TONGMYONG OF UNIVERSITY
ASSIGNMENT
Unit: Warehouse Management
Topic: Warehouse Management in Nippon Express Focused on
Technologies
Instructor: Sanghoon Shin
Student Name: Truong Thi Thu Thao
Student Id: 20220065
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 4
MAIN BODY ................................................................................................................ 5
I. Nippon Express .......................................................................................................... 5
1. Overview ............................................................................................................. 5
2. Warehouse and Distribution ................................................................................6
3. Importance of Technologies for NX Group ........................................................ 7
II. Automated Warehouse With Nippon Express .......................................................... 8
1. Autonomous Remote Control ............................................................................. 9
2. Logistics Management System ......................................................................... 10
a. WMS ...........................................................................................................10
b. Logitan ........................................................................................................12
c. Smart Card .................................................................................................. 13
3. Developing Cutting-Edge Logistics ..................................................................14
CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................................... 20
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1 : About Nippon Express ( Nippon Express ) ............................................ 6
Figure 2 : Warehouse Global Network of NX Group ( Nippon Express Service
Warehouse ) .................................................................................................... 7
Figure 3 : Forklifts compatible for autonomous remote control ( Nippon Express
Holdings NX Group Integrated Report 2024 ) ................................................9
Figure 4 : Remote control illustration ( Nippon Express Holdings NX Group
Integrated Report 2024 ) ............................................................................... 10
Figure 5 : Warehouse Management System ( Nippon Express NEC Logistics
Hong Kong Limited Logistics IT Solutions ) .............................................. 11
Figure 6 : Logitan ( NRIC Coporation Profile English ) ...................................... 12
Figure 7 : Handy scanner and smartphone-style terminal ( Nippon Express
Holdings ) .....................................................................................................13
Figure 8 : Scanning IC tags with a handy scanner ( Nippon Express Holdings ) 14
Figure 9 : NEX-ALFA ( Nippon Express Holdings ) .......................................... 15
Figure 10 : Auto Store ( Nippon Express New Paper ) ........................................15
Figure 11 : EVE ( Nippon Express New Paper ) ................................................. 16
Figure 12 : Rack Fork Auto ( Nippon Express New Paper ) ............................... 16
Figure 13 : AGV ( Nippon Express New Paper ) .................................................17
Figure 14 : Thouzer ( Nippon Express New Paper ) ............................................17
Figure 15 : Projection Picking System ( Nippon Express New Paper ) ...............18
Figure 16 : RFID Tunnel Gate ( Nippon Express Holdings ) .............................. 19
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INTRODUCTION
As the logistics industry continues to evolve rapidly in the era of globalization and
technological advancements, Nippon Express stands out as a pioneer in integrating
advanced technologies into their warehouse operations. The COVID-19 pandemic,
with its surge in online shopping and the rising demand for next-day delivery, has
accelerated the need for automation and efficiency in supply chain management.
Nippon Express has responded to these challenges by embracing cutting-edge
technologies such as IoT, AI, and robotics to optimize their warehousing processes.
This report delves into the various technological initiatives undertaken by Nippon
Express, highlighting their commitment to innovation and excellence in the logistics
industry. By leveraging advanced technologies, Nippon Express is well-positioned to
meet the evolving demands of the global market and set new standards in warehouse
management.
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MAIN BODY
I. Nippon Express
1. Overview
NX Group, led by Nippon Express, is a global logistics giant with a strong presence in
50 countries and regions. Established in 1937, the company has expanded its services
and has ranked 8th on Armstrong & Associates, Inc.'s Top 25 Global Freight
Forwarders List in 2022. The NX Group offers integrated logistics solutions,
including transportation, warehousing, and supply chain management. With 319
group companies and a workforce exceeding 78,000, it provides robust operational
capacity and a diverse range of services.
The NX Group prioritizes safety and environmental responsibility, implementing
initiatives to minimize their environmental impact. They also support social
development through innovative logistics solutions. The company adapts to the
changing demands of the global market by embracing new technologies, such as
advanced logistics IT solutions, automation, and AI. The establishment of the
Logistics Engineering Strategy Division in 2017 further demonstrates their
commitment to innovation.
The NX Group's strategic focus on sustainability, safety, and technological
advancement ensures it remains a trusted partner in the logistics industry. Their vision
for the future includes fully automated warehouses and significant advancements in
automated driving, positioning them as a leader in shaping the future of global
logistics.
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Figure 1: About Nippon Express ( Nippon Express )
2. Warehouse and Distribution
Nippon Express boasts an expansive warehousing infrastructure, with Nippon Express
has established itself as a leading entity in global logistics, underpinned by a robust
network of world-class warehousing facilities. With approximately 2.95 million
square meters of storage space in Japan and an additional 2.4 million square meters
abroad, our facilities are strategically positioned across key regions.
The map illustrates their global presence, highlighting major concentrations in the
United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. This widespread distribution network
enables them to cater to a diverse array of strategic needs in warehousing, distribution,
and international logistics. Their state-of-the-art distribution centers serve as essential
hubs that facilitate seamless and efficient operations, ensuring that they meet the
demands of our global clientele with utmost reliability and precision.
