#Japan #Chiyoda #Tiger Corporation #Sumatora #Truck Inspections

Introducing Sumatora

As industries increasingly adopt technology, the logistics sector is set to benefit immensely from a new service called Sumatora, introduced by Tiger Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Officially launched on May 12, 2025, this innovative solution allows truck drivers to conduct daily inspections using their smartphones, offering a seamless integration of safety and operational efficiency.

Overview of the Service

Sumatora is designed as a cloud-based platform that enables truck drivers to perform, record, and manage daily inspections with ease. By utilizing their smartphones, drivers can access a step-by-step inspection guide presented through tutorial videos. Additionally, the service allows users to document any irregularities by taking photos during inspections, which can then be reported in real time to administrative personnel. Such comprehensive tracking ensures that, regardless of a driver's experience level, inspections are conducted accurately and efficiently.

Administrators benefit significantly, too, as they can monitor inspection statuses and time taken for each task in real time. This leads to not only better compliance with safety regulations but also improved management of driver and vehicle safety.

Development Context

The transportation industry faces various issues concerning daily truck inspections, which are vital for ensuring safe operations. Problems include reliance on paper records, misunderstanding of inspection requirements, and a frequent disconnect in communication between drivers and managers. Sumatora addresses these challenges head-on, aiming for improved safety and efficiency in trucking operations.

Importance of Daily Inspections

According to a report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, around 37,000 defects were recorded in cargo vehicles on national highways in the last year alone—averaging over 100 incidents daily. The issue becomes more critical with the rising number of severe accidents caused by vehicle failures, which increased from 363 in the previous year to 446. These statistics highlight the urgency of addressing the deterioration of inspection procedures and the resultant potential risks to public safety. Sumatora aims to facilitate correct procedures, thereby enhancing road safety, maintaining smooth logistics flows, and ultimately securing the safety and comfort of civil life.

Core Concept of Sumatora

With the guiding principle of "Visible Inspections, Protecting the Future," Sumatora strives for user-friendliness and intuitiveness rather than complexity. Significant attention has been paid to the feedback from logistics operators to ensure that the app not only functions efficiently but meets the practical needs of its users seamlessly.

Key Features of Sumatora

1. Effortless Inspections with Smartphones
- Eliminates the need for paper inspection forms, allowing users to input results directly via phone.
- Clearly displays inspection criteria to minimize errors or omissions.
- Automatically saves inspection history to the cloud for easy future reference.

2. Video Guides for Inspection Procedures
- Offers instructional videos illustrating the correct procedures for each inspection item, ensuring even inexperienced users can perform thorough checks.

3. Reporting of Irregularities with Photos
- Facilitates photography of defects at the moment they are discovered, providing detailed reports.
- Helps eliminate ambiguity in communicating issues, supporting quick, accurate responses.

4. Dashboard for Administrators
- Displays real-time inspection statuses for all vehicles on a single platform.
- Analyze reporting times and irregularities effectively.
- Provides record-keeping essential for regulatory compliance.

Benefits of Implementation

For Drivers

- Streamlines and clarifies inspection steps, enhancing completion rates.
- Improves safety through early detection and reporting of issues.
- Reduces stress associated with daunting inspection tasks.

For Administrators

- Grants real-time visibility of inspection statuses.
- Secures proof of compliance with safety regulations.
- Aims to prevent vehicle-related problems before they arise, enhancing operational capacity.

Societal Impact

- A significant reduction in vehicle breakdowns and major accidents on highways.
- Contributes to the sustainability and reliability of logistics infrastructure crucial for society.

Future Directions

With insights from various stakeholders, future iterations of Sumatora will refine its features to address concerns regarding the perceived value of inspections. The objective is to lower vehicle malfunctions through better adherence to inspection protocols, achieving safer vehicle management.

Planned enhancements include:
1. DX Support via System Integration: Seamless connection of daily inspection results with other operational management tools, enhancing overall logistics management and quality.
2. Support for Maintenance Tasks: Addressing other necessary maintenance activities identified during inspections, thus improving overall vehicle safety and corporate trust without additional burdens on drivers.

Tiger Corporation aspires for Sumatora to trigger a paradigm shift in daily inspection practices, contributing towards a faithful and dependable logistics industry in Japan, leveraging technology for operational excellence.

For those interested, initial costs are set at ¥100,000 (excluding tax) with a monthly subscription starting from ¥10,000 (excluding tax) for up to 10 vehicles.

Visit here for further details on how to implement this innovative service.

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Contact Information

Tiger Corporation
TEL: 03-5283-7232
URL: Tiger Corporation

Company Overview

• - Name: Tiger Corporation
• - Founded: October 15, 1940
• - CEO: Kenmei Shigeoka
• - Location: 2-1-14 Kanda Sarugakucho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - Business: Development and sale of systems for the transportation industry.