CJ Logistics Wins Grand Prize in Logistics Idea Contest for 'Dongdaemun Apparel Fulfillment'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] A student team from Korea Aerospace University that proposed a fulfillment service to Dongdaemun clothing wholesalers to reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency by utilizing vacant commercial spaces won the grand prize at CJ Logistics' idea presentation event. It was reported that the team members even worked part-time at Dongdaemun Market for a month to conduct their research.

CJ Logistics announced on the 11th that it held an awards ceremony for the ‘2022 Recruitment-Linked Logistics Innovation Idea Presentation Contest.’

The grand prize went to the team of Park Ki-tae, Jeon Hyun-bin, and Choi Jin-yong from Korea Aerospace University. The winning team proposed a dedicated fulfillment service for the Dongdaemun clothing market targeting medium-sized clothing wholesalers, which could reduce costs by up to 35% and enhance operational efficiency.

The judges gave high scores for the thorough field research and extensive interviews that led to a very high-level analysis, excellent approach, and sound feasibility review. Park Ki-tae, the team leader, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I thank everyone who helped with the project and CJ Logistics for giving us this opportunity."

To understand the current state of clothing logistics in Dongdaemun Market, the team reportedly conducted field research by arriving at the market at 11 p.m. and carrying clothing products themselves until 7 a.m.

The excellence awards were given to Kim Jae-ha from Inha University and Kang Hyuk from Korea Maritime and Ocean University, each participating as a solo team. Kim Jae-ha proposed a strategy to maximize parcel collection efficiency and improve ITS equipment based on his seven years of part-time work at CJ Logistics and current experience as a delivery driver in the Incheon area. The judges evaluated his ideas as highly practical and realistic in the field.

Kim said, "I was able to propose solutions to issues I had pondered while working directly in the field," adding, "If I join CJ Logistics, I want to work in a department that improves parcel delivery operations."

Kang Hyuk proposed a ‘Machine Learning-Based Rail-Type Thermal Imaging Fire Detection System,’ which uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology and thermal imaging cameras to detect and extinguish fires inside logistics centers before they spread. The system was highly praised for reducing costs and increasing efficiency by using mobile cameras instead of fixed CCTV and for its thoughtful approach to fire detection using AI.

The merit awards went to Lee Min-kyung from Chung-Ang University for ‘Quick Commerce Enhancing Logistics Delivery Efficiency through Dark Stores’ and the team of Kwon Dong-han, Kim Min-hye, and Kim Seong-hyun from Korea Maritime and Ocean University for ‘Braille Invoice Proposal for the Visually Impaired.’

At the awards ceremony, the grand prize team received 2 million KRW, the two excellence award teams each received 1 million KRW, and the two merit award teams each received 500,000 KRW. Additionally, the winners are granted exemptions from document screening, aptitude tests, and first-round interviews when applying to CJ Logistics.

A total of 33 teams and 56 participants from across the country competed in this presentation contest, submitting innovative and high-quality proposals in various fields such as big data, AI, metaverse, platforms, ESG (environment, social, governance), and last-mile logistics, resulting in a fierce competition.

Last year, CJ Logistics celebrated its 91st anniversary and declared a future vision to transform into an innovative technology company through revolutionary changes in advanced technology, top talent, and organizational culture. Since May, the company has been hosting the ‘Logistics Innovation Idea Presentation Contest’ focused on innovative ideas that contribute to enhancing logistics competitiveness and can be realistically implemented, culminating in this awards ceremony.

Lee Jung-hyun, Head of HR Support at CJ Logistics, said, “We will use the discovery of innovative and creative talents as a new driving force to leap forward as an innovative technology company.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.