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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.34

Robot Utilization Proposal for Supply Chain Optimization / サプライチェーン最適化のためのロボット活用提案

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

Introducing robot systems for warehouse automation and logistics efficiency at a Dutch logistics company.
オランダ物流会社での倉庫自動化と物流効率化に向けたロボットシステムを導入する場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.Our robotic solution is designed specifically for...(当社のロボットソリューションは...専用に設計されている)
2.Let me elaborate on...(...について詳しく説明させてください)
3.We've carried out similar projects with...(当社は...で同様のプロジェクトを実施してきた)
4.We'll proceed in three phases to...(...するため3段階で進める)
5.Throughout the process, we ensure...(プロセス全体を通じて...を確保する)
6.Let me break down the investment...(投資額を説明させてください)
7.Based on your current labor costs, you'll achieve...(現在の人件費に基づくと...を達成できる)

1-2 Essential words
1.reduce(削減する)
2.elaborate on(詳しく説明する)
3.eliminate(排除する)
4.concern(心配)
5.disturb(支障をきたす)
6.carried out(実施した)
7.minimize(最小限に抑える)
8.appreciate(感謝する)
9.anticipate(予測する)
10.submit(提出する)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Introducing robot systems for warehouse automation and logistics efficiency at a Dutch logistics company.
オランダ物流会社での倉庫自動化と物流効率化に向けたロボットシステムを導入する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Thank you for coming today. We're looking to automate our warehouse operations, specifically picking and packing. Could you explain how your robotic system can help us reduce labor costs while improving accuracy?
(本日はお越しいただきありがとうございます。倉庫業務、特にピッキングと梱包の自動化を検討しています。貴社のロボットシステムが、どのように人件費削減と精度向上の両立を実現できるか説明していただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for the opportunity. Our robotic solution is designed specifically for logistics operations. It can reduce labor costs by 40 percent and improve picking accuracy to 99.8 percent. Let me elaborate on three key benefits: First, the system operates 24 hours without breaks. Second, it eliminates human errors in order fulfillment. Third, it integrates seamlessly with your existing warehouse management software.
(機会をいただきありがとうございます。当社のロボットソリューションは物流業務専用に設計されています。人件費を40パーセント削減し、ピッキング精度を99.8パーセントに向上できます。3つの主要なメリットを詳しく説明させてください。第一に、システムは休憩なしで24時間稼働します。第二に、注文処理におけるヒューマンエラーを排除します。第三に、既存の倉庫管理ソフトウェアとシームレスに統合できます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we're concerned about the integration process. Our current system has been customized over the years. How long will the implementation take, and will it disturb our daily operations?
(それは有望に聞こえます。しかし、統合プロセスが心配です。現在のシステムは長年カスタマイズされてきました。導入にどれくらいかかりますか?また、日常業務に支障が出ますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I understand your concern. We've carried out similar projects with European logistics companies. The implementation takes 12 weeks in total. We'll proceed in three phases to minimize disruption: Phase one is system assessment and planning, which takes 3 weeks. Phase two is installation during off-peak hours, taking 6 weeks. Phase three is staff training and testing, requiring 3 weeks. Throughout the process, we ensure your operations continue normally.
(ご心配は理解しています。当社は欧州の物流企業で同様のプロジェクトを実施してきました。導入には合計12週間かかります。混乱を最小限に抑えるため3段階で進めます。第1段階はシステム評価と計画で、3週間かかります。第2段階はオフピーク時の設置で、6週間かかります。第3段階はスタッフトレーニングとテストで、3週間必要です。プロセス全体を通じて、業務が通常通り継続できるよう確保します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
I appreciate the detailed timeline. Now, regarding costs, what's the total investment required? We need to justify this to our headquarters, so we need a clear breakdown of initial costs and ongoing expenses.
(詳細なスケジュールに感謝します。さて、コストについてですが、必要な総投資額はいくらですか?本社に正当化する必要があるため、初期費用と継続費用の明確な内訳が必要です。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Let me break down the investment clearly. The initial cost is 850000 USD, which consists of hardware at 600000 USD, software integration at 150000 USD, and training at 100000 USD. The annual maintenance is 85000 USD, covering software updates and technical support. Based on your current labor costs, you'll achieve full return on investment within 3 years. After that, you'll save approximately 280000 USD annually.
