_20250509_online

This survey was conducted by NX Research Institute with the aim of grasping the latest trends in corporate logistics. The first survey was conducted in October 1988, and since then, it has been continuously carried out twice a year (in the first and second halves). Starting in 2002, the survey has been conducted quarterly, with significant content revisions and an expansion of the target establishments. The results of the survey are widely published as "NX Research Institute Tankan." The survey targets 2,500 major establishments in the manufacturing and wholesale industries. The survey items are as follows: 1. Trends in domestic shipments 2. Trends in the use of transportation modes 3. Trends in import and export cargo 4. Trends in inventory levels and the use of commercial warehouses 5. Trends in freight rates and charges 6. Trends in logistics cost ratios For the above items, respondents select from three options—"increase," "remain unchanged," or "decrease"—regarding the current performance outlook and the next period's forecast compared to the same period of the previous year. The number of responding establishments for each option is aggregated, and the ratio to the total number of establishments is calculated and presented as a trend judgment indicator. ● For more details, click here: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/tankan

The price of domestic rice (edible rice) has skyrocketed, leading to a situation that has even been reported as the "Reiwa Rice Crisis." Starting around the summer of 2024, rice became scarce, and retail prices began to rise sharply, with the crisis reigniting in 2025. While the variety of dishes on our dining tables has diversified and enriched our lives due to advancements in distribution, rice remains our staple food, and the rise in rice prices has a significant impact on consumer life. Why has the price of rice risen so much now? We will organize the causes and countermeasures from the perspective of the entire supply chain, including production, distribution, and sales. This report will first examine the long-term policy impacts and challenges at the production stage ("Production"), then address structural issues and improvement measures at the distribution stage ("Distribution"), and finally consider demand trends and corporate responses at the sales and consumption stage ("Sales"). Blog article URL: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/blog_20250428

In this article, based on the author's inspection experience among airports around the world, I will introduce three impressions regarding the handling of cargo from trucks at Hong Kong International Airport's Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited, commonly known as Hactl's Super Terminal 1. Last year, the "2024 Logistics Problem" became a topic of discussion, but similar challenges such as "labor shortages" and "working conditions" are also present in airport cargo handling facilities, known as "airport warehouses." Although this discussion pertains to the specific logistics facility of "airport warehouses" and the limited operation of cargo handling from trucks, there were initiatives implemented that are common to general "warehouses." The key point is "collaboration with related businesses."

Hello everyone, nice to meet you. My name is Suzuki from NX Research Institute. I became president in January 2025, and it has already been three months. I was told that writing a blog post is part of my duties, and while I thought about what to write, I struggled with how to create an engaging article for readers given my limited experience in direct logistics. Since worrying about it wouldn't help, I decided to share a different perspective on logistics by incorporating my knowledge and experience, hoping it will be of some reference to all of you. Blog article URL: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/blog_20250417

An interview article featuring Mine from our company has been published as a case study on Stellar Link's optimal freight calculation tool "Beslogi.com." Our company uses "Beslogi.com" to understand the actual freight rates of trucks across the country for research and consulting purposes related to logistics. Interview article URL: https://stellarlink.co.jp/projects/nx-soken/ Homepage of the optimal truck freight calculation tool "Beslogi.com": https://info.beslogi.com/

NX Research Institute, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoshihito Suzuki) has added a financial management feature to its service "Rojitan," which allows for the measurement, aggregation, and analysis of warehouse work hours. The financial management that previously required external data can now be performed on the "Rojitan" web system. ★ Overview of the Financial Management Feature By having staff hourly wage data, costs can be calculated from the measured work hour data, enabling financial management not only by location but also by shipper and type of work. Additionally, it is now possible to calculate daily income, expenses, profits, and profit margins, which is expected to enhance detailed operational management and improve profit margins. ★ Expected Use Cases - Manage finances by shipper in a logistics warehouse to improve profitability. - Identify shippers to negotiate with and tasks that need improvement by calculating costs. - Implement daily financial tracking and take swift actions for financial improvement. - Analyze trends in sales and profit margins based on financial performance over a specified period. In the future, "Rojitan" will regularly reflect user feedback and aim to enhance its useful service features, so please look forward to it.

