As e-commerce demand surges and world markets become ever more connected, the global logistics industry has been undergoing rapid growth. However, labor supply in some regions is failing to catch up, and more than 90% of Japanese companies are reporting that they are suffering a shortfall in staff.
In this evolving landscape, AIOI Systems has established itself as a global leader in picking assistance systems, boasting a top market share worldwide at both logistics and manufacturing sites. Since joining the TOPPAN Group in 2021, AIOI has also been actively leveraging new partnerships to address challenges. AIOI has introduced its new Digital Picking System, connecting people, goods and logistics sites in 73 countries worldwide. Holding a leading market share, this system utilizes light and sound guidance to assist workers in picking and sorting operations, enabling workers to perform tasks accurately and effortlessly. As it operates without the need for large-scale investment, the system can be swiftly implemented and optimized with short lead times, ensuring immediate operational gains. With increasing demand for automation in factories and warehouses, AIOI advocates for a “semi-automation” approach. Conversely, full automation, requiring significant upfront investment, can heavily impact business cash flow and return on investment. To help clients make better decisions, AIOI offers flexible packages that allow businesses to implement changes step-by-step, integrating human labor and robotics. This approach has successfully attracted a growing number of users. One of AIOI’s key innovations is its Smart Card. By combining “e-paper” with IC chip technology to create “visible RFID”, the company helps to optimize sustainability and inventory management for its clients. The Smart Card has already been adopted in Japan as a paper label alternative in eco-conscious factories and warehouses, and can instantly encode text and QR codes while moving on a conveyor, reducing lead times without slowing down handling equipment. Furthermore, its battery-free design enables semi-permanent rewriting, making it a highly valued solution.
AIOI has been actively expanding its global market presence since the 2000s. With numerous distributors across Europe, the U.S. and Asia, the company continues to support warehouse and manufacturing operations worldwide. Its most recent acquisition of Singapore-based Keyfields, a provider of warehouse management software, has enabled AIOI to offer end-to-end solutions, from system design to picking system implementation. Few companies in the APAC region can provide this level of seamless hardware-software integration, attracting strong interest from customers in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Additionally, AIOI has begun integrating its picking systems with various robotic manufacturers, eliminating errors in human-robot handovers and further optimizing on-site operations.
AIOI remains committed to reducing errors in logistics and manufacturing operations, creating a more worker-friendly environment, and addressing societal challenges such as labor shortages. By implementing semi-automation, businesses can enhance flexibility, cost efficiency and return on investment. With the mission of being a “Logistics DX Coordinator,” AIOI will continue collaborating with clients, refining strategies and delivering optimal solutions to support the sustainable growth of the industry.
