Current status and issues of logistics

Japan's logistics industry is currently facing serious challenges of labor shortages and long working hours. There is a noticeable shortage of drivers, especially in urban areas, which is resulting in an increasing number of delayed deliveries and overcrowded delivery schedules. This situation is resulting in further extensions of working hours, and the working environment for drivers continues to deteriorate significantly. As a result, employees are overburdened, which is having a negative impact on the securing and retention of new talent. In the midst of this, a cap of 960 hours per year (excluding holiday work) will be imposed on overtime work for driver work from April 2024, which will have a major impact on logistics. (See the figure below)

The key to solving these problems is efficiency and leveraging technology.
By visualizing and analyzing data on transportation status, it is expected that transportation efficiency will improve, waiting time will be reduced, and productivity will be improved. In addition, by visualizing the entire logistics process and promoting standardization and automation, it will be possible to eliminate waste and proceed with work more efficiently. Through such efforts, it is becoming essential to address the challenges facing the entire logistics industry and aim for sustainable growth.
"Utilizing technology:By utilizing the transportation/storage status monitoring and tracking service "Macnica Tracks™"..."

Main causes of waiting time

So what is the main cause of waiting times? The main causes are "schedule inconsistencies and inefficient management in the logistics process."
This occurs when insufficient information sharing between transport companies and logistics centers leads to discrepancies in the timing of cargo handover and loading/unloading.
For example, if the estimated arrival time is not clearly shared between the warehouse and the driver, the warehouse will be underprepared and the driver will have to wait outside the facility for several hours. In addition, there may be a shortage of loading and unloading space, and waiting times tend to increase even more during peak times when shipments and deliveries are concentrated. If such problems occur frequently, it will lead to a deterioration of the working environment of truck drivers and a decrease in the productivity of the entire logistics industry. Considering the causes, it is possible to reduce waiting times by "smooth information sharing". To do this, we can see a way to solve many issues by introducing new technology and appropriate management systems and establishing a system for sharing schedules and the status of logistics centers in real time.

Why is it necessary to record cargo waiting time?

The obligation to record waiting times plays an important role in efficient logistics management and legal compliance. The time spent waiting for loading and unloading is one of the factors that greatly affects the overall efficiency of many logistics sites. Properly recording this time makes it possible to identify waste and problems and build a data base for operational improvements.
Accurately recording this time increases transparency between shippers and carriers. For example, by using the recorded information to identify specific locations or shippers where shipments are likely to be delayed and taking measures to improve the situation, the efficiency of the entire operation can be improved. Furthermore, by using the data to set standard times, it becomes possible to formulate appropriate estimates and transportation schedules, allowing the entire logistics process to proceed smoothly.

The key to taking rational measures is to "use technology"

I have mentioned the problem of waiting for shipments in logistics, but the key to a rational solution is to utilize technology.
Let's build a sustainable logistics network by visualizing transportation status and introducing a reservation reception system to improve loading efficiency. For example, one solution is to adopt a system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict demand, develop optimal delivery routes, and reduce waiting time. This will enable shippers and the transportation industry to share data and strengthen cooperation. In order to maintain stable logistics after 2024, cooperation and continuous improvement across the industry is essential. In addition to improving the working environment of truck drivers, shippers are also required to fulfill their corporate social responsibility and work together to build a logistics system with a long-term vision. Through this process, let's realize the future of logistics where efficiency and compliance are compatible.

Reducing the burden on drivers and office workers

Macnica Tracks™ can also be used to streamline and reduce administrative tasks such as checking delivery status and daily driving reports. Specifically, confirmation tasks that previously required phone calls between supply chains can now be visualized and shared in real time as data, eliminating the need for inquiries. Furthermore, drivers no longer need to write notes by hand, reducing administrative man-hours. (See Figure 2) This also contributes to ensuring efficient delivery routes and preventing sudden delays, improving the performance of the overall supply chain.

Figure 2. Example of the benefits of using Macnica Tracks™

Macnica Tracks™ is attracting attention as an effective solution not only for improving efficiency at logistics sites, but also for minimizing logistics costs. This has the potential to be an effective solution to the labor shortage and 2024 problem facing the logistics industry. The reduction in incidental work due to the aforementioned time saving also contributes greatly to improving the working environment for drivers and workers. By adopting such cutting-edge technology, it can be one of the means to pave the way for providing better services to society as a whole while increasing competitiveness.

There are an increasing number of cases where people are considering replacing their GPS trackers with "Macnica Tracks™".

When it comes to incorporating the latest technology, there are many types of monitoring devices, such as trackers, loggers, and multi-sensing devices. Although they are good at obtaining location information, there are many complaints that they cannot obtain temperature or impact data, and although they can obtain a wide variety of data, they are expensive. Macnica Tracks™ is.

Macnica Tracks™ Compared to various monitoring terminals, it has many advantages (see Figure 3), and can also be introduced at low cost, so there are an increasing number of customers who are considering replacing it or who want to conduct demonstration experiments first. By using it in conjunction with a digital tachograph already installed for labor management, etc., it is possible to perform GDP-compliant status management more easily and inexpensively than by changing the model of the digital tachograph, which is also appreciated. From both shippers and transport companies We appreciate your interest.


"First, let's take a look at the actual dashboard screen."
"I want to know more about the product"
"I would like to know how it can be used if it is introduced in my company."
"I want to evaluate the actual equipment/perform a demonstration experiment"If you have any requests, please feel free to inquiry please.

Figure 3. Comparison of various monitoring devices by item

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