Logistics innovation for Toyota's world car strategy

摘要

For auto makers, it is important to be able to establish global supply chain management systems. In particular, rethinking of logistics and lead-time improvements are essential. Toyota Automobiles places stress on overseas global development, but in practice, there are large differences of awareness among countries. This study aims to discuss the company's approach to logistics focussing on lead-time. A global distribution management system, so called COSMOS, developed from 2002 on, using a network of new computer systems to locate vehicles from their exit from the assembly line to their arrival at dealers worldwide now ensures excellent traceability, Further, the paper also discusses two case studies concerning effective logistics improvement (Kaizen) factors for lead-time reduction.