일본의 스마트 창고 시장 규모는 2024년 18억 7,000만 달러에서 2032년 44억 2,000만 달러에 달할 것으로 예상되며, 2025-2032년의 예측 기간 동안 연평균 11.35%의 성장률을 보일 것으로 예상됩니다. 시장은 자동화 통합, 로봇 기술, 운영 효율성 향상, 인건비 증가, 재고 관리 개선 등 여러 상호 연관된 기술 발전 등 여러 요인으로 인해 성장세를 보이고 있습니다.
전자상거래의 부상과 빠른 배송에 대한 소비자의 기대는 효율적인 물류 및 공급망 관리에 대한 수요 증가로 이어져 기업들이 첨단 창고 솔루션을 도입하도록 유도하고 있습니다. 일본 노동자의 고령화로 인해 노동력 부족을 해소하고 생산성을 자동으로 유지하는 것이 시급한 과제로 떠오르고 있습니다. 스마트 기술과 지속 가능한 관행을 장려하는 정부의 이니셔티브는 스마트 스토리지 인프라에 대한 투자를 촉진하고 있습니다. 또한, 기업들은 재고 수준을 최적화하고 경영을 간소화하기 위해 데이터 분석에 점점 더 많은 노력을 기울이고 있으며, 이는 시장 성장을 더욱 촉진하고 있습니다. 이러한 요인들이 복합적으로 작용하여 일본의 스마트 창고 산업이 빠르게 변화하는 소매 환경에 적응하기 위해 노력하는 기업들에게 미래 공급망 생태계의 중요한 구성 요소로 자리 매김하고 있습니다.
지브라 테크놀로지스(Zebra Technologies Corp.)는 지난 10월, 조리기구 무역 회사인 에베마츠 쇼지(Ebematsu Shoji)가 Zebra의 핸드헬드 디바이스 MC20을 도입한 결과, 하루 23시간의 창고 이동 시간을 단축하고 배송 오류를 30% 줄였습니다고 발표했습니다. 가볍고 내구성이 뛰어난 안드로이드 기반의 MC20은 직원들이 실시간 정보에 접근할 수 있도록 하여 창고 관리, 피킹, 출하 검사 및 재고 관리의 업무 효율성을 직접적으로 향상시키는데 도움을 줍니다. 아시아태평양 창고 시장에서 워크플로우 자동화가 확대되고 있는 추세에 발맞추어, 업계 경영진의 70%가 2024년까지 이러한 기술을 도입할 계획인 것으로 나타났습니다. Zebra의 솔루션은 디지털화를 촉진하고 생산성을 향상시킴으로써 일본의 스마트 창고 시장의 성장에 크게 기여하고 고객 만족도와 수익성을 높일 수 있을 것으로 기대됩니다.
이 보고서는 일본의 스마트 창고 시장에 대해 조사 분석하여 시장 규모와 예측, 시장 역학, 주요 기업 현황 등을 제공합니다.
Japan smart warehousing market is projected to witness a CAGR of 11.35% during the forecast period FY2025-FY2032, growing from USD 1.87 billion in FY2024 to USD 4.42 billion in FY2032. The market is experiencing growth due to several interrelated factors, such as technological advances, including automation integration, robotics technology, operational efficiency, increasing labor costs, and improved stock management.
The rise of e-commerce and consumer expectations for fast delivery have fuelled the rising demand for efficient logistics and supply chain management prompting companies to adopt advanced warehousing solutions. The Japanese aging labor is urgent to solve labor shortages and maintain productivity automatically. Government initiatives promoting smart technology and sustainable practices drive investment in smart storage infrastructure. In addition, companies are increasingly focusing on data analytics to optimize inventory levels and streamline operations, further supporting market growth. The combination of these factors is driving the expansion of Japan's smart warehouse industry, positioning it as a key component of the future supply chain ecosystem as companies strive to adapt to the rapidly changing retail environment.
