The Introduction of Electric Power Lifters Revolutionizing Warehouse Operations

Revolutionizing Warehouse Operations with Electric Power Lifters

In a significant move towards enhancing operational efficiency and improving the working conditions for its staff, Palsystem Tokyo and Palsystem Kanagawa have introduced electric power lifters into their loading processes starting June. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address labor shortages and improve productivity in the logistics sector, particularly in the cooperative delivery industry.

Details of the Introduction

The electric power lifters, acquired from PCS Co., Ltd. based in Kanagawa, have been customized by Okudaya Engineering Co., Ltd. to meet the specific needs of the cooperative delivery workspace. The introduction ceremony for the first unit took place on June 4 at the Palsystem Tokyo Mitaka Center, located in Mitaka City. This important addition aims to alleviate the physical strain associated with loading and unloading products onto delivery trucks.

Currently, Palsystem staff have been handling the manual loading of products from a sorting center to delivery vans. The introduction of electric power lifters allows them to lift and load products without expending significant physical effort, significantly improving their work environment and productivity.

Key Features of the Electric Power Lifters

One of the major benefits of the newly introduced power lift machines is their ability to perform about 100 lifting and lowering cycles on a single charge. With the fleet of delivery trucks at the Mitaka Center numbering 47, this means a single unit can accomplish more than satisfactory loading work, taking approximately 1 minute and 45 seconds per truckload. This is a remarkable reduction in time compared to the manual processes.

Moreover, the electric power lifters can also ease the tasks associated with cold storage materials, which weigh between 500 to 800 grams. The machine can easily handle over 100 loads daily, which aids in cutting down physical strain on workers who previously handled these manually.

The lifters have also been specially customized to meet the unique requirements of the cooperative’s delivery needs. Specifically, they come equipped with customized forks designed to prevent the toppling of stacked product boxes, ensuring a safe and efficient loading process.

Future Plans for Implementation

Palsystem Tokyo plans to incorporate a total of 11 electric power lifters within the fiscal year, including a batch of three for its Tokyo operations and six for Kanagawa, along with a unit each for Palsystem Chiba and Palsystem Ibaraki Tochigi. The aim is to further validate and enhance the efficiency of the loading process while collaborating closely with both PCS and Okudaya Engineering to refine the machines for optimum utility in cooperative deliveries.

Significant to this implementation is the revision of sorting systems in the loading centers to accommodate the new technology efficiently. Plans are also underway to expand this technology to encompass other temperature-regulated items, such as fresh fruits and refrigerated goods in different stages of delivery.

The Driving Vision Behind This Initiative

The unveiling ceremony saw the attendance of key stakeholders, including the President of PCS, who highlighted the project’s role in lessening physical burdens on workers and improving safety. “We are excited to have contributed to reducing the physical exertion associated with manual labor in this sector,” he expressed.

Executives from Palsystem also underscored the pressing need for innovation in combating labor shortages, a challenge they have faced profoundly amidst Japan's aging workforce. This introduction marks a pivotal step towards creating a more sustainable working environment while ensuring that the cooperative adequately meets its delivery demands.

As Japan approaches the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, Palsystem remains committed to collaborating with a diverse range of organizations to foster work environments where anyone can thrive and contribute effectively. This effort marks the beginning of a series of innovations aimed at uplifting the standards of cooperative labor practices across the industry.

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