#Japan #Tokyo #labor shortage #Canon Marketing #Billing Operations

Impact of the 2024 Logistics Crisis on Billing Operations

As the logistics industry braces for the anticipated "2024 logistics issue," Canon Marketing Japan conducted a survey to explore how this impending crisis is reshaping the work environment for billing professionals in the sector. The survey targeted 101 individuals from logistics-related companies, including transportation, warehousing, and logistics subsidiaries, all of whom are involved in billing tasks at least once a month, primarily sending invoices via mail.

Key Findings

1. Labor Shortage Challenges: The survey revealed that 32.7% of respondents cited challenges due to labor shortages, particularly during peak billing periods at the end and beginning of the month, leading to persistent overtime. This overwhelming workload inevitably raises concerns about the strain on finance departments.

2. Reliance on Manual Processes: Notably, a significant 63.4% expressed dissatisfaction with their reliance on manual and paper-centric invoicing practices. The primary reason for this frustration is the prevalence of errors associated with manual work, reported by 50.0% of those surveyed, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

3. Lack of Automation: An alarming 83.2% indicated that certain billing tasks are still overly reliant on individual personnel, creating a bottleneck and increasing the potential for errors. Such human dependency can jeopardize operational continuity, particularly as the industry navigates a complex landscape marked by regulatory changes and labor shortages.

Survey Details

• - Methodology: The survey was conducted online between June 16-17, 2025, using IDEATECH’s research data marketing tool, "Risa-P", providing insights directly from those involved in billing processes.
• - Context: The looming "2024 issue" refers to the new regulations affecting truck drivers' working hours, which are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the logistics industry, necessitating adjustments in billing and operational practices.

Specific Challenges Identified

• - Peak Period Overtime: The most noted issue connected to labor shortages is the constant overtime during peak billing times, affecting 32.7% of respondents.
• - Time-Consuming Tasks: The task deemed most time-consuming in the billing process is data verification and confirmation, accounting for 50.4% of responses, underscoring the inefficiencies in current manual workflows.
• - Errors in Invoicing: Close to half of the responses (49.5%) indicated that mistakes in data entry and calculations are the leading cause of rework in invoicing tasks.

The Necessity for Digital Transformation

Given the challenges detailed above, there is an urgent need for the logistics industry to embrace digital solutions. A clear 73.2% of respondents acknowledged the importance of digitizing billing operations, with 26.7% feeling it is critically necessary. The current operational model, heavily reliant on paper-based systems, must evolve to avoid the risks associated with human error and inefficiencies.

Conclusion

This survey sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by billing professionals in the logistics industry, heightened by both labor shortages and upcoming regulations. The findings point toward an urgent need for the implementation of automated digital billing systems, such as Canon's `bizform online` service, designed to eliminate cumbersome manual tasks and enhance operational efficiency. The digital transformation of billing practices is not merely advantageous but essential for sustainability and growth in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

Additional Resources

For more detailed insights from this survey, download the full report here.

As logistics companies continue to grapple with these challenges, it's crucial to seek solutions that streamline processes, reduce reliance on manual input, and enhance overall service delivery in this pivotal industry.