Put to light System with accurate counting/placement

Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co., Ltd.

Logistics

Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co., Ltd. is mainly a food products wholesaler that also offers logistics and other services, both domestically and overseas.

To improve productivity and address personnel shortage in the logistics industry, the company introduced a brand new Put to light System that effectively aligns with the company's operations. This system prevents counting errors and misplacements that were impossible to prevent with our existing system.
The newly introduced system consists of two components: Cart with built-in scale that prevents counting errors, and Automated open/close Lid on shelves that prevents misplacements.
We asked Mr. Akinori Taniguchi, Manager of the Kofu SDC Center of the Logistics Operation Division about the company's experience with the system.

Customer Profile

Type of business: Wholesale and Logistics
Number of employees: 1,001 to 5,000

Our Solution

Category: Order Picking & Sorting Systems
Product: Put to light System with accurate counting/placement

The Challenges

Sorting and delivery errors during busy seasons decrease productivity.
Concerns continue that the difficulty in attracting new personnel to the logistics industry will be ongoing.

Solution Effectiveness

Prevention of sorting errors through easy-to-understand operating instructions using an automated open/close lid and digital indicators
Resolution of cart congestion through pass-by capability
Increase of approx. 37% in the average cart processing volume

Benefits

Streamlined pre-processing operations, leading to increased processing volume
During pre-processing, where received goods are inspected while being moved onto trays, volume increased by 200 pieces per hour by verifying weight and quantity simultaneously.
Cart processing productivity improved through various streamlining measures that increased work efficiency
RFID-based linking of shelves and carts and a shutter system that prompts staff to place items into the correct shelf container ensures accurate sorting of similar-looking products and eliminates common errors, such as placing an item into an adjacent container.
In addition, the pass-by capability, where operators can pass by a busy shelf and return later, eliminates cart congestion in front of shelves and the associated time losses.
Achieved a major improvement in throughput
Smooth operation was made possible even for first-time operators, leading to a 37% improvement in average hourly processing volume per person -- an increase from 350 pieces to 480 pieces per hour.
Advancement of logistics DX has made accuracy a company strength
The introduction of the the new Put to light System as part of advancing logistics DX at the company has helped resolve personnel shortages and improve processing efficiency. They also believe their high level of processing accuracy contributes to greater customer trust from the retail stores they service, and has become a strength of the company.

Customer Information

Logistics Operation Division
Kofu SDC Center Manager
Mr. Akinori Taniguchi

Company Name:	Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co., Ltd.
Country:	Japan (Tokyo)
Web:	https://www.mitsubishi-shokuhin.com/