Retail/Wholesale
AUTOBACS SEVEN CO., LTD. (East Japan Logistics Center / Implementation of the 3D Sorting System)
Challenges
- Operations had remained unchanged for over 30 years.
- Sorting for approximately 300 stores required 20 hours per day using handheld terminals (HHTs).
- Increasing shipment volumes and SKU counts led to higher workloads and greater risk of shipment delays.
Results
- Automated the sorting of small-item products using the 3D Sorting System and T-sort.
- Improved productivity by approximately 10 times while reducing daily operating time to just 1.6 hours.
- Reduced workload and minimized the risk of operational delays.
BackgroundAddressing Growing Logistics Volumes While Reducing Operational Burden
Background
Addressing Growing Logistics Volumes While Reducing Operational Burden
The East Japan Logistics Center of AUTOBACS SEVEN Co., Ltd. is responsible for supplying stores across a wide area, from Shizuoka Prefecture to Hokkaido. As shipment volumes and the number of SKUs continued to increase, the center faced growing operational burdens and a higher risk of shipping delays.
To overcome these challenges, the company introduced Toyo Kanetsu's 3D Sorting System, enabling a more efficient and scalable sorting operation.
Why We Were SelectedStrong Proposal Capabilities and Flexible Solutions Tailored to Operational Challenges
Why We Were Selected
Strong Proposal Capabilities and Flexible Solutions Tailored to Operational Challenges
AUTOBACS SEVEN highly valued not only the long-standing relationship of trust built since the launch of the East Japan Logistics Center, but also Toyo Kanetsu's clear understanding of operational challenges and its practical proposals for improvement.
In addition to sorting products, the system was customized to support return-item processing and designated SKU sorting functions, providing a solution optimized for on-site operations.
OperationStreamlining Sorting for 300 Stores and Increasing Productivity by Approximately 10 Times
Operation
Streamlining Sorting for 300 Stores and Increasing Productivity by Approximately 10 Times
Before implementation, workers manually walked throughout the warehouse while sorting products for approximately 300 stores.
After implementation, operations were simplified to scanning items and placing them onto a T-sort AMR. The T-sort system and 3D Sorting System then automatically transport and sort products to their designated destinations.
As a result, processing capacity increased dramatically from approximately 78 items per hour to 800 items per hour. Walking time and training requirements were also significantly reduced, enabling substantial labor savings and operational efficiency improvements.
The logistics center had already implemented an RFID Roll Container Management System, allowing real-time tracking of both returnable plastic containers and roll containers. Since information on returned containers can be instantly digitized, manual management tasks have been reduced, further improving overall warehouse efficiency.
Future OutlookBuilding a Sustainable Logistics Center Through Expanded Automation
Future Outlook
Building a Sustainable Logistics Center Through Expanded Automation
To address the ongoing challenges of labor shortages and againg workforce in the logistics industry, AUTOBACS SEVEN is pursuing further automation initiatives.
The company aims to reduce employee workloads and enhance logistics quality through the future adoption of technologies such as automated packaging equipment and next-generation automated storage systems.
※ Information in this case study reflects conditions as of February 2026.
Products and Services Introduced
