Kewpie is advancing supply chain management reform centred on S&OP and DFL, with Kenji Maeda leading the effort as executive officer and head of the Logistics Division. Specific measures, including inspection-free receiving using ASN and inventory reduction, are under way.
Kewpie, a major processed food manufacturer, is promoting reform centred on its Logistics Division to elevate logistics to the core of management. Since 2000, it has repeatedly reorganised its operations to position logistics as a strategic function within the company, advancing reforms that began with inventory reduction.
Under the medium-term management plan “Change & Challenge,” Kewpie is strengthening S&OP and DFL as part of efforts to improve supply chain management productivity. S&OP integrates demand and supply for company-wide sharing and coordination, while DFL considers logistics efficiency from the design stage. The company plans to introduce AI agents led by the Digital Promotion Department, with completion targeted for the following fiscal year and beyond.
Promoting logistics collaboration is also a key issue. Activities such as LT2 promotion and SBM meetings are being expanded to deepen collaboration among manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Against a backdrop of commitment from senior management, initiatives to expand the scope of joint delivery and logistics digital transformation are continuing.
Using ASN to eliminate inspection is one of the core measures. Multiple products are consolidated on a single pallet to reduce waiting times, while delivery frequency is being reviewed to ease handling workloads. Going forward, Kewpie plans to expand joint delivery and standardise data, promoting logistics structural reform across the company.