NX Research Institute and Uchida Yoko will co-host a webinar focused on the digital transformation (DX) of factories, which are the core of the manufacturing industry. The promotion of DX is rapidly advancing in manufacturing, including the utilization of big data, the introduction of IoT/generative AI, and supply chain reforms. 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 through DX – Introduction of Successful Case Studies 14:50–15:00 Q&A Details and registration: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/seminar/seminar_20250318_online

This time, we will touch on the assertions that project managers and their members involved in logistics projects should acquire. To briefly explain assertions, they are "self-expressions that value both oneself and the other" and "the skill to convey one's thoughts, desires, and feelings frankly and in an appropriate manner for the situation." As a result, it is expected to build good human relationships, leading to smoother communication. This skill is very useful in various communication scenarios in logistics, such as giving work instructions and reporting situations. Don't you often encounter communication scenarios like the following in logistics settings? I want to improve the behavior of a subordinate who doesn't change no matter how many times I tell them! I want to encourage improvement with a difficult relationship, such as with an older subordinate! I want to advise my boss (manager) about the situation on the ground! Many of you may resonate with "Yes, that happens." Let's take a look at assertions in preparation for such situations.

NX Research Institute published four electronic books in 2024: the "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" consisting of an overview, physical, and digital sections, and the "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook." These books provide opportunities for logistics and SCM practitioners to organize their knowledge and explore the diversity of practical applications, while also allowing beginners in logistics to glimpse and learn about the professional world. Drawing on the content of the previously published "Logistics Handbook" and "Logistics Technology Handbook" by our logistics-focused think tank, we updated the comprehensive logistics guide to include the latest information that should be considered in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. I wrote the SCM section in the overview. Considering how to explain SCM more clearly to beginners, I will reference the content of the "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" and use the theme "SCM in the Refrigerator" as an analogy to explain the concept of SCM through the example of daily cooking. URL: https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/blog_20250219

We have uploaded a comprehensive catalog introducing NX Research Institute's digital solutions, the work time measurement tools "Jobtan" and "Rojitan." <Jobtan> This is a tool for measuring work time through the integration of a smartphone app and the web. By simply tapping a button displayed on the smartphone during work, you can accumulate a history of the day's tasks. It also features a work sampling function that allows simultaneous time measurement for multiple employees using a single smartphone. <Rojitan> This is a warehouse work analysis tool that measures work time within a warehouse through the integration of a smartphone/tablet app (Android) and the web. By tapping a button displayed on the smartphone during work, you can accumulate work history. The collected data can be managed collectively via the web. Furthermore, using the provided analysis tools, you can easily output summary graphs. It contains content filled with the know-how of logistics consultants, making analysis easy for anyone.

NX Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoshihito Suzuki) published the modern logistics compendium "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook" in Kindle paperback format in November 2024. <Overview> This book complements the "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Overview, Physical, and Digital Editions) published in April 2024 from a technical perspective, compiling information and data directly related to practical logistics operations in the form of a handbook. In order to derive efficient and appropriate answers according to various logistics rules and standards, we have organized the information accumulated by our company, and additionally provided basic knowledge of logistics technology that is commonly used in the industry, which can also be easily accessed through web searches when needed on-site. This is an essential book for logistics personnel that is immediately useful when in need or when looking for information. If you are interested, please purchase it from the Kindle Store below. https://amzn.asia/d/fro7ubI

In the manufacturing industry, the promotion of DX (Digital Transformation) is advancing with the use of robots and AI. However, many manufacturing site managers are likely struggling with the high implementation costs of large automation machinery and the latest software, unsure of where to start. There is a strong demand to begin DX with a small start, leading to an increase in factories that are digitizing the work content of manufacturing processes (work time, steps, location information) to improve operations. Generally, before implementing on-site improvements, site managers in manufacturing environments conduct work sampling with stopwatches and video analysis to understand the current situation. At Company A, a telecommunications equipment manufacturer, there was a challenge with their "water supply" operations, which supply materials in their factory using a "cell production system." Due to the high frequency of movement within the factory during these operations, work sampling and video analysis were difficult, hindering efforts for operational improvement. This case study introduces how the work time, steps, and location information of the "water supply" operations were digitized using IoT tools to clarify issues and work towards operational improvement.

