Warehouse Automation Solutions | Our Strengths
Building inbound and outbound systems that don't rely on manual labor
Actively introducing automation equipment such as logistics robots
The labor shortage in logistics operations is not limited to the drivers responsible for transport and delivery. In recent years, it has also become increasingly difficult to secure staff to handle tasks such as loading and unloading, picking, and value-added processing at warehouses and distribution centers. Being unable to process inbound and outbound orders by their deadlines—we cannot rule out the possibility of falling into such a critical situation in the future.
With the aims of achieving stable inbound and outbound operations that "keep the supply chain running" and maintaining high operational productivity, we are advancing the creation of warehouses and distribution centers that do not rely entirely on manual labor. We are introducing state-of-the-art material handling equipment and information systems into our existing and newly built proprietary logistics facilities deployed across Japan, working to automate our inbound and outbound operations.
Reducing labor in shipping operations with the "Shuttle Rack"
For example, to raise sorting capacity, we introduced the "Shuttle Rack," an order-consolidation system capable of processing approximately 3,000 cases each for inbound and outbound per hour. This strengthened our shipping functions for last-mile delivery such as e-commerce. Previously, goods that had completed picking and packing and were awaiting shipment would accumulate in the sorting area, hindering the effective use of space within the logistics facility. After introducing the "Shuttle Rack," however, the shipping buffer function and conveyance control function improved, achieving a smoother flow of operations.
making it difficult to accommodate additional delivery methods
After
make it easy to accommodate additional delivery methods
Reducing picking workload with "AutoStore"
"AutoStore," the robotic storage system we have been using since November 2021, contributes to reducing the number of staff deployed to picking operations and easing the physical burden on pickers. Whereas previously staff had to walk around the facility to pick items, the introduction of "AutoStore" changed this to a system where they can work from a fixed position (no walking, no carrying, no decision-making required). In addition, because "AutoStore" enables high-density storage of goods, it also leads to the effective use of warehouse space.
warehouse space not being used effectively
After
high-density storage → effective use of space
In addition to these, we employ a variety of material handling equipment and automation machinery at our logistics sites, including folding-container assembly machines, auto labelers, automatic packing machines, sorters, and digital picking systems (see the table below).
Furthermore, going forward we plan to actively utilize logistics robots as well, such as shelf-transport robots, AGVs (automated guided vehicles), and robotic arms.
Progression of warehouse automation initiatives from 2007 to 2021
| Chubu BC (operational since 2007) |
Takashimadaira BC (operational since 2010) |
East Japan BC (operational since 2014) |
BC Yokohama Kanazawa (operational since 2021) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line length | 1,000m | 2,175m | 3,500m | 5,000m | |
| Equip ment Func tions |
Folding-container assembly machine | - | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Order start | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Automatic document issuance | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Conveyance line | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Order picking | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Digital picking | - | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Auto labeler | - | - | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Automatic packing machine | - | - | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Loop line | - | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Bypass line | - | - | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Shipping buffer function | - | - | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Sorter | △ | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Monitoring function | - | - | 〇 | 〇 | |
| Empty folding-container collection line | △ | - | - | 〇 | |
| Inventory replenishment line | - | - | - | 〇 | |
| AutoStore | - | - | - | 〇 | |
| Shuttle Rack | - | - | - | 〇 | |
Related Pages
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