In an industry built on delivery and customer satisfaction, pioneering new technology and innovation is vital. At Japanese company Logicom Co., Ltd., developing new systems and products is a priority—but so is attracting the right human resources to utilize them properly. The firm aims to streamline processes using the latest breakthroughs in automation and connected technology. With this, they plan to recruit a new generation of employees by trying to change any preconceived notions they may have about working in the industry. According to President Masato Oue, this is a major part of the business’s strategy moving forward.
“University students want to experience something useful for their career from day one, and they do not look favorably at working within a warehouse. Right now, we are trying to implement new technologies such as automation so we can potentially bypass a portion of that warehouse phase,” said Oue. “I really want young people to experience jobs in which they have to think and propose something new,” he said. A central part of the firm’ s client-focused implementation of new technology throughout the automotive industry is its bespoke WMS (Warehouse Management System) and advances in automation. President Oue believes that once fully up and running, this will be the first automated system of its kind for that sector in Japan, and he hopes to roll it out around the world in due course. The company operates a JIT (just in time) delivery and supply structure designed to achieve maximum efficiency for clients and partners. This also extends to providing a one-stop-shop service to help meet every need and demand. “Our WMS is quite a unique system as it is connected to all Japanese carmakers and truck makers’ procurement systems. Most logistics companies have either no or limited access to car makers’ procurement systems. If materialized, we can optimize the whole manufacturing chain, which is our future goal,” said Oue. “We are not simply a logistics company anymore—we are a company that supports the full optimization of our client’s supply chain,” Oue said.
As such, the business is proactive internationally in overseas sales and inward investment. “When some foreign companies come to Japan, they want to avoid hiring many people. By forming a joint venture with us, we can take care of everything on their behalf,” said Oue. “Our philosophy has been one of ‘trust and contribution’ since it was established. We have tried everything that helps optimize clients’ supply chains, including manufacturing, assembling, inspecting and trading. Forming a joint venture with a client is also a good way to optimize their supply chain in Japan,” he added. By working closely with clients not only in Japan, Logicom aims to develop further this culture for the global logistics industry.
