Tokyo, January 23, 2024 -- Fujitsu, Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd., and Home Logistics Co., Ltd. (hereinafter Home Logistics) today announced the introduction of a delivery optimization technology utilizing Fujitsu's quantum-inspired Digital Annealer (1) technology for use in distribution centers operated by Home Logistics, a company of the Nitori Group.

Home Logistics launched the new technology at 80 distribution centers nationwide in Japan, enabling it to quickly determine optimal delivery routes from a vast number of possibilities. The new system leverages Fujitsu’s Digital Annealer to calculate the possible impact of complex variables including the load capacity of trucks, working hours of drivers, and distance travelled, to generate the best possible delivery routes. This makes it possible to reduce drivers’ working hours, get products to customers more quickly, while also contributing to the mitigation of the environmental impacts of delivery, including air pollution and CO2 emissions.

Moving forward, the Nitori Group, will continue to work to improve convenience for customers by improving logistics quality.

Background

Labor shortages, compliance with regulations on working hours for truck drivers and the reduction of CO2 emissions represent several important challenges in the logistic industry amidst an increasing demand for deliveries.

To this end, the Nitori Group has been working to improve the quality and efficiency of its logistics by focusing on streamlining last-mile delivery services. To address the increasing demand for product delivery to customers, the Nitori Group introduced a delivery optimization technology utilizing Fujitsu's quantum-inspired Digital Annealer technology into the delivery system of distribution centers operated by Home Logistics to enable quick determination of optimal delivery routes and ultimately improve the efficiency of Home Logistics delivery operations.

Future Plans

Based on its mission statement “to provide the foundation of prosperous home living to the global community,” the Nitori Group will continue to promote sustainability management, and, as a manufacturing logistics IT retail business, will contribute to the solution of societal issues throughout the supply chain.

Fujitsu will continue to support digital transformation (DX) throughout the Nitori Group’s supply chain, and contribute to the solution of global environmental problems and the development of a digital society through the creative application of innovative technologies.