#Japan #DD Plus #Akishima #Itochu Foods #Otsuka Warehouse

Itochu Foods and Otsuka Warehouse Introduce Electronic Delivery Slip System

Itochu Foods Co., Ltd., a leading wholesaler of food and beverages based in Osaka, Japan, and Otsuka Warehouse Co., Ltd., a logistics provider for the Otsuka Group, have announced the initiation of their electronic delivery slip system at the Akishima Logistics Center, effective from November 11, 2025. This pioneering project, which harnesses the power of digitalization, aims to significantly enhance the efficiency of logistics operations while making strides towards a sustainable, paperless environment.

Background

The adoption of electronic delivery slips has been encouraged by the government in Japan, with numerous trials conducted over the years. However, the implementation of these systems across the food industry faced stagnation due to concerns such as reliance on partner companies and competition fears. To address these concerns, Itochu Foods coordinated a pilot test at its facilities in November 2024, garnering co-operation from various stakeholders. This pilot confirmed substantial efficiency benefits for both shipping and receiving entities while showcasing the positive environmental impact of reduced paper usage.

With the findings from the pilot program, Itochu Foods and Otsuka Warehouse are ready to fully implement the electronic delivery slips at the Akishima Logistics Center, targeting a future where a significant number of delivery slips—around 50% of the daily total—will be digital by the end of the 2026 fiscal year. Furthermore, the company envisions expanding electronic systems to additional centers.

Implementation Details

• - Start Date: November 11, 2025
• - Target Center: Akishima Logistics Center, Tokyo
• - System Utilized: DD Plus, provided by Japan Pallet Rental Co., Ltd.
• - Integration Partner: TSUNAGUTE Co., Ltd.

Expected Outcomes

The transition to electronic delivery slips is expected to produce several benefits for all parties involved:

• - For Shipping Entities (Otsuka Warehouse): Automation and reduction in tasks related to printing, sorting, collecting, and managing physical delivery slips.
• - For Receiving Entities (Itochu Foods): Enhanced efficiency in slip verification processes, issuance of receipts, and a significant reduction in physical storage needs for these documents.
• - For Transportation Partners: Alleviation of drivers' burdens associated with waiting for receipt confirmations and managing paper slips.

Comments from Stakeholders

• - Itochu Foods Logistics Division:

"The electronicization of delivery slips offers substantial benefits for shippers, which helps reduce burdens on drivers who deliver daily. We are excited about this initiative, and we aim to continue partnering with manufacturers and clients to tackle complex logistics challenges. We sincerely appreciate the cooperation from all companies involved."

• - Otsuka Warehouse Technology Division:

"Printing, sorting, and collecting paper receipts have been long-standing challenges for our operations. With the realization of electronic slips, these tasks will be significantly decreased, leading to improved efficiency for our drivers. We are committed to advancing the integration of ASN and electronic slips, ensuring efficient communication and visibility in the supply chain, establishing a more sustainable delivery style."

• - Japan Pallet Rental Digital Logistics Business Development:

"The true value of electronic delivery slips extends beyond merely going paperless—it enables streamlined data exchange for deliveries and receipts across companies. This is an essential step towards building a physical internet, and we are determined to leverage our partnership with TSUNAGUTE to drive digital transformation in logistics across the food and beverage sector."

As Japan addresses the pressing need for a more digital supply chain, this collaboration between Itochu Foods, Otsuka Warehouse, and their partners could serve as a crucial impetus for industry-wide advancements in logistics efficiency and environmental responsibility.