NX Research Institute has published the "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook," which compiles information and data directly related to practical applications from the perspective of logistics technology. The overall coordinator of this book will explain the background and key points that led to its publication.

As the trend toward decarbonization accelerates, the logistics industry is increasingly searching for alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. Hydrogen energy, in particular, is gaining attention. Logistics equipment such as hydrogen fuel cell trucks and forklifts are already being put into practical use overseas, and their potential is being explored in Japan as well. This article will clearly explain the "now" and "future" of hydrogen utilization in logistics, incorporating global case studies and the realistic challenges and prospects in Japan, along with illustrations.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the purpose and implementation methods of work sampling (operational analysis) in IE (Industrial Engineering) techniques used in the manufacturing and logistics industries. While work sampling with an observer allows for highly accurate operational analysis, it also requires significant preparation and effort, presenting both advantages and disadvantages. We will introduce methods to address the disadvantages through the promotion of digital transformation (DX).

For forecasts on domestic total expenditure, prices, production, current account balance, domestic cargo transport volume, and international cargo transport volume, please refer to the URL below. (These may be revised based on statistics released in the future) URL: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/outlook

In recent news and newspapers, reports on rising prices have been made almost daily. Many people may feel that the goal of "escaping deflation," which was set just a few years ago, seems like a distant memory. A major concern for the logistics industry, particularly in transportation, is the soaring prices of automotive-related products. The first things that come to mind are fuel costs such as gasoline and diesel, but the prices of vehicles themselves and tires are also increasing. Specifically, tire prices began to rise in 2023, and by the end of 2024, several major manufacturers have announced the timing and extent of price increases for 2025. In this article, I would like to focus on the tires of freight vehicles from the perspective of preventing breakdowns and accidents, examining the current situation of tire prices, the types of breakdowns (locations) of freight vehicles on highways, daily inspections of commercial vehicles, regulations regarding tire tread depth, points to reduce the load and wear on tires, and concerns about the deterioration of road conditions.

Forklifts are used in factories and logistics warehouses to handle and transport large cargo and pallets that cannot be managed manually. However, when site managers look over the area, they may notice that some forklifts are not in operation. Many people might wonder, "Do we really need this many forklifts?" or "Could we reduce the number of forklifts a bit more?" when they see such a situation. With conventional forklifts, it is only possible to check the operating hours using an hour meter, and it is not possible to grasp the operational status by time segments, the locations traveled, or the ratio of empty runs to loaded runs. This time, we will introduce a case where a housing equipment manufacturer worked on reducing the number of forklifts using a system called "Rojitan Fork," which utilizes beacons and sensors. URL: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/logistics-2111-01

Forklifts are used in factories and logistics warehouses to handle and transport large cargo and pallets that cannot be managed manually. However, have site managers ever noticed that there are several forklifts that are not in operation when they look around the site? Many people may wonder when they see such a situation, "Is the current number really necessary?" or "Wouldn't it be okay to reduce the number a bit?" In general, forklifts can only check their operating hours using an hour meter, and they cannot grasp the operating status by time segment, the locations traveled, or the ratio of empty runs to loaded runs. This time, we will introduce a case where a housing equipment manufacturer worked on reducing the number of forklifts using a system called "Rojitan Fork," which utilizes beacons and sensors. Introduction 1. Is one forklift per person really necessary? 2. The mechanism of Rojitan Fork 3. Introduction of Rojitan Fork 4. Ten forklifts with an operating rate of less than 10% 5. Visualization of forklift movement lines 6. KPIs presented by Rojitan Fork Conclusion

The "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook," a comprehensive guide to modern logistics, organizes the information accumulated by our company to derive efficient and appropriate answers according to various logistics rules and standards. It also compiles practical information and data that directly relate to the foundational knowledge of logistics technology commonly used in society, updating the "Logistics Technology Handbook" (published in 2002) with the latest information for the Reiwa era. This paperback is designed to provide logistics practitioners with immediately useful content when they need to know something in the logistics field. In the first part, Fumihiko Inoue, the overall supervisor of the "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook," will explain the background and key points leading to the publication of this book. The second part will introduce a case study of a company that worked on reducing the number of forklifts by visualizing the flow and operating rate of forklifts, which are essential for loading and unloading operations in logistics sites, using the latest Visual Slam technology. If you are interested in the visualization of forklift flow and operating rates utilizing the latest technology, please take this opportunity to participate. Details and application HP: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/seminar/seminar_20250415_online

