As a core logistics company of the Toyota Tsusho Group, we handle a wide range of logistics operations not only by companies in the group but also by companies outside the group. As a forerunner of 3PL (Third Party Logistics) responsible for overall logistics operations, we have developed an SCM (Supply Chain Management) system in-house, and based on this system, we manage and manage all of our customers' logistics divisions collectively.

From receipt to delivery instructions, receipt and departure reports and order data creation to the manufacturer, we manage and operate logistics information and we offer "fast, cheap, safe, reliable logistics" in a thorough system.

In exporting and importing automobile parts manufacturers, we are developing SCM and establishing our own Vendor to Vendor logistics system. We are promoting small lot, fast delivery from domestic parts manufacturers to domestic and overseas user bases. Regarding the storage of electronic parts, we have the largest warehouse for electronic parts in Japan.

Although we operate a distribution center mainly in the Tokai area, securing and retaining human resources has become an issue at many distribution centers.

We handle the flow of goods including storage, picking, and shipping of products, but there are many electronic parts and automobile parts handled by the distribution center with different types and similar shapes. Although we have a consistent management system using a warehouse management system, there is always a part where workers are involved, and we are examining daily how to reduce the number of processes in which people are involved in promoting labor saving.

Since there is time limit for work, it was an issue to smoothly move products on the premises efficiently within time.

To improve the productivity and improve the working environment, it is important to mechanize and automate the simple work of workers and to operate the distribution center with a smaller number of people in order to improve the productivity per person.​ ​

We think that relieving workload of workers in the premises and allocating human resources to sophisticated work processes that persons must engage in , will lead to quality improvement, shortening of working process time, and further improvement of the working environment.We discussed the introduction of equipment to support this movement.

Although we could not secure sufficient aisle width for AGV in our office and material flow line was not constant, we had difficulty in selecting the introduced model.We decided to find a versatile CarriRo® with a relatively high degree of freedom, and have an interest and try it out on a trial basis.​

Since CarriRo® has almost the same height as the carriage, CarriRo® has stable center of gravity and stable running even when cargo is placed.The charging time is relatively short. It can be operated almost for a day, even if you use in excessive for unexpected use on busy days.We can charge even during lunch break and can move until the night.

Both the drive mode and the Karugamo mode were smoother than expected for basic running performance, and the operation was easy, and it was possible to introduce them into actual work immediately after the introduction. In addition, even when a certain amount of load was loaded, even female employees were able to carry out the transport work lightly, and the work load could be significantly reduced.

However, we are discussing further improvements with ZMP on the issues seen in the following work situations.

【Test ①】Warehouse storage and picking work
·The test site of CarriRo® was mainly used for storage of relatively small parts, and the space between the shelves was narrow (see the layout outline drawing, see chapter 6). When fine adjustment of the obstacle sensor becomes possible, you can run in a narrow space, and the range of utilization is expanded.

In addition, if the size of the loading platform is large, the transportation efficiency can be further improved and, in the future, there will be diversity if there is a larger loading platform or a type in which the size and shape can be customized.​ ​

【Test ②】Cargo movement between separate warehouses
· We think that efficiency will be improved if you use Karugamo with multiple carriers. Further, in order to effectively utilize the existing basket car, it is also a matter for future study to improve the transportation efficiency by pulling it by the CarriRo®.

· Because the outdoor road surfaces between warehouses are uneven, we have devised safety plans to prevent cargo falling.We also consulted with manufacturers and are considering countermeasures.

Currently, it is introduced at one of our distribution centers and if it shows a marked improvement in work efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness as demonstrated, we would like to consider it at other distribution centers.
In addition, if it can be customized to various applications,we would like to expand it and use.
We would like to introduce and propose CarriRo® to sites expecting improve quality and efficiency.