Logistics Consulting

Leveraging over 100 years of logistics experience
to support your improvements integrated with
our Warehousing and 3PL Services.

At Sakata Warehouse, we provide logistics improvement proposals linked with our 3PL services for companies in (1) Cosmetics, (2) Electrical/Industrial/Medical Equipment, and (3) Pharmaceuticals/Toiletries. We utilize high-precision logistics know-how cultivated through extensive experience in high-mix, low-volume operations.

Common Requests for 3PL Services

Urgent need to improve logistics quality and accuracy due to customer demands.

Gain cost competitiveness over rivals by reducing logistics expenses.

Logistics systems cannot keep up with volume increases; unsure where to start.

Improve overall process efficiency by reviewing logistics operations.

Optimize inventory distribution and replenishment/ordering through network review.

Achieve accurate and appropriate inventory management by implementing systems.

Logistics improvement proposals integrated with our 3PL services

Logistics Consulting Service Menu

Network Optimization

Proposing optimal network design by reviewing logistics across multiple locations

Operating Cost Comparison by Location Pattern
We simulate multiple network patterns and analyze each for:
(1) Transport and delivery costs
(2) Facility operating costs
(3) Inventory levels
Based on this, we propose the optimal network design. The proposal includes the following menus:

Action items for logistics network restructuring

Example of Multiple Network Pattern Settings
(1) Logistics Network Restructuring Study
We study optimal placement, such as depot points, for quick delivery and transport cost reduction.
(2) Operating Cost Estimation for New Facilities
We estimate and evaluate storage, handling, delivery, and system costs for setting up new locations.
(3) Delivery Area Review
Using our “Freight Simulation System,” we support the selection of optimal delivery areas and patterns based on shipping lots, freight costs, and lead times.

Transport and Delivery Improvement

Analyzing transport data to propose cost reduction strategies

Transport Cost Estimation by Carrier Combination
For each logistics location, we analyze
(1) Transport costs vs. industry peers
(2) Carrier contracts vs. market rates
(3) Efficient operational management. Numerical analysis allows for concrete cost evaluation and control.

Action items for transport and delivery review

Carrier Freight Structure Evaluation Example
(1) Transport Cost Evaluation via Market Trends
We compare transport costs with industry peers using JILS statistics and market price data.
(2) Study of Transport Modes and Internal Logistics
Using our simulation system, we study optimal mode combinations (Freight/Express/Air) to reduce costs.
(3) Procurement and Collection Logistics Study
We consider Milk-run methods via route simulation and cost reduction through decoupling product price from freight.

In-Center Operations: Layout, Flow, and Material Handling

Reviewing layouts and workflows to propose operational improvements

Logistics Center Basic Specification Example
  • We create pallet and shelf layouts based on actual warehouse drawings to calculate storage capacity.
  • We develop layout plans based on practical experience, considering worker flow, temporary storage, and forklift movement.

Improvement of layouts and workflows

Workflow and Layout Creation Example
(1) Capacity Study for Future Volume Fluctuations
We evaluate current productivity per person and estimate required storage and staffing for future trends.
(2) In-Center Operational Efficiency
We create workflows based on field surveys and provide concrete methods to eliminate waste and inconsistency.
(3) Layout Review and Simulation
We design storage layouts and picking area shelf placements based on product characteristics, categories, and sizes.

Inventory Management

Analyzing inventory data to propose stock optimization

Inventory ABC Analysis Graph Example
  • We categorize items by turnover rate to analyze Rank A/B products and stagnant stock.
  • Combined with daily shipping trends, this enables item narrowing, ordering unit reduction, and stock reduction.

Action items for inventory improvement

Turnover Analysis by Location and Rank
(1) Inventory Turnover Analysis by Item and Location
We compare turnover across locations handling the same products to create ideal inventory standards.
(2) Efficient Product Management via ABC Analysis
We study efficient placement and the implementation of shipping support and inspection systems.
(3) Mechanisms for Efficient Inventory Distribution
Based on analysis, we adjust inter-location stock and create ideal inventory placement plans.

Logistics System Improvement

Implementing systems tailored to practical operations to achieve improvement

Information System Improvement Overview
  • We evaluate current issues and propose directions for improvement by function.
  • By predicting effects of digitalization, we narrow down key points for planning.

