LKJ, Isuzu and Fujitsu Begin Pharma Logistics Trial

Logistics Knight Japan Inc., Isuzu Motors Limited, and Fujitsu Limited will begin a demo experiment in early November. They want to build a logistics platform for drugs. This will help stabilize Japan’s medicine supply.

The project, chosen by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), plans to set up a logistics system. This system follows the path of medications from factories to pharmacies and hospitals. The experiment will focus on quality control during transport. It will ensure proper temperature conditions. It will also simulate joint transport and pallet delivery. This aims to improve logistics efficiency.

背景

Japan’s logistics sector faces growing challenges. Transport capacity is shrinking. The driver workforce is getting older, and costs are going up. In the pharmaceutical field, having enough production doesn’t always lead to a smooth supply. Inventory and transport problems can lead to shortages and waste in some areas. Pharmaceuticals require tight temperature control and full traceability. New digital tools and teamwork methods are key for stable supply.

こちらもお読みください： Taiho Pharma Exercises Exclusive License for Casdatifan

This project aims to solve these problems by offering clear visibility in the pharmaceutical supply chain. It includes everything from making products to delivering them. It also follows Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines.

Project Overview

The field trial will explore three key themes:

1. Visualization of inventory and temperature control across the logistics network in accordance with GDP standards.
2. Joint transport models to improve logistics efficiency and reduce redundancy.
3. Pallet-based delivery simulations to improve handling efficiency and reduce workload.

A specific use case will involve simulating transport routes for pharmaceuticals produced domestically and delivered to pharmacies and hospitals in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost region.

The project will be jointly executed by five companies: LKJ, Isuzu Motors, Fujitsu, Transtron Inc. (Headquarters: Yokohama; President and CEO: Hayashi Mizutani), and Ridgelinez Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takefumi Morimitsu). Together, they will advance the initiative designated by MLIT as the “Pharmaceutical Logistics Platform Project.”

Roles of Each Company

• Logistics Knight Japan (LKJ) – Provides specialized expertise in pharmaceutical logistics and quality control.
• Isuzu Motors – Supplies vehicle and operational data using its GATEX information infrastructure, which offers advanced fleet management and operational support services.
• 富士通 – Contributes foundational technology from Japan’s Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) – Smart Logistics Service, as well as its Dynamic Supply Chain Management solution to ensure data-driven, flexible logistics coordination.

今後の展望

The partners aim to build a nationwide platform for pharmaceutical logistics. This platform will boost supply stability, reduce waste, and promote sustainable operations. They plan to achieve this with better data sharing and teamwork.

The project supports the goals of the Pharmaceutical Working Group. This group is part of the Physical Internet Realization Conference. It’s a joint effort by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and MLIT.

Logistics Knight Japan wants to create a sustainable logistics ecosystem with this initiative. This helps everyone: manufacturers, logistics providers, wholesalers, pharmacies, and patients. The goal is a strong and clear pharmaceutical supply chain.

Isuzu will continue advancing its “ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX)” plan by driving cross-industry collaboration to enhance transportation efficiency and create next-generation logistics services.

Under its Uvance business model, 富士通 aims to use logistics data to promote resilient, sustainable, and digitally integrated supply chains, contributing to both social progress and business innovation.