In October 2023, Zebra Technologies Corp. announced that Ebematsu Shoji, a cooking utensil trading company, has deployed Zebra's MC20 handheld terminals resulting in a daily reduction of 23 hours in warehouse travel time and a 30% decrease in shipping errors. The MC20, a lightweight and durable Android-based device, allows staff to access real-time information, directly enhancing operational efficiency in warehousing, picking, shipping inspection, and inventory management. This implementation, supported by Sofu Systems, aligns with the growing trend of workflow automation in Asia-Pacific warehousing market as 70% of the industry executives plan to adopt such technologies by 2024. By facilitating digitalization and improving productivity, Zebra's solutions significantly contribute to the growth of Japan smart warehousing market ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and profitability.
E-commerce to Fuel Smart Warehousing Market Growth
The growth of e-commerce in Japan is a major reason for the growth of the smart warehousing market. Online retail continues to gain popularity, and businesses are challenged to meet customer demands for faster and more efficient delivery services. This enhances the need for advanced decision-making in the farm warehouse, addresses the increase in control, and optimizes preliminary management. Intellectual warehouses such as automation, robot engineering, and data analysts can optimize activities, reduce processing time, and increase accuracy in order. The shift to omnichannel retail requires flexible, responsive warehousing systems that accommodate diverse distribution needs. E-commerce continues to evolve, and businesses are increasingly investing in smart warehouses to strengthen their competitive advantage and meet high consumer expectations, driving the growth of the market.
In April 2023, Kyoto University and IBM Japan developed a medical data and AI platform on Google Cloud to enhance data utilization at Kyoto University's Graduate School of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals. This platform includes a data lake and data warehouse that facilitates the collection and storage of structured and unstructured medical data, improving accessibility and scalability. Currently aiding clinical research, particularly in diagnosing rare diseases, the platform is set to expand its capabilities by incorporating more data types and developing a comprehensive data catalog compliant with global standards such as HL7 FHIR. This initiative supports research and education and aims to extend its services to other hospitals and organizations, contributing to the growth of Japan's smart warehousing market by streamlining healthcare data management and fostering innovation through AI applications.
Technology and Automation to Drive Market Growth
Technological advancements contribute to the growth of the smart warehousing market in Japan, which considerably increases operational and precision efficiency. Innovations such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence transform traditional warehouse methods. Automated guided vehicles and drones optimize the movement of goods. Advanced inventory management systems use data analytics to optimize stock levels and reduce waste and machine learning algorithms predict demand trends to enable more proactive inventory management. These technologies minimize human error and reduce labor costs and increase throughput allowing companies to complete large orders more quickly. As businesses strive to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market, the adoption of smart warehouse technologies is essential to accelerate investment and development in this sector, improving productivity and shaping the future of warehousing in Japan.
In October 2024, Tecsys Inc. launched its Elite 24.2 software release, enhancing supply chain performance through advanced data science and technology tools. Key features include a Dynamic Picking Control Tower for real-time warehouse monitoring, the personalized My Top 5 business intelligence dashboard for focused management, AI-assisted Item Master Data Cleansing for improved data accuracy and Electronic Shelf Labels for better inventory tracking in healthcare settings. These innovations enable organizations to turn complex data into actionable insights, driving operational efficiency and responsiveness. This focus on data-driven solutions supports the growth of the smart warehousing market by improving automation, accuracy, and decision-making, essential for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.
Cloud Segment to Dominate Smart Warehousing Market Share
Cloud segments dominate the share of Japan smart warehousing market to provide more advantages than conventional local solutions. Cloud systems provide unprecedented flexibility and scalability so that companies can easily adjust resources to meet the fluctuations of demand and seasonal peaks. This is important in the rapidly changing environment of electronic commerce. These systems enable real-time access to data facilitating better decision-making and enhanced collaboration between supply chain partners. Cloud solutions reduce the need for large upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure, resulting in lower operational costs. It provides seamless integration with advanced technologies, such as IoT, AI, and machine learning, necessary to optimize the warehouses. As businesses prioritize efficiency and flexibility in their logistics processes, their ability to deliver innovative, adaptable, and cost-effective warehousing solutions to cloud industries positions for substantial growth in the logistics market.