By leveraging this extensive infrastructure, Nippon Express is able to provide
unparalleled logistics services, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and
innovation in the industry.
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Figure 2: Warehouse Global Network of NX Group ( Nippon Express Service
Warehouse )
3. Importance of Technologies for NX Group
Technological advancements play a pivotal role in the success and efficiency of
Nippon Express's operations. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Nippon
Express is able to maintain its competitive edge and continuously enhance its service
offerings.
Through innovations, the Nippon Express Group pursues the creation of value for
customers and society and the resolution of social issues. By taking measures such as
proactive involvement in national policies for the formation of a safe society, the
Nippon Express Group uses advanced technologies to facilitate automation and
energy-saving and streamline its logistics sites. They pursue improvements in their
productivity without compromising the advantages of the sites that are optimized to
suit our client companies.
In addition, they pursue cooperation beyond organizational borders and strengthen
cooperation among R&D functions within the Group to facilitate trial use of advanced
technologies with a view toward overall optimization.
Their mission is not only to accumulate and share knowledge obtained from the trial
use of advanced technologies but also to communicate the needs of the logistics
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industry to manufacturers and vendors and stimulate the development of new
technologies.
II. Automated Warehouse With Nippon Express
The surge in online shopping during the pandemic, along with the increasing demand
for next-day delivery, has accelerated the push towards automation and robotics in
warehouses globally. This trend is expected to continue, although achieving full
automation necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes
currently performed by skilled workers, such as sorting, picking, and packing.
As Masuda explains, many warehouse operations rely heavily on the fine-tuned skills
and experience of workers. The processes can vary significantly depending on the
industry and the type of goods—whether materials, manufacturing parts, or finished
products. To optimize these operations, the first step is to digitize the knowledge and
practices of workers across different warehouses.
Through their alliance, the two companies aim to collect data on the movement of
people and goods within warehouses using IoT technologies. This data will then be
analyzed using AI to design processes that minimize labor input while maximizing
performance. NEC will contribute unique technologies, such as 3D sensors for
tracking objects through space and time, and AI to capture the tacit knowledge of
highly skilled workers.
Building this extensive database will help eliminate accidents and optimize staffing
not only in logistics facilities but also in transport and delivery. The initial focus will
be on electrical machinery and electronics, with plans to expand into semiconductor
and automobile supply chains.
Another significant area of cooperation involves developing remote-controlled robots
to operate in challenging environments where manual labor is difficult or where there
are labor shortages. The initial stage of this project will see the deployment of remote-
controlled robots in Nippon Express's warehouse operations, such as for picking tasks,
utilizing NEC's advanced robotics control and 5G technologies.
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1. Autonomous Remote Control
NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., in partnership with NEC Corporation, has
pioneered a groundbreaking autonomous remote-controlled transportation system
designed to elevate the efficiency and safety of warehouse operations. This innovative
system enhances traditional forklifts by retrofitting them with actuators, cameras,
sensors, and other advanced technologies, allowing for autonomous remote transport.
By leveraging these enhancements, the system enables automated route design and
safety management tailored to specific conditions through advanced simulations. This
solution addresses critical issues such as labor shortages and operational safety,
enabling centralized remote management of multiple forklifts across various sites with
a minimal workforce. This centralized approach not only improves productivity but
also enhances safety, contributing to sustainable logistics practices.
Figure 3: Forklifts compatible for autonomous remote control ( Nippon Express
Holdings NX Group Integrated Report 2024 )
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Figure 4: Remote control illustration ( Nippon Express Holdings NX Group
Integrated Report 2024 )
Looking ahead, Nippon Express aims to deploy this advanced system across all Group
operations, market it as a cutting-edge solution to external clients, and continue
developing sophisticated operational services. This strategic initiative underscores our
commitment to innovation and leadership in the logistics industry, ensuring we meet
the evolving demands of the global market.
2. Logistics Management System
a. WMS
In today's globalized world, businesses are increasingly adopting advanced
technologies to streamline their supply chains in response to growing market
complexity, heightened customer expectations, and unforeseen disruptions.
By leveraging internet connectivity and sophisticated database systems, your
company can expedite supply chain planning, thereby mitigating the effects of
disruptions, enhancing lead times, proactively managing inventory, and significantly
improving customer experiences. This strategic approach not only boosts sales but
also drives overall company growth.
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To stay competitive in today’s complex market, need to adapt quickly.
The warehouse management system (WMS) integrates other applications, such as the
customer’s core system or transportation management system. This IoT-based
warehouse solution creates greater visibility within the customer supply chain, giving
maximum control over operations and accurate real-time data for making informed
decisions.
Figure 5: Warehouse Management System ( Nippon Express NEC Logistics Hong
Kong Limited Logistics IT Solutions )
This diagram illustrates the comprehensive services NX Group offer throughout
customer supply chain.
