Honda Logicom leverages technology and sustainability to emerge as a key player in Japan's evolving logistics landscape.
Honda Logicom, led by President Atsushi Honda, is emerging as a pivotal player in Japan's logistics sector amidst global disruptions. Historically overshadowed by regional competitors like China, Japan's logistics industry is gaining prominence due to geopolitical shifts and its advanced infrastructure and technology.
"Japan possesses the high levels of technology required to build factories, and the existing infrastructure is also highly advanced," Mr. Honda notes. The country's rise as a production hub for semiconductors, exemplified by TSMC's new fab in Kumamoto, underscores its growing logistics capabilities.
Honda Logicom is addressing industry challenges, particularly Japan's '2024 problem,' which imposes new overtime regulations on truck drivers. "Our truck drivers are not directly hired by us. However, we do have operators at our warehouses," Mr. Honda explains. By enhancing operational efficiency and digitizing processes, Honda Logicom has significantly reduced overtime for its operators.
The company is leveraging technology to address labor shortages, incorporating autonomous mobile robots (AMR) into its operations. "This year, we introduced 20 units of AMR into our logistics operations," says Mr. Honda. By combining human manpower with robots, Honda Logicom has improved efficiency by 1.5 times.
Sustainability is another focus for Honda Logicom. The company, which received ISO 14000 certification over a decade ago, has been actively working on decarbonization. Efforts include switching to LED lighting, digitalizing operations and utilizing hydrogen-powered forklifts in partnership with Toyota.
Beyond logistics, Honda Logicom is committed to social contributions. Initiatives like Kasugai Farm and company daycare centers aim to enhance employee welfare and contribute to regional revitalization. "The primary goal for our company is to make a profit. However, we want to make our employees happy and contribute to society," Mr. Honda emphasizes. "I would like it to be a business that makes people happy.”
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