The "2024 Logistics Problem" is expected to become significantly more serious after 2025. With the application of overtime work limit regulations to drivers in the automobile transportation industry, improvements in long working hours for truck drivers are anticipated. However, the decline in trucking capacity, which has relied on long working hours of drivers, is unavoidable. If no measures are taken, there is a concern that situations where goods cannot be transported will occur frequently. To prevent this, the government is implementing various measures, and as part of the legal framework for this, amendments to two logistics-related laws, the "Comprehensive Logistics Efficiency Act" and the "Freight Automobile Transportation Business Act," were made in 2024. This article provides a detailed explanation of the background and overview leading to the amendment of the Comprehensive Logistics Efficiency Act. URL: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/blog_20250317

This is an example of how Meiko Shipping, an international integrated logistics company focused on port transportation business at Nagoya Port, has utilized "Rojitan" to streamline manual business hour aggregation.

After the enforcement of the "Revised Logistics Efficiency Act," various businesses will be obligated to make efforts to improve logistics inefficiencies. The specific content and direction of these obligations have become clear from related ministerial ordinances and documents published as "Joint Meeting Summary." This article will focus on the issues that need to be addressed, particularly for shippers and consignees, who face many challenges. Table of Contents 12 pages in total 1. Background and Overview Leading to the Revision of the Comprehensive Logistics Efficiency Act 2. Provisions Added by the "Logistics Efficiency Act" 3. Provisions Related to the Regulations Coming into Effect on April 1, 2025 4. Provisions Scheduled to Come into Effect Within Two Years of Publication, i.e., Early Fiscal Year 2026 5. Recommendations for Consideration to Enhance In-House Logistics Functions

Last week, we announced a free webinar, and due to a large number of applicants, we have increased the capacity. The application deadline is March 14 (Friday) at 18:00. If you are interested in promoting DX (Digital Transformation) in the manufacturing industry, please apply as soon as possible. NX Comprehensive Research Institute and Uchida Yoko will co-host a webinar focused on the DX of factories, which are the core of the manufacturing industry. In this webinar, we will introduce specific case studies of companies that have utilized DX to visualize labor hours in factory operations and transform value chain management (a strategic approach to maximizing the value of products and services). If you are interested in business improvement using digital technologies, we encourage you to participate in this opportunity. 14:00–14:05 Opening Remarks 14:05–14:25 [Part 1] Labor Hour Management Using DX – Visualization of Labor Hours in Factory Operations 14:25–14:50 [Part 2] Evolving Value Chain Management in Manufacturing with DX – Introduction of Success Stories 14:50–15:00 Q&A Details and application website: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/seminar/seminar_20250318_online

In the logistics industry, there are concerns about the "2024 problem," where the working hours of truck drivers will be capped at 960 hours per year, and the management of working hours and other related aspects will be strengthened, potentially leading to stagnation in logistics. Similarly, in the construction industry, there are fears regarding the "2024 problem" as regulations on overtime work limits will be applied to stakeholders. Therefore, this article focuses on various materials related to construction material logistics published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, introducing the definition of construction materials, the characteristics, challenges, and examples of efficiency in construction material logistics, and finally presenting visualization tools for construction material logistics. Introduction 1. What are construction materials? 2. Characteristics of construction material logistics 1 - Time specifications 3. Characteristics of construction material logistics 2 - Waiting time 4. Characteristics of construction material logistics 3 - Delivery status and ancillary work 5. Challenges in construction material logistics 6. Example of efficiency in construction material logistics 1 - Sharing of equipment delivery schedules 7. Example of efficiency in construction material logistics 2 - Introduction of two-dimensional codes 8. Example of efficiency in construction material logistics 3 - Standardization through sharing of order schedules 9. Introduction of visualization tools for construction material logistics Conclusion