Logistique · Logistics Industry
Logistics industry — business development and systems
Re-designing logistics operations through interface and infrastructure.
Service territories
Product information management / EDI / cross-border site UI / new logistics platforms
Engagements delivered
Four territories / multiple engagements
Areas of fluency
B2B logistics, D2C delivery design, cross-border e-commerce, UI design
Distinctive strengths
Translation between operations and UI, phased introduction planning, hybrid EDI design
Les Défis · Structural challenges of the industry
Why is it difficult.
The coexistence of EDI and manual work
In an industry where EDI is supposedly widespread, fax, telephone, and spreadsheets remain in actual use. Many projects fail when they attempt to push this hybrid state onto EDI in a single stroke. The work requires a design that lets digitalization permeate in stages.
Fragmentation of inter-company protocols
Inter-company exchange of order, shipping, and inventory data carries formats, timings, and exception-handling unique to each industry and each trading partner. What fits the floor is not "standardization" but "coherence at each point of connection."
The complexity of cross-border logistics and cross-border e-commerce
In cross-border trade, customs, regulation, logistics networks, payment, and customer support intersect across multiple layers. UI design here is not surface decoration; it is the work of translating operations across all those layers into the interface.
The rise of new logistics models — D2C, subscription, C-to-C
Flows that differ from traditional B2B logistics — D2C delivery, subscription replenishment, C-to-C matching — are increasingly becoming the center of business. The premises of order processing and logistics must be re-designed from the ground up.
L'Approche · Sun&R.Lab's approach
How we weave it.
Step 01
Fieldwork and translation of tacit operational knowledge
We conduct fieldwork at warehouses, delivery operations, order processing, and customer support, rendering visible the hybrid state of paper and digital. We re-architect the priority of improvements based on impact to operations.
Step 02
Phased introduction planning
We construct phased introduction plans that account for operator load and parallel-operation periods. Rather than "switch everything over at cut-over," we honor the time-tested approach of "verifying accuracy under parallel operation, then migrating gradually."
Step 03
Hybrid design of EDI integration and human intervention
Without rushing toward full automation, we make the touchpoints of necessary human intervention explicit. By having the system clearly support "the moments where humans intervene," we engineer a system design in which operations do not break down.
Step 04
Treating UI as the translation of the entire operation
UI/UX is not surface decoration; it is the work of translating the entire operation. In cross-border sites in particular, the correct projection of customs, delivery, payment, and support operations into the UI is what directly underwrites the credibility of the business.
Step 05
Order-to-delivery flow design for new ventures
For D2C, subscription, and C-to-C ventures, we untie existing logistics premises once and re-design the flow from the particularities of the business model. Beyond the order-management system, we draw the alignment with the business plan all the way into the structure of logistics costs.
Questions · Frequently asked questions
About this industry
Can you support EDI introduction?
Yes. Without rushing toward full automation, we walk alongside the work — from a phased introduction plan that accounts for operator load and parallel operation, through format design for inter-company integration, and on into the embedding of the new operation into daily practice.
Can you support cross-border e-commerce systems?
Yes. We treat the engagement not only as UI design but as the translation of the entire operation — including customs, delivery, payment, and customer support. Our portfolio includes UI design and systems consulting for cross-border sites.
Can you support the launch of new logistics ventures — D2C, subscription, or C-to-C?
Yes. We untie the order-to-delivery flow particular to the business model from existing premises, re-design it, and walk alongside the work end-to-end — through systems implementation and the optimization of logistics-cost structures.
How does the engagement begin?
We begin with hearings to understand the present state of operations and digitalization, then organize the priority of improvement points. From there we propose an engagement design suited to the phase. We invite you to begin the conversation at contact@sun-r-lab.com.
Discutons · We welcome your inquiry