EPISODEINTERVIEW
02

The strength of logistics contributes even at workplaces where people's lives are at stake.

Konoike Medical Co., Ltd.
Tokyo Office
Manager

HIROSHI NAKATA

HIROSHI

NAKATA

This is a real workplace that saves human lives. At the same time, it's a workplace that is incredibly interesting and has an abundance of diversity.

As part of on-site operations in the healthcare industry, which includes intrahospital distribution; the outsourcing of cleaning and sterilization of medical instruments; the manufacture, inspection, and maintenance of devices for manufacturers and wholesalers; and the storage and transportation of products; we have a hand in various operations that apply Konoike's unique expertise. Even though we say distribution, this is a site that is truly involved in saving lives. We place great importance on maintaining a healthy body and mind. We believe that quality can be created out of this mindset. In addition, we see a lot of staff joining us from different industries, which gives us access to a wide range of opinions that come from these differing backgrounds and resulting points of view. These differing opinions provide us with hints on how to make situations better. Putting it another way, this is a workplace where we have a lot of opportunities and ability to show our true potential, and the staff are autonomous and forward-looking. I feel that this is a very interesting and diverse place.

HIROSHI

NAKATA

Evaluations of the quality of our work became new requests. It was a happy moment when we exceeded the expectations of our customer.

There was a time when we were selected to perform some work for a foreign manufacturer, and we visited a local site here in Japan to allow us to take on the work. We have a lot of experience cleaning surgical equipment for a number of manufacturers, and we're used to it, so when we checked our partner's surgical equipment we were able to quickly analyze it on-site and provide proposals on things such as points to keep in mind while cleaning it. When we did this, they responded with surprise that Konoike's technical skills and quality were great, which led to new requests like having Konoike take a look at and offer advice on other matters, such as methods for schedule control. I was very happy to see this. The group at that time was made up of just two people, but has now expanded to more than a dozen.

HIROSHI

NAKATA

The DNA of integrated distribution contributes to a new society. I want to provide new value as feedback to the site.

I think it's rare to be involved in not only intrahospital distribution, but also at the same time be working on projects for manufacturers. For example, when a manufacturer wants to sell implants at a hospital or import products from overseas, they need to search for locations and establish operations on-site. Konoike has integrated distribution in its DNA, and has a lot of experienced staff with a certain expertise. So if a customer chooses us when they want to run their operations more leanly or otherwise in the most efficient manner, we have a company structure that is ready to help them achieve their goals. Furthermore, as legislation involving the reuse of medical devices moves forward, we are thinking of ways to prepare our business to allow it to contribute to society in new ways. As evidenced here, we have our antennae tuned in a variety of directions as we seek to further increase our experience and knowledge. I would like to be involved in appealing work that is able to provide new value as feedback to the workplace and staff.