First, an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN), which provides detailed information
about an impending delivery, can be seamlessly integrated into their Warehouse
Management System (WMS) via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). This integration
significantly reduces data entry time and minimizes errors during the receiving
process.
Next, every item or material received is meticulously registered in the system with a
unique code, enabling precise cargo tracing and tracking capabilities.
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Finally, once the package is dispatched to the end-user, customers can effortlessly
monitor the shipping status through their advanced traceability platform, Visibility.
This system ensures transparency and efficiency from start to finish, enhancing the
overall supply chain experience.
b. Logitan
Logitan is an IoT tool and service that helps improve warehouse operations with
smartphones and web developed by Nittsu Research Institute and Consulting. Three
“simple and easy” - Preparation, Recording and Analysis visualize customers
operation quicker and in a less expensive way.
Figure 6: Logitan ( NRIC Coporation Profile English )
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c. Smart Card
Nippon Express high-fashion warehouse operations utilizing electronic (RFID) tags
and a proprietary warehouse management system.
The apparel industry has long anticipated that RFID technology would enhance the
efficiency of goods distribution management, leading some fast-fashion companies to
adopt this innovation. However, high-fashion brands, which predominantly rely on
handcrafted production across multiple ateliers, face challenges in integrating IC
chips during production, making the adoption of RFID less prevalent in this sector.
With a growing young customer base, the demand for e-commerce has surged,
necessitating greater operational efficiency.
In response, Nippon Express has developed a cutting-edge RFID-linked system
designed to significantly boost efficiency and reduce labor in warehouse operations.
This system not only streamlines processes but also elevates the quality of services
through innovative operations that leverage RFID technology.
Figure 7: Handy scanner and smartphone-style terminal ( Nippon Express Holdings )
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Figure 8: Scanning IC tags with a handy scanner ( Nippon Express Holdings )
3. Developing Cutting-Edge Logistics
Through various governmental working groups, including committees participating in
national projects to promote automated truck platooning, the Nippon Express Group
demonstrates its commitment to developing new logistics services that support future
societal needs.
They actively embrace advanced technologies to innovate logistics operations,
considering the integration of material handling equipment and cargo-handling robots
to enhance efficiency and reduce labor requirements at their warehouses and
distribution centers.
The NEX-ALFA features a variety of logistics equipment employing advanced
technology to segmentalize tasks and processes within the logistics center and achieve
greater efficiency and labor-saving in logistics operations. This facility will also serve
logistics equipment actually operating that handles a full range of tasks from
warehouse receiving to storage, picking, packing, and shipping- for apparel-related
products.
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Figure 9: NEX-ALFA ( Nippon Express Holdings )
Auto Store: Robots on a grid perform receiving and shipping
of tightly packed containers, a robot storage system that maximizes storage efficiency.
Figure 10: Auto Store ( Nippon Express New Paper )
EVE: A robot transports product shelves, dramatically improving productivity
through picking “without walking.”, an automated transport robot designed to
improve storage efficiency and reduce labor.
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Figure 11: EVE ( Nippon Express New Paper )
Rack Fork Auto: An unmanned, laser-guided forklift automates receiving and
shipping operations on high storage racks, an unmanned automated forklift
designed to reduce labor.
Figure 12: Rack Fork Auto ( Nippon Express New Paper )
AGV: Automated transports can go under and lift up racks and tow pallets,a
guideless automated transport device for roll combitainers.
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Figure 13: AGV ( Nippon Express New Paper )
THOUZER: A robot that automatically follows workers, replacing a dolly, with
a maximum speed of 7.5km/h and maximum load capacity of 120kg, a target-
guided autonomous robot designed to reduce the labor required for warehousing
tasks.
Figure 14: Thouzer ( Nippon Express New Paper )
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Projection Picking SystemR: The system employs image processing technology
to prevent mistakes in picking and makes it possible to sort 36 items at a time, a
digital picking system employing image processing technology.
Figure 15: Projection Picking System ( Nippon Express New Paper )
RFID Tunnel Gate: Tunnel-type readers with integrated UHF RFID
reader/writer are ideal for reading on conveyors. The system has been customized
to provide optimum reading performance according to the customer's
requirements, making inspection work more efficient.
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Figure 16: RFID Tunnel Gate ( Nippon Express Holdings )
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CONCLUSIONS
The surge in online shopping during the pandemic and the increasing demand for
next-day delivery have driven a global shift towards automation and robotics in
warehouse operations. Nippon Express has embraced this trend, leveraging advanced
technologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety in their logistics processes.
By partnering with NEC Corporation, they have developed innovative systems like
autonomous remote-controlled transportation and RFID-linked operations, which are
pivotal in streamlining operations and reducing labor requirements.
Overall, Nippon Express is leading the charge in the logistics industry by
continuously innovating and adopting advanced technologies. Their strategic
initiatives and partnerships ensure that they remain at the forefront of the industry,
ready to meet the evolving demands of the global market while supporting sustainable
and efficient logistics practices.
These advancements position Nippon Express as a pioneer in logistics, driving
forward with a clear vision of the future, where automation and innovation are key to
success.
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