The past, present and future of logistics in Japan

Logistics in Japan, which started out with the automation of material handling and warehousing, finally reached the practical use stage in 2000. Since then, it has expanded into a wider range of areas while undergoing structural changes. The features of this so-called value chain are discussed here, along with changes in design methods. The features of the analytical improvement methodology, adopted initially, and of the subsequent engineering design method are examined first of all. Then I propose an induction method based on autonomy and collaboration as a means of building the systems used by corporations to support this value chain.