Co-Creation Case: How to Overcome the Greatest Challenge in Logistics DX—APT and Yamaniya Logistics Service Pave the Way Toward Automation That Moves Hearts

APT Corporation (Headquarters: Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture; President and CEO: Ryota Inoue; hereinafter 'APT'), a provider of automated warehouse systems and logistics IT solutions, announces its unique human-centered change management approach (consciousness transformation and adoption support) to address the challenges of 'on-site staff psychological resistance' and 'elimination of knowledge silos' that many companies face during the rapid adoption of digital transformation (DX) and automation equipment in the logistics industry.

▲ Mr. Gōken Ishikawa of APT ▲ Mr. Makoto Nishihara of Yamaniya Logistics Service

Rather than simply introducing technology and equipment, APT focuses on listening to each individual on-site worker and continuously engaging in dialogue to lower the 'emotional barriers,' thereby building truly functional logistics operations. APT has published a detailed practical process based on this field-driven philosophy, incorporating its collaboration with Yamaniya Logistics Service Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture), a comprehensive logistics company, in a special feature article on the logistics industry media platform 'LOGISTICS TODAY.'

▼ Read the LOGISTICS TODAY Special Feature Article
URL: https://www.logi-today.com/955712

■ Background: The Real Challenge of Technology Adoption—'Persuasion Is the Hardest Part'

Amid labor shortages and regulatory changes, digitalization and automation investments in logistics operations are accelerating. However, the root cause of failures—such as 'high-cost systems not being adopted on-site' or 'systems not being fully utilized'—is not inadequate system performance, but rather the anxiety among on-site staff about losing familiar workflows or their roles to automation. As an independent integrator with expertise in diverse domestic and international material handling equipment and systems, APT has been involved in numerous warehouse launches and system upgrades. Through these experiences, APT recognizes that 'persuading on-site teams and lowering emotional barriers' is the most critical challenge for project success, and thus supports field-driven consciousness transformation.

■ APT's Approach and Practical Examples: Moving the 'Hearts' of On-Site Teams

In its change management practices, APT prioritizes on-site communication over theoretical logic. In its co-creation with Yamaniya Logistics Service, APT has driven problem-solving through the following processes:

Authentic Dialogue Built on Years of Trust
Regardless of whether business transactions are ongoing, APT consistently maintains a supportive, hands-on approach, deeply understanding the 'unspoken nuances' of on-site operations. Based on strong trust between team members, APT creates an environment where real on-site challenges and honest feedback can be openly shared.

Transforming 'Fear of Losing Roles' into 'Pride in Mastering Technology'
Rather than dismissing on-site resistance to new systems, APT engages in repeated dialogue to address individual concerns. This shifts mindsets from 'tasks being imposed' to 'skills being mastered through self-driven use of technology.'

Designing a Workplace 'Where Anyone Can Work'
Recognizing that labor shortages and knowledge silos stem from poor work environment design, APT collaborates with on-site teams to first create an environment 'where anyone can work comfortably'—before digitalization—thereby fundamentally resolving structural fatigue.

■ Comment from Mr. Gōken Ishikawa, Project Lead, APT Corporation

'As digitalization and automation advance, the ultimate determinant of project success becomes face-to-face, gritty communication. Having long worked alongside systems and machinery, we deeply understand that no matter how advanced the equipment, it will not function without moving the hearts of on-site workers. We will continue to uphold our field-first philosophy and work hand-in-hand with our clients to create logistics environments where everyone can work with a smile.'

■ Special Feature Article Publication Details

Media: LOGISTICS TODAY
Article Title: APT: When People Connect, Equipment and Workplaces Transform
URL: https://www.logi-today.com/955712
Publication Date: June 4, 2026

【About APT Corporation】

APT Corporation aims to deliver new value to the warehousing industry and transform the sector as a whole through problem-solving. As an independent integrator not dependent on any single domestic or international manufacturer, APT leverages its multi-vendor compatibility strength to support clients in maximizing value and optimizing costs, while delivering smiles to all warehouse workers.

【Company Overview】

Company Name: APT Corporation
Established: August 2009 (Founded: October 1984)
Representative: President and CEO Ryota Inoue
URL: https://n-apt.com/
Headquarters: 22F, Building B, M-KO Techno Garden, 1-3 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba 261-0023, Japan
Business Activities: Installation and support services for machinery and equipment