Higashi Holdings Enhances Network Infrastructure with NETGEAR

About Higashi Holdings: Expanding Business Domains

Higashi Holdings Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive logistics company with over 80 years of history. Its distinctive feature is supporting "business" starting from logistics, offering a wide range of services beyond just transportation and warehousing.

While its foundation is in transportation and warehousing, the company has expanded into various fields, including office relocation, in-building delivery, 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) services, and even nursing care services. In recent years, it has positioned itself as a "comprehensive logistics company," primarily serving the B2B market.

As the number of locations and business domains grows, the importance of IT infrastructure has increased significantly. In the logistics industry, where prompt responses are crucial to avoid disrupting operations, network stability is a top priority.

This case study features Yuichiro Takada, Deputy Manager of the IT Planning and Development Department at Higashi Holdings, who discusses the background and benefits of introducing NETGEAR products.

NETGEAR Products: The Reason for Adoption

Yuichiro Takada, Deputy Manager, IT Planning and Development Department, Higashi Holdings

[Image: Yuichiro Takada, Deputy Manager, IT Planning and Development Department, Higashi Holdings]

Watch the interview video [▶️].

Optimizing Network Infrastructure for Expanding Business

Interview and text by NETGEAR Japan

What was the reason for introducing NETGEAR products?

Expanding business domains: The need for IT infrastructure stability for a "comprehensive logistics company."

Higashi Holdings Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive logistics company with over 80 years of history. Its distinctive feature is supporting "business" starting from logistics, offering a wide range of services beyond just transportation and warehousing.

While its foundation is in transportation and warehousing, the company has expanded into various fields, including office relocation, in-building delivery, 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) services, and even nursing care services. In recent years, it has positioned itself as a "comprehensive logistics company," primarily serving the B2B market.

As the number of locations and business domains grows, the importance of IT infrastructure has increased significantly. In the logistics industry, where prompt responses are crucial to avoid disrupting operations, network stability is a top priority.

[Image: Higashi Holdings logo and product image with text "Evolution for Customers"]

We interviewed Yuichiro Takada, Deputy Manager of the IT Planning and Development Department at Higashi Holdings, to hear about the background and effects of introducing NETGEAR products.

Beyond Logistics: Diversified Business Operations

Could you tell us about your company's business?

Mr. Takada: Our group started with transportation and warehousing businesses. Currently, we are expanding into services beyond logistics, such as office relocation, in-building delivery, 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) services, and nursing care services.

Our characteristic is that we are a "comprehensive logistics company" offering a wide range of services.

Challenges with Network Equipment Due to Semiconductor Shortage

What were the challenges before introducing new network equipment?

Mr. Takada: We were using products from another company, but we were significantly affected by the global semiconductor shortage. Delivery times became "half a year wait," which could have disrupted our operations. Furthermore, prices remained high, making it urgent to select alternative products.

Our major challenge at the time was to "introduce products that could be stably supplied at an optimal cost."

Key Selection Criteria: Performance, Cloud Management, and Maintenance System

What were your comparison points when selecting alternative products?

Mr. Takada: First, the performance had to be comparable to the products we were using. Beyond that, we focused on cloud-based centralized management, cost advantages, and the availability of a maintenance system. NETGEAR's products met all these criteria, so we decided to adopt them.

[Image: NETGEAR Insight Cloud Managed Access Point (WAX610)]

Streamlining Operations with Cloud Management: Peace of Mind from "No Trouble"

What were the effects after implementation?

Mr. Takada: The operation has been smooth without any major issues. In terms of effects, the IT department's management workload has significantly decreased thanks to cloud-based management. We haven't received any specific feedback from the field, which we interpret as a sign of "no major troubles."

Since network is an infrastructure that supports business operations, its seamless functioning is paramount.

Starting with a Review of "Internal Standards" for the Introduction Process

How did the implementation proceed?

Mr. Takada: We already had established "internal standards." Therefore, instead of a company-wide rollout, we started with a test introduction at our head office. In practice, we found the performance and management to be perfectly fine. After confirming this, we gradually expanded the deployment, starting with smaller warehouses. Finally, in 2022, we implemented the solution in a newly constructed large-scale warehouse, establishing our network infrastructure.

Contributing to Warehouses and Offices

Where are NETGEAR products currently used?

Mr. Takada: They are mainly used in warehouses and offices.

In warehouses, stable operation is extremely important, as network communication often involves handheld terminals in conjunction with PCs. The same applies to offices, where they support the network infrastructure for PC environments.

[Image: NETGEAR Multi-Gigabit Smart Managed Switch (MS510TXUP)]

Future Expectations: Demand for More Integrated Management

What are your expectations for network infrastructure in the future?

Mr. Takada: Our group plans further business expansion. As our locations increase, the burden of network management will also grow. Ideally, it would be best to achieve integrated management across manufacturers, but it would be helpful if NETGEAR could further expand its compatible products.

We in the IT department also expect our operational load to be continuously reduced.

Summary

Higashi Holdings is expanding its diverse business operations centered around logistics. NETGEAR products have demonstrated effectiveness in providing "stable operation" and "reducing workload through cloud management" as the foundation supporting this growth.

The greatest value lies in the network's continuous availability. This implementation case study reaffirms its importance.

Products Introduced

• NETGEAR Insight Cloud Managed Access Point (WAX610)
• NETGEAR Multi-Gigabit Smart Managed Switch (MS510TXUP)