#Japan #Tokyo #Supply Chain #AISIN #Shippio

Collaboration between Aisin and Shippio

Aisin Corporation, headquartered in Aichi Prefecture, has partnered with Shippio, a leading player in the international logistics sector, to leverage ship tracking data via the Shippio Cargo cloud platform. This collaboration aims to accelerate the construction of next-generation supply chains, enhancing visibility in global logistics. Aisin has been actively utilizing Shippio Cargo since 2023 to visualize cargo transport conditions and effectively utilize transport data.

Background of the Initiative

Aisin has made logistics digital transformation (DX-L) a priority since 2021, focusing on the entire supply chain from domestic to international logistics. The company has identified significant challenges in understanding progress compared to production fields, particularly in managing transportation and inventory using Excel spreadsheets. The need for more structured data management has grown, especially following disruptions in container shipping during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgency for precise data linking vessel movements with cargo details.

Key Features of Shippio Cargo

The Shippio Cargo platform empowers Aisin with automated ship tracking functionalities. This allows the company to obtain real-time data on international shipping schedules, transforming a previously opaque process. By integrating this schedule data with Aisin's cargo detail information, a comprehensive framework has been developed to visualize discrepancies between planned and actual supply chain performance. This move goes beyond mere visibility into cargo movements; it establishes the foundation for a holistic view of the entire supply chain, enabling rapid data-driven decision-making and promoting overall optimization.

To date, approximately 1,200 trade cases are managed through Shippio Cargo each month, showcasing the platform's capability and Aisin's commitment to utilizing digital tools for logistic enhancements.

Future Prospects

By 2025, Aisin plans to expand the Shippio Cargo visibility system across its nearly 40 global operational bases. This expansion is pivotal for solidifying supply chain optimization on a worldwide scale. Additionally, under the concept of the "Cyber/Physical Information Factory®" proposed by Aisin, the focus will also be on advanced analytics and utilization of accumulated international logistics data. This initiative aims to improve lead time accuracy, optimize inventory levels, and conduct logistics simulations, all driving towards the ambitious goal of halving logistics costs by 2030.

The Cyber/Physical Information Factory concept connects all physical resources and people within factories, gathering data from various real-world spaces into the cyber realm for analysis. The outcomes are then fed back to address challenges and create new value, fundamentally reshaping Aisin's approach to manufacturing.

Comments from Company Representatives

A representative from Aisin's Production Innovation Department conveyed, "We aspire to create a next-generation supply chain that transcends industry boundaries by sharing data not just within our group but across suppliers and logistics providers. Viewing logistics as an end-to-end process highlights the critical role that international logistics plays in this larger ecosystem."

Shippio's CEO, Harun Sato, remarked, "We deeply resonate with Aisin's vision of DX-L and a next-generation supply chain. We are honored to be selected as a key partner in this transformative endeavor and are committed to supporting Aisin in achieving its goal of halving logistics costs by 2030 through our trade data services. Our focus is on enhancing product development and support systems to realize this vision effectively."

Company Profiles

Aisin Corporation

• - Headquarters: 1-2 Asahicho, Kariya, Aichi 448-8650, Japan
• - CEO: Masataka Yoshida
• - Industry: Manufacturing and sales of automotive parts, energy solutions
• - Company Website

Shippio, Inc.

• - Headquarters: 1-1-1 Shibaura, Minato Ward, Tokyo, Japan
• - CEO: Takafumi Sato
• - Established: June 2016
• - Industry: Planning, development, and operation of international logistics platforms
• - Company Website
• - Licenses: Various licenses for international cargo transportation and membership in JIFFA.