“We recognise that we have to be open-minded and agile when it comes to future trends in logistics technology, and collaboration with customers and like-minded suppliers is vital to achieve this. It’s an ongoing process for us - we call it Logiconomi,” explains Matthias Fischer, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling Europe. The first Logiconomi Convention took place on 31st January 2018 in Mjölby, Sweden at the company’s headquarters and factory. The event brought together leading logistics professionals from all branches of manufacturing, wholesale and retail distribution across sixteen European countries. It coincided with Toyota’s R&D exhibition, which is normally reserved for staff and suppliers only, but now offered a sneak peek to selected customers as well.
Toyota Material Handling Europe
Akiko Elmwall, PR Manager
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The event provided delegates with the opportunity to look at some of the latest developments from Toyota Material Handling Europe in the areas of automation, including robotics concepts from Toyota’s sister company Vanderlande; future handling scenarios based on artificial intelligence – known as ‘A.I. Team Logistics’, as well as a focus on energy, including the latest lithium-ion battery technologies. Telematics was another key area, based on Toyota’s leading market position, now with well over 50,000 smart trucks in operation, and with next-generation technologies enabling pre-planned flash-servicing.
Another unique aspect of the convention was the opportunity to see how automation is now being progressively introduced into Toyota’s own factories, to further improve the efficiencies of the Toyota Production System – which forms the foundation for the company’s ‘Lean Logistics’ programme. “We have a strong reputation for lean-thinking,” continues Fischer, “and we want to continuously improve our approach, focusing on the elimination of waste, preventing injuries and boosting productivity. This event has helped us to share our ideas, gain valuable feedback, and share our lean-thinking with customers.”