Yoshihiro Hatano, Executive Officer responsible for the Transport and Delivery Operation System of Yamato Transport, explains, "With the widespread use of the internet, customers' consumption behavior has changed, and B2C packages, especially ecommerce packages, have increased. The expansion of B2C packages has changed the balance of transport between regions, and we have also shifted toward taking more orders at night."

Hatano also points out that addressing the labor shortage—which is a concern due to the declining birthrate, aging population, and the so-called "2024 Problem"¹—as well as responding to climate change, has become an urgent task.

"To respond to concerns about labor shortages, it is important for us to create a work environment where drivers can feel really satisfied with their jobs, while leveling out workloads and optimizing delivery processes," Hatano says. "At the same time, to meet the changing needs in both quality and quantity, as well as to address social challenges, it is required to dynamically transform the operational structure in all areas, including package delivery, sorting, and on-site operations. Business reform is vital for building a sustainable growth model."

To Hatano, using Google Maps Platform, Google Cloud, and AGLOP was quite a natural choice. "The Route Optimization API can plan the most rational route to connect multiple locations in a single stroke based on the given objectives and constraints," he says. "The underlying Google Maps covers a really wide area and is familiar to everyone. Furthermore, the system fully uses a vast amount of geospatial data that ordinary companies could never gather on their own. This is the most significant feature of Google Maps Platform, which AGLOP also leverages."

"Over the years we have captured specific, detailed data and delivery know-how such as which routes to take, where to park, and in what order to deliver," Hatano continues. "By integrating the two datasets, we could fully leverage both spheres of knowledge. When we were working out this plan with Google Maps Platform, we were introduced to Accenture, who had experience working on overseas transportation optimization projects."

Shigeaki Namiki, Managing Director, Technology Consulting Division of Accenture, explains the appeal of Google Maps Platform.

"Google Maps Platform offers features such as displaying the entrance to a building using 'Place ID,' as well as the ability to distribute packages evenly based on various parameters," Namiki says. "Furthermore, each feature is available as an API, and everything from the app for the driver's mobile device to the tools used by the management team has already been packaged. This made it much easier for us to integrate into the AGLOP layer while considering which feature to use."

The company began implementing this new system at select delivery locations in 2024. "We have received many comments from drivers on the frontline that they can now flexibly optimize the workloads and the delivery routes," Hatano says. "Of course, we are still building the fundamental framework. As we expand the area to cover, we will face other issues. However, we have already started using the system in some areas and under certain conditions. We plan to roll out in stages and introduce it nationwide by the end of FY2026."

Namiki is also formulating a new development plan to leverage the potential of AI.

"We are also looking to increase the potential of the platform itself. For example, if we utilize generative AI, it should be possible to provide real-time guidance based on drive recorder images and video, and to navigate the driver by interactive voice," he says. "We recognize that implementing these functions would be extremely useful, not only to improve delivery efficiency, but also to ensure driver safety."