"Rojitan" is a warehouse work analysis tool that measures work time within a warehouse through the integration of a smartphone/tablet app (Android) and the web. By simply tapping a button displayed on your smartphone during work, you can accumulate work history. The collected data can be managed collectively via the web. Furthermore, using the provided analysis tools, you can easily output aggregated graphs. It contains content filled with the know-how of logistics consultants, making analysis easy for anyone. 【Features】 ■ Rental Service: Easy equipment preparation ■ Rojitan Web: Easy measurement design ■ Time Measurement App: Simple one-tap operation ■ Analysis Tool: Easy chart creation ■ Easy KPI: Simple KPI management *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

On February 12 (Wednesday), our Kobayashi will speak at a webinar hosted by the Japan Logistics Systems Association (JILS), where he will explain the basic concepts of SCM and introduce the "SCM Online Business Game," which allows participants to experience the conflicts and decision-making processes of SCM trade-offs in a team format while having fun. Due to high demand, we have increased the capacity to 1,000 participants. The application deadline is February 10 (Monday) at 10:00 AM, so if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible using the URL below. Participation Application: https://www1.logistics.or.jp/education/BA65.html

This survey was conducted by NX Research Institute with the aim of understanding the latest trends in corporate logistics. The first survey was carried out in October 1988, and since then, it has been conducted continuously twice a year (in the first and second halves). Since 2002, the survey has been conducted quarterly, with significant content revisions and an expansion of the target establishments. The survey results have been 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. Domestic shipment trends 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 their current performance expectations and next period forecasts 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

We will hold a webinar in the logistics committee of the Human Future Networks, chaired by our director Hiroshi Inoue. No prior registration is required, and you can join or leave freely, so we encourage anyone interested to participate. <What is Human Future Networks> We aim to contribute to society through mutual information exchange among members, the creation of business opportunities that arise from it, and corporate activities as a result. https://hitomirainet.work/ Date and Time: February 6, 2025 (Thursday) 14:30 - 16:10 Location: Online (Zoom webinar) *No prior registration required Seminar URL: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81080285640 ■ Program 1: Making business management and safety management smarter (MAMORINU) Mr. Akihito Tsuchiya, enstem Inc. 2: Utilizing overseas human resources Mr. Yuji Nagaoka, Sales Promotion Department, IC Asia Inc. 3: Flame sensors that enable early detection of fires Mr. Taishi Okamoto, An-Tech Inc. 4: Understanding freight rates suitable for the current market (actual freight rates). Bestlogi.com Ms. Yurika Miyoshi, Stellar Link Inc.

On February 6th (Thursday), our company’s Katakame will be speaking at a webinar hosted by Soracom, titled "Streamlining Logistics Operations - Introduction to Rojitan." In the logistics and transportation industry, issues such as long working hours and labor shortages have become prominent with the enforcement of the Work Style Reform Bill. Utilizing IoT to visualize and leverage on-site data can help address challenges such as operational efficiency, cost reduction, inventory management accuracy, and productivity improvement. This seminar will focus on warehouse operations within logistics, specifically how IoT is being used to address trends and challenges, along with concrete examples from various companies. Additionally, we will explain the expanding use of camera and AI technologies in warehouses for detecting entry and exit and ensuring safety during operations, incorporating specific use cases. If you are interested in examples of on-site improvements in warehouse operations, please join us. Registration website: https://www.lp.soracom.jp/20250206?_ga=2.92539741.1341486296.1738284411-24777359.1738284411

NX Research Institute has published five books as e-books (Kindle): "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Overview Edition, Physical Edition, Digital Edition) and "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook." These books provide an opportunity for logistics and SCM practitioners to organize their knowledge and experience the diversity of practical work, while also allowing beginners in logistics to glimpse and learn about the professional world. They are available for sale on the Kindle Store, but if you choose the paperback version, it will be delivered to the address specified by the purchaser as an A4 booklet. If you are interested, please consider purchasing. We hope that through these books, everyone will feel the enjoyment and depth of logistics. 1. "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Overview Edition) https://amzn.asia/d/ifanTvt 2. "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Physical Edition) https://amzn.asia/d/iVeFVqh 3. "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Digital Edition) https://amzn.asia/d/g9dQnQl 4. "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook" https://amzn.asia/d/0DTY5o5

