Towards Overall Optimization in Logistics ~Logistics Made Visible and Centralized~
Hello, this is Ichiki from Sync Logistics.
I’d like to continue with the theme of “Towards Overall Optimization in Logistics”.
In the first part, I talked about how excessive specialization can lead to partial optimization – narrowing our perspective and scattering valuable information across different areas.
In this second part, I’d like to share how we are solving these challenges and what we envision for the future.
■ Solving Challenges Through Our Platform
We’re building a system that makes the entire logistics process visible and brings all information together.
At the core is our in-house platform, SmartXPort.
It tackles two key issues I mentioned earlier – the lack of overall visibility and scattered information – from two main angles.
1.Understanding the Overall Flow and Recognizing Connections
By introducing the platform, each team member has been able to see where their tasks fit into the bigger picture more clearly. Previously, they were focused on handling the tasks right in front of them, but now they can also consider questions like, “What tasks come next?” or “If I prepare this information, will the next step go more smoothly?”
Logistics involves many people working together in a single flow. By visualizing the overall process, it becomes easier to understand how one’s own work connects to the next step, monitor coordination and adjustments, and create opportunities for improvement.
2.Centralizing Information to Reduce Errors and Workload
Our platform enables centralized management of information that used to be scattered across different systems and people.
Once shipment-related data is uploaded, everyone involved now have only to access a single page to view the whole process, and automatic email notifications are sent to the relevant members.
Those changes not only improve accuracy but also eliminate wasted time spent searching, checking, or re-entering information.
As a result, team members can now focus more on the work that truly matters.
■ Toward Smarter, Anticipated Logistics
By visualizing our operations and centralizing information, our shipping process has become more efficient than before.
But what we’re aiming for goes beyond just making today’s work easier – we want a forecast-driven set up system.
To take one example, we’ve added a new “Pre-Arrival” section to our platform.
It used to be that cargo details could only be entered after the vehicles arrived at the yard. Now, information such as vehicle condition, size, and expected delivery date can be shared in advance.
If we can make good use of this data, we’ll be able to prepare earlier – like scheduling inspections or securing yard space before the cars even arrive.
There’s still plenty to improve, but we’ll keep refining things as we work toward a more planned, forward-looking logistics operation, not just “handling what comes in.”
Thank you for following both parts of this series until the end.