In October 2024, Yusen Logistics selected Manhattan Active Warehouse Management for its new 1,191,000 square foot distribution center in Northampton, the United Kingdom, set to open in January 2026. This partnership highlights Yusen's commitment to enhancing performance through advanced automation and cloud-native technology. Manhattan's solution, built from API microservices, offers scalability and agility, enabling real-time distribution planning and improved operational decisions. This implementation will foster growth in the smart warehousing market by driving efficiency, reducing operational costs, and integrating warehouse management with transportation and labor systems, ultimately creating a unified supply chain experience that meets the dynamic challenges of modern logistics.
Central Japan to Dominate the Smart Warehousing Market Share
The central region, especially the Kanto region, dominates the smart warehousing market due to its strategic advantages and economic vitality. The region has an extensive transportation network, including highways and railways, facilitating efficient logistics and delivery to meet the needs of the rapidly growing e-commerce sector. The presence of large cities, such as Tokyo and Yokohama, is driving innovation with many technology companies pushing automation, robotics, and data analytics in warehousing solutions. The region's high population density also creates demand for fast and efficient order fulfillment, encouraging companies to adopt smart warehousing technologies. Combination of factors, such as excellent infrastructure, rich technical ecosystem, and strong consumer demand, along with the position of Tuba region, poses central Japan as a leader in Japan smart warehousing market, which leads to further investment and growth in this sector.
In October 2024, JD Logistics plans to double its overseas warehouse capacity by 2025 as a part of its global supply chain strategy to meet the rising demand for cross-border logistics. The expansion includes increasing its network of bonded and direct-mail warehouses, aiming to provide international express delivery services to around 80 countries and regions by year-end. This growth supports the smart warehousing market by leveraging advanced supply chain technology and enhancing efficiency, enabling faster delivery and improved inventory management, which are crucial for meeting the demands for global e-commerce.
Future Market Scenario (FY2025 - FY2032F)
Increasing adoption of robotics, AI, and IoT will enhance operational efficiency and accuracy. Automated picking systems, such as drones for inventory management and smart tracking solutions, are expected to rise.
The surge in e-commerce will drive the need for strategically located smart warehouses that can facilitate faster last-mile deliveries. Micro-fulfilment centers may emerge in urban areas to meet consumer demand efficiently.
There will be a strong emphasis on sustainability with warehouses adopting eco-friendly practices such as energy-efficient systems, solar power, and waste reduction initiatives. This will appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.
Advanced data analytics and AI will enable predictive analytics for inventory management, optimizing the supply chain operations. Businesses will leverage big data to accurately forecast demand, streamline operations, and reduce costs.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Japanese smart warehouse companies are adopting several strategies to stay competitive in the emerging market. They invest heavily in advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and accuracy. These companies streamline logistics by integrating automated vehicles and drones, reducing delivery times and minimizing labor costs. Additionally, companies are deciding to analyze data and Internet of Things solutions to optimize inventory management, improve decision-making, and enable real-time product tracking and monitoring. Cooperation with technical partners and startups is crucial, and companies can use advanced innovation. Many companies will strengthen their sustainable development efforts by introducing environmentally friendly practices such as warehouse projects and effective initiatives to reduce waste to contact environmental consumers. Companies are expanding their service offerings to include last-mile delivery solutions to meet the growing demand for faster and more reliable delivery options. Combining technological advancements, strategic partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and diversified services smart warehousing companies in Japan are well-positioned to grow effectively in the competitive environment.
In January 2024, Fujitsu Limited and YE DIGITAL CORPORATION partnered to enhance distribution center services in Japan, aiming to tackle labor shortages and promote sustainable supply chains. They will combine Fujitsu's warehouse management system (WMS) with YE DIGITAL's automated MMLogiStation, streamlining logistics operations. By providing planning support for new and existing distribution centers, the collaboration seeks to facilitate the adoption of automation, boosting operational efficiency and performance. This initiative contributes to the growth of the smart warehousing market by addressing key challenges, such as labor scarcity and operational inefficiencies, making automated solutions more accessible and attractive to logistics businesses.
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.