Ascend

Ascend Co., Ltd., founded in March 2020 by CEO Mizuki Kusaka, is a logistics technology firm focused on the digital transformation of Japan's trucking industry. The company was established to address critical challenges in the logistics sector, which is considered the lifeblood of the economy. Kusaka, who has deep insight into the industry, leads a team dedicated to evolving logistics into a data-driven information industry. In March 2023, the company changed its Japanese trade name from 'ascend株式会社' to 'アセンド株式会社' to be more recognizable to its client base.

Ascend's primary business is the development and provision of "LogiX," a cloud-based transportation management system for trucking companies. This Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform offers an all-in-one solution to digitalize analog-heavy operations, from order reception and vehicle dispatch to invoicing. By centralizing operational data, LogiX enables real-time visualization of key performance indicators such as profit margins and vehicle turnover rates, thereby supporting management in making data-informed decisions for profitability improvement. The system is designed with high customizability to accommodate the unique operations of different clients. Ascend supports implementation through on-site hearings and a trial period to ensure the system meets the specific needs of each user.

Beyond its SaaS offering, Ascend provides DX (Digital Transformation) consulting services. This includes support for pricing strategies to ensure fair freight rates, IT consulting, and business process re-engineering for transportation companies. The firm also extends its consulting expertise to government bodies and industry associations, contributing to market research, policy proposals, and the development of educational content. Ascend has been involved in projects with government entities like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and has provided DX lectures for the All Japan K-Truck Association. The company generates revenue through subscriptions to its LogiX platform and fees from its consulting services.

Keywords: Logistics tech, transportation management system, LogiX, SaaS, trucking industry, fleet management, dispatch management, logistics DX, supply chain optimization, digital transformation, Mizuki Kusaka, logistics consulting, freight tech, transportation software, Japanese logistics, business process re-engineering, fleet efficiency, transport management, logistics data analytics, operational efficiency