On February 12 (Wednesday), our Kobayashi will be speaking at a webinar hosted by the Japan Logistics Systems Association (JILS), where he will explain the basic concepts of SCM and introduce the "SCM Online Business Game," which allows participants to enjoy a simulated experience of the trade-off conflicts and decision-making processes in SCM in a team format. If you are interested, please join us. Registration: https://www1.logistics.or.jp/education/BA65.html

In Japan's manufacturing and logistics industries, many factories and logistics warehouses are working on business improvement. The term "improvement" is sometimes used internationally in the form of the English alphabet as "KAIZEN," and the reason for this is the representative Japanese company, Toyota Motor Corporation. The globally renowned Toyota Production System, also known as TPS, features well-known concepts such as "Just-in-Time" and "Kanban." The foundation of TPS is a mindset of improvement, and at Toyota, improvement is considered something that should be placed at the center of work, rather than done as an afterthought. Since 1955, Toyota has been educating its employees in Industrial Engineering (IE) methods for business improvement, and these methods are still being used for improvement in many manufacturing sites across Japan. This article will provide a detailed explanation of "work measurement" and "man-hour management" within the IE methods.

As we welcome the year 2025, there will likely be many new logistics projects starting up. We have uploaded a blog article summarizing the project management skills necessary for advancing logistics projects on our company's website, so if you are interested, please take a look.

This survey has been ongoing for over 40 years since the first survey conducted in 1974. It aims to investigate and analyze trends in "economics (global and Japan)" and "freight transport volume (domestic and international cargo)," as well as to forecast short-term trends approximately six months to one year ahead. While many research institutions conduct economic forecasts, there are no other organizations that seriously predict freight transport, which has garnered attention and utilization not only from the logistics industry but also from many other sectors. ● For more details, click here ↓ https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/outlook

On January 15 (Wednesday) and 16 (Thursday), at the Okinawa Industrial Support Center, our representative Bando will give a lecture on the theme "Choosing Optimal Solutions for the 2024 Logistics Problem" on the 15th (Wednesday) at 16:15. Okinawa Logistics Digitalization Exhibition Date and Time: January 15 (Wednesday) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, January 16 (Thursday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Okinawa Industrial Support Center (1F Special Venue, 1831-1 Orokuchō, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)

The outlook for the economy and freight transportation for the fiscal years 2024 and 2025 is scheduled to be announced on the afternoon of January 14 (Tuesday) after the New Year. For the forecasts as of December 26 regarding domestic total expenditure, prices, production, current account balance, domestic freight transportation volume, and international freight transportation volume, please refer to the URL below (these may be revised based on statistics announced in the future). Latest survey results on the outlook for the economy and freight transportation "Announced on December 26, 2024" ↓ https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/outlook

SUMCO Corporation manufactures and sells semiconductor silicon wafers with a global market share of approximately 30%. In the TPM Promotion Department, we have been conducting work sampling with observers to calculate standard times for each process at various factories nationwide. However, there were challenges in easily conducting work sampling during full production at the factories or when changes occurred in the processes. To replace work sampling, we decided to introduce "Jobtan," which allows for easy measurement of work time without observers.

We have added a "Random Notification Feature" that enables advanced work sampling to the service "Logitan," which allows for easy data collection and analysis of working hours within warehouses, starting from November 15, 2022. Since its launch, "Logitan" has already been implemented in over 600 locations and is being used for visualizing logistics operations and improving business processes. A similar service, "Jobtan," is also being utilized in many factories, construction sites, and administrative departments, and the "Random Notification Feature" has also been added to "Jobtan." ● For more details, click here↓ https://www.logitan.jp/archives/1804

Shin-go Electric Co., Ltd. is a company based in Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture, that develops and manufactures traffic signal lights. In the past, for the process management of assembling pedestrian signal lights and vehicle signal lights, workers were required to manually write down their working hours in a process log. However, the handwritten work hour records were burdensome for the workers, and it also took time for site managers to input these handwritten records into a computer. Therefore, with the aim of digitizing process management, we decided to use the "Job-tan" tablet, which allows multiple workers to measure their working hours at various processes within the factory using tablets placed at each site.

Kiku Masamune Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. is a long-established sake brewing company founded in the second year of the Manji era (1659) during the Edo period. We inquired about the current situation of their production department at the sake brewing factory in Higashinada Ward, Kobe City, where they are working on improvements to enhance productivity by utilizing "Job-tan" to understand the status of the four work processes: "raw materials," "fermentation," "pressing," and "storage."