ＮＸ総合研究所 List of News Articles

On February 12 (Wednesday), our Kobayashi will speak at a webinar hosted by the Japan Logistics Systems Association (JILS), where he will explain the basic concepts of SCM and introduce the "SCM Online Business Game," which allows participants to experience the conflicts and decision-making processes of SCM trade-offs in a team format while having fun. Due to high demand, we have increased the capacity to 1,000 participants. The application deadline is February 10 (Monday) at 10:00 AM, so if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible using the URL below. Participation Application: https://www1.logistics.or.jp/education/BA65.html

Jobtan is a tool for measuring work hours through the integration of smartphone apps, tablet apps, and the web. It is used in many factories and construction sites for understanding the current situation and improving operations. By simply tapping a button displayed on the smartphone during work, you can accumulate a history of daily tasks. The collected data can be managed collectively via the web. Furthermore, using the provided analysis tools, you can easily generate summary graphs. <Easy Operation on Smartphone> You can easily operate it on your smartphone, making input and sending simple. <No Need for Handwritten Daily Reports> Daily reports are automatically generated from the input data, eliminating the need for handwritten reports. <Supporting Work Style Reform> Based on the data collected by "Jobtan," you can understand the current situation in the workplace. It helps identify issues and supports efforts for work style reform. <Record Job Details, Input Notes and Quantities> By simply tapping a button, you can record employees' job details. You can also input notes and quantities related to the work. <Easy Work Sampling> Measure the time of multiple employees simultaneously with one smartphone. Data analysis can be done immediately with the analysis tools.

This survey was conducted by NX Research Institute with the aim of understanding the latest trends in corporate logistics. The first survey was carried out in October 1988, and since then, it has been conducted continuously twice a year (in the first and second halves). Since 2002, the survey has been conducted quarterly, with significant content revisions and an expansion of the target establishments. The survey results have been widely published as "NX Research Institute Tankan." The survey targets 2,500 major establishments in the manufacturing and wholesale industries. The survey items are as follows: 1. Domestic shipment trends 2. Trends in the use of transportation modes 3. Trends in import and export cargo 4. Trends in inventory levels and the use of commercial warehouses 5. Trends in freight rates and charges 6. Trends in logistics cost ratios For the above items, respondents select from three options—"increase," "remain unchanged," or "decrease"—regarding their current performance expectations and next period forecasts compared to the same period of the previous year. The number of responding establishments for each option is aggregated, and the ratio to the total number of establishments is calculated and presented as a trend judgment indicator. ● For more details, click here↓ https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/tankan

We will hold a webinar in the logistics committee of the Human Future Networks, chaired by our director Hiroshi Inoue. No prior registration is required, and you can join or leave freely, so we encourage anyone interested to participate. <What is Human Future Networks> We aim to contribute to society through mutual information exchange among members, the creation of business opportunities that arise from it, and corporate activities as a result. https://hitomirainet.work/ Date and Time: February 6, 2025 (Thursday) 14:30 - 16:10 Location: Online (Zoom webinar) *No prior registration required Seminar URL: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81080285640 ■ Program 1: Making business management and safety management smarter (MAMORINU) Mr. Akihito Tsuchiya, enstem Inc. 2: Utilizing overseas human resources Mr. Yuji Nagaoka, Sales Promotion Department, IC Asia Inc. 3: Flame sensors that enable early detection of fires Mr. Taishi Okamoto, An-Tech Inc. 4: Understanding freight rates suitable for the current market (actual freight rates). Bestlogi.com Ms. Yurika Miyoshi, Stellar Link Inc.

On February 6th (Thursday), our company’s Katakame will be speaking at a webinar hosted by Soracom, titled "Streamlining Logistics Operations - Introduction to Rojitan." In the logistics and transportation industry, issues such as long working hours and labor shortages have become prominent with the enforcement of the Work Style Reform Bill. Utilizing IoT to visualize and leverage on-site data can help address challenges such as operational efficiency, cost reduction, inventory management accuracy, and productivity improvement. This seminar will focus on warehouse operations within logistics, specifically how IoT is being used to address trends and challenges, along with concrete examples from various companies. Additionally, we will explain the expanding use of camera and AI technologies in warehouses for detecting entry and exit and ensuring safety during operations, incorporating specific use cases. If you are interested in examples of on-site improvements in warehouse operations, please join us. Registration website: https://www.lp.soracom.jp/20250206?_ga=2.92539741.1341486296.1738284411-24777359.1738284411

NX Research Institute has published five books as e-books (Kindle): "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Overview Edition, Physical Edition, Digital Edition) and "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook." These books provide an opportunity for logistics and SCM practitioners to organize their knowledge and experience the diversity of practical work, while also allowing beginners in logistics to glimpse and learn about the professional world. They are available for sale on the Kindle Store, but if you choose the paperback version, it will be delivered to the address specified by the purchaser as an A4 booklet. If you are interested, please consider purchasing. We hope that through these books, everyone will feel the enjoyment and depth of logistics. 1. "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Overview Edition) https://amzn.asia/d/ifanTvt 2. "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Physical Edition) https://amzn.asia/d/iVeFVqh 3. "Reiwa Edition Logistics Guidebook" (Digital Edition) https://amzn.asia/d/g9dQnQl 4. "Reiwa Edition Logistics Technology Handbook" https://amzn.asia/d/0DTY5o5

