Eliminates inefficiencies and hassle for both logistics companies and shippers. Completes ordering procedures in one stop.

STANDAGE Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Adachi Akinori; hereinafter referred to as Standage) has begun offering a new service called "Digitrad Forwarding" (hereinafter referred to as the "System") in March 2023, which enables instantaneous estimates of international logistics costs and centralized management of internal and external transactions.
By referencing rates in databases held by logistics companies, quotations that would normally take several days to a week can now be presented online instantly. This eliminates the need to spend time creating rough estimates, allowing you to focus on projects with a higher probability of winning. In addition, the presentation of these quotations and subsequent communications with shippers after an order is placed can be centrally managed for each project using a proprietary "ticket" system. The service will initially be released as an open beta version to confirm the system flow and usability.

■ Background of service development
The wave of digital transformation to improve business efficiency is sweeping across the trade and logistics industry without exception. In logistics, while major companies are developing and utilizing their own systems, the systemization has been promoted at a "point" level, which has led to a lack of horizontal collaboration both inside and outside the company, resulting in inefficiency in operations. In fact, according to interviews with major logistics companies, half of their daily work hours are spent checking and responding to emails and phone calls.
Even when it comes to introducing new DX systems, many logistics companies are hesitant to take the risks of changing their existing operations, which is leading to delays in digitalization and efficiency improvements across the industry.
If inefficiencies in logistics, which plays a part in the import-export process, can be eliminated and logistics costs can be reduced, more domestic companies will be able to trade with overseas companies, which will contribute to revitalizing the economy and earning foreign currency.

■ A system that is as easy to use as an airline ticket comparison and booking site
This system is a digital forwarding system that solves the problems of both shippers and logistics companies (forwarders). Shippers can instantly obtain and review logistics cost estimates online, which previously took several days to a week to obtain. In addition, after checking the rough estimate, they can proceed to the actual ordering process from the same platform.
For logistics companies, this will lead to a significant reduction in the effort required to create estimates, enabling them to allocate resources only to projects with a high probability of receiving an order.

In addition, with this system, everything from requests for quotes and orders to communications between staff can be managed centrally on a case-by-case basis using the "ticket" system on the platform. The "ticket" system was developed independently by Standage, and not only can communications including attached documents be managed collectively for each case, but it also allows for chat-style communication between staff both inside and outside the company.

■ A "field perspective" that enables smooth digital transition even for legacy companies
"Digitrad Forwarding" is a service developed with an emphasis on the perspective of logistics companies on the ground. Aiming to create a system that would enable even legacy companies to become digital forwarders without interrupting their long-standing existing operations, we actually spent several months infiltrating logistics companies' sites. We designed and developed the service after grasping the issues, opinions, and realities faced by the people on the ground.

■ Delivery format and future outlook
A fixed fee will be charged to the logistics company for each quote received.
The system is in operation until the end of February 2023, and discussions are already underway with around 10 logistics companies, including major ones, to introduce it. Major logistics companies are said to handle around 10,000 quotes per company per year, and the aim is for it to be used for 50,000 to 100,000 times in the first year.
Standage will continue to strive to create a society in which all companies around the world can be seamlessly connected, and will continue to develop and provide services that enable the digitalization of trade.