Action items for system improvement

System Survey and Analysis Result Example
(1) Inspection Systems and Material Handling
We build mechanisms to improve capacity and quality via inspection systems linked with WMS.
(2) Order Center and Automated Replenishment
We streamline operations through centralized ordering and automated replenishment systems for standard items.
(3) WMS and TMS Implementation
We implement WMS for real-time inventory, lot/expiry, and location management. We also implement TMS for freight calculation, dispatch support, and lot traceability.

Logistics Cost Management

Providing thorough support for cost management

Customer Logistics Cost Sheet Example
  • We define cost-tracking methods for ABC/ABM system construction using logistics KPIs.
  • Digitalization allows continuous management of costs by customer, service, and delivery type.

Action items for cost review

Logistics ABC/ABM Cost Indicator Example
(1) Logistics Cost Tracking and Study
We clarify costs based on manuals, tracking sales ratios and comparing with industry statistics.
(2) Cost Flow Visualization
We categorize costs into flows to identify targets for improvement.
(3) Cost Indicators via ABC/ABM
We create price lists by delivery service for sales departments and establish daily cost management mechanisms.

Planning and Effect Prediction

Executing PDCA and improvement plans derived from analysis

Summary of Survey Results and Directions
  • We build project structures across departments (Logistics, Sales, IT, Mfg) to unify reform efforts.
  • Based on practical experience, we provide proposals and solutions for executing improvements.

Action items for improvement execution

Improvement Implementation Plan Example
(1) Proposing Multiple Improvement Directions
We categorize plans into: 1) Investment within current facilities, 2) Linked with new ERP systems, and 3) Fundamental reform like facility construction.
(2) Evaluation via Simulations
We narrow down specific themes and perform cost-benefit simulations for evaluation.
(3) Master Plan Creation
We provide a master plan for the final selected improvement measures based on predicted effects.

Freight Simulation Service

Supporting strategy through optimal transport combinations and cost simulation

Optimal Transport Combination Plan Example
Freight Simulation Result Example
We create carrier combination plans based on (1) Lead time, (2) Service level, and (3) Freight. This enables shipping scheduling linked with WMS. We support calculations for Freight, Express, Charter, Air, and Agency Delivery. We register combinations by network pattern to simulate costs and lead times.

Problem solving via freight simulation

Review Carrier Combinations
  • Reduce costs without degrading current lead times.
  • Add new carriers and study optimal transport means.
  • Create plans for optimal carrier combinations while maintaining lead times.
  • Perform zero-base studies to find the best mix of cost and speed.
Network Restructuring
  • Estimate transport costs and compare changes in operating costs.
  • Estimate optimal delivery areas in terms of cost and lead time.
  • Estimate cost changes considering lead times during network restructuring.
  • Set the most efficient delivery areas for each logistics location.
Strategy by Customer Service
  • Select transport means by customer segment and estimate costs.
  • Estimate collection costs for containers and box pallets.
  • Estimate CO2 reduction through consolidated shared delivery.
  • Group transport means by customer to calculate optimal costs.
  • Register collection contracts to calculate return logistics costs (Option).
  • Estimate CO2 emissions based on the Ton-Kilometer method (Option).

Consulting Track Record

Company Industry Project Detail
A Pharmaceutical Mfg Transport cost simulation for network consolidation.
B Pharma Wholesale Logistics strategy review following center consolidation.
C Electronics Mfg Transport cost simulation for new carrier contracts.
D Precision Machinery SCM support including global procurement and sales.
E Misc Goods Import Data analysis and layout for center integration.
F Music Wholesale Operational improvement through system implementation.
G Toiletries Mfg Transport cost simulation for network consolidation.
H Toiletries Mfg Logistics ABC implementation for return operations.
I Cosmetics Mfg Advisory consulting for logistics department reform.
J Electrical Mfg Cost simulation including new facilities and carrier review.
K Food Manufacturing Support for operational efficiency improvement.
L Food Manufacturing Outsourcing support: competition, selection, and systems.
M Food Manufacturing Survey for transport cost reduction.
N Food Manufacturing SCM system construction support for volume growth.
O Food Wholesale Improvement plan formulation for cost reduction.
P Frozen Food Wholesale Logistics diagnosis regarding operations and costs.
Q Fisheries Coop Survey and layout for new center with automated racks.
R Auto Parts Mfg Verification of transport means and cost simulation.
S Auto Parts Mfg Efficiency improvement of in-factory logistics.
T Chemical Mfg Support for freight calculation system construction.
U Medical Wholesale Network reform: center reorganization and workflows.
Other Government Agency Research on IT-driven competitiveness and innovation.
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