Broaden your Perspective and be Conscious of Total Optimization

Hello, I’m Ichiki of Sync Logistics.

In this issue, I’d like to share my thoughts on the importance of communication among all parties involved and broadening one’s perspective.

■ Do not accept at face value. Instead, discuss and adjust.

International logistics is affected by various external factors such as world affairs, exchange rate fluctuations, and country-specific regulations. Shippers face wide-ranging issues and demands; therefore, transport routes and shipping plans must be optimized for each case based on such factors.

When I create a business plan, I pay particular attention to interviewing shippers and organizing information. In these interviews, I receive requests and ideas such as “I want this to proceed using this method, schedule and cost.” If fulfilling a shipper’s request is difficult, I first explain the risks and the impact on the parties involved, then we discuss and adjust.

By clearly defining the direction of the shipping process, we can ensure that all involved parties share a unified understanding of the request. Instead of accepting the request without reservation and simply passing it off to those in the field as it is, I feel if we carefully communicate the condition of the customer’s business and why such a request is being made, it will be harder for misalignments in perception to occur among the parties involved. This makes it easier to generate proposals and ideas in line with the request.

■ Understanding the processes that occur before and after one’s work

A firm understanding of the request by our partner companies and our shipping staff is necessary for smooth and optimal shipping.

That said, if the person tasked does not have much contact with the parties involved on a daily basis, it is very difficult to handle the request even with an understanding of the overall logistics flow and the processes that occur before and after one’s work.

To gain a bird’s-eye view of the shipping process, understand each part, and develop a customer-oriented perspective for total optimization, visiting the involved parties is effective. I especially recommend coming with us on our customer visits. I believe that hearing directly about the condition of the shipper’s business and their thoughts and conversing with them will help in deepening understanding about the positioning and importance of work in the field.

The value of logistics can be further enhanced through close dialogue and cooperation among the involved parties. We will continue to do our best to contribute to the growth of shippers and our partner companies.

Thank you for your time.