On February 12 (Wednesday), our Kobayashi will be speaking at a webinar hosted by the Japan Logistics Systems Association (JILS), where he will explain the basic concepts of SCM and introduce the "SCM Online Business Game," which allows participants to enjoy a simulated experience of the trade-off conflicts and decision-making processes in SCM in a team format. If you are interested, please join us. Registration: https://www1.logistics.or.jp/education/BA65.html

In Japan's manufacturing and logistics industries, many factories and logistics warehouses are working on business improvement. The term "improvement" is sometimes used internationally in the form of the English alphabet as "KAIZEN," and the reason for this is the representative Japanese company, Toyota Motor Corporation. The globally renowned Toyota Production System, also known as TPS, features well-known concepts such as "Just-in-Time" and "Kanban." The foundation of TPS is a mindset of improvement, and at Toyota, improvement is considered something that should be placed at the center of work, rather than done as an afterthought. Since 1955, Toyota has been educating its employees in Industrial Engineering (IE) methods for business improvement, and these methods are still being used for improvement in many manufacturing sites across Japan. This article will provide a detailed explanation of "work measurement" and "man-hour management" within the IE methods.

Introducing the materials for "Jobtan," which started its service in 2020 and is widely used for business improvement purposes in factories and construction sites. <Table of Contents> Introduction 1. What is Jobtan? 2. Challenges in Current Situation Understanding 3. Concept and Overview of Jobtan 4. Work Sampling Function 5. Case Study 1: Reducing Overtime in the Accounting Department and Implementing RPA 6. Case Study 2: Management Ratios for Managers 7. Case Study 3: Accurate KPI Understanding in Factories Conclusion

Forklifts are used in factories and logistics warehouses to handle and transport large cargo and pallets that cannot be managed manually. However, when site managers look over the area, they may notice that some forklifts are not in operation. When seeing such a situation, many people might wonder, "Is the current number really necessary?" or "Could we reduce the number a bit more?" Generally, with standard forklifts, one can only check the operating hours using an hour meter, and it is not possible to grasp the operating status by time segment, the locations traveled, or the ratio of empty runs to loaded runs. NX Comprehensive Research Institute's "Rojitan Fork" is a service that uses IoT tools to visualize the operating status of forklifts within warehouses and factories, calculating the truly necessary number of forklifts.

As we welcome the year 2025, there will likely be many new logistics projects starting up. We have uploaded a blog article summarizing the project management skills necessary for advancing logistics projects on our company's website, so if you are interested, please take a look.

This survey has been ongoing for over 40 years since the first survey conducted in 1974. It aims to investigate and analyze trends in "economics (global and Japan)" and "freight transport volume (domestic and international cargo)," as well as to forecast short-term trends approximately six months to one year ahead. While many research institutions conduct economic forecasts, there are no other organizations that seriously predict freight transport, which has garnered attention and utilization not only from the logistics industry but also from many other sectors. ● For more details, click here ↓ https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/outlook

This article introduces a case study of using "Jobtan" for business monitoring in the estimation department of Obayashi Corporation, a major general contractor, within its DX (Digital Transformation) headquarters, focusing on understanding the current situation and utilizing new approaches with digital technology.

On January 15 (Wednesday) and 16 (Thursday), at the Okinawa Industrial Support Center, our representative Bando will give a lecture on the theme "Choosing Optimal Solutions for the 2024 Logistics Problem" on the 15th (Wednesday) at 16:15. Okinawa Logistics Digitalization Exhibition Date and Time: January 15 (Wednesday) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, January 16 (Thursday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Okinawa Industrial Support Center (1F Special Venue, 1831-1 Orokuchō, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)

Nakaiyo Co., Ltd. has been involved in the manufacturing of communication equipment since its founding in 1944. In recent years, leveraging its unique communication technology, the company has launched a service called "Factory NYC (Nice)" that enables remote monitoring of manufacturing sites by connecting manufacturing equipment and sensors with IoT devices. At the Maebashi factory, the company previously manufactured products using a line production system, but switched to a cell production system to accommodate a variety of products in small lots. In the line production system, products were transported on a straight conveyor belt, which fixed the movement of workers, whereas the cell production system allows small teams to move and work within U-shaped or L-shaped layouts. To improve productivity at the Maebashi factory, the company has implemented "Mizusumashi," which supplies parts, handles changeovers, and addresses initial line troubles at each cell. The term "Mizusumashi" refers to an insect that quickly darts across water, symbolizing the movement between the parts warehouse and production cells. To understand how this "Mizusumashi" operates and to implement business improvements, the company introduced "Jobtan."

The outlook for the economy and freight transportation for the fiscal years 2024 and 2025 is scheduled to be announced on the afternoon of January 14 (Tuesday) after the New Year. For the forecasts as of December 26 regarding domestic total expenditure, prices, production, current account balance, domestic freight transportation volume, and international freight transportation volume, please refer to the URL below (these may be revised based on statistics announced in the future). Latest survey results on the outlook for the economy and freight transportation "Announced on December 26, 2024" ↓ https://www.nx-soken.co.jp/topics/outlook