(投資額を明確に説明させてください。初期費用は850000米ドルで、ハードウェアが600000米ドル、ソフトウェア統合が150000米ドル、トレーニングが100000米ドルで構成されています。年間保守費用は85000米ドルで、ソフトウェア更新と技術サポートが含まれます。現在の人件費に基づくと、3年以内に投資を完全に回収できます。その後、年間約280000米ドルを節約できます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
The numbers are substantial, but the long-term benefits are clear. One final question: how will this automation impact our supply chain optimization goals? We want to enhance our overall efficiency, not just automate individual tasks.
(金額は大きいですが、長期的なメリットは明確です。最後の質問ですが、この自動化はサプライチェーン最適化の目標にどう影響しますか?個別のタスクを自動化するだけでなく、全体的な効率を高めたいのです。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Excellent question. Our system enhances your entire supply chain in three ways. First, real-time inventory tracking reduces stockouts by 65 percent. Second, faster order processing accelerates delivery times by 30 percent. Third, the system provides data analytics that help you anticipate demand patterns and optimize warehouse layout. This creates a more responsive and efficient supply chain overall.
(素晴らしい質問です。当社のシステムは3つの方法でサプライチェーン全体を強化します。第一に、リアルタイム在庫追跡により欠品を65パーセント削減します。第二に、より速い注文処理により配送時間を30パーセント短縮します。第三に、システムはデータ分析を提供し、需要パターンの予測と倉庫レイアウトの最適化を支援します。これにより、全体的により迅速で効率的なサプライチェーンが実現します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Thank you for the comprehensive explanation. I can see how this solution addresses both our immediate needs and long-term goals. I'll present this proposal to our management team next week. Could you send me the detailed documentation by Friday?
(包括的な説明をありがとうございます。このソリューションが当社の直近のニーズと長期目標の両方に対応していることがわかります。来週、経営陣にこの提案を提示します。金曜日までに詳細資料を送っていただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. I'll submit the complete proposal including technical specifications, implementation timeline, and cost breakdown by Thursday. I'm also available for a follow-up meeting with your management team if needed. Thank you for considering our solution.
(もちろんです。木曜日までに技術仕様、導入スケジュール、コスト内訳を含む完全な提案書を提出します。必要であれば、経営陣との追加ミーティングにも対応可能です。当社のソリューションをご検討いただきありがとうございます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Perfect. I look forward to receiving the documentation. Your solution appears to be exactly what we need to modernize our operations. I'll be in touch after our internal review.
(完璧です。資料の受領を楽しみにしています。貴社のソリューションは、当社の業務を近代化するために必要なものとぴったり合っているようです。社内レビュー後にご連絡します。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Introducing robot systems for warehouse automation and logistics efficiency at a Dutch logistics company.
オランダ物流会社での倉庫自動化と物流効率化に向けたロボットシステムを導入する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Thank you for coming today. We're looking to automate our warehouse operations, specifically picking and packing. Could you explain how your robotic system can help us reduce labor costs while improving accuracy?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for the opportunity. Our robotic solution is designed specifically for logistics operations. It can [削減する] labor costs by 40 percent and improve picking accuracy to 99.8 percent. Let me [詳しく説明する] three key benefits: First, the system operates 24 hours without breaks. Second, it [排除する] human errors in order fulfillment. Third, it integrates seamlessly with your existing warehouse management software.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we're concerned about the integration process. Our current system has been customized over the years. How long will the implementation take, and will it disturb our daily operations?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I understand your [心配]. We've [実施した] similar projects with European logistics companies. The implementation takes 12 weeks in total. We'll proceed in three phases to [最小限に抑える] disruption: Phase one is system assessment and planning, which takes 3 weeks. Phase two is installation during off-peak hours, taking 6 weeks. Phase three is staff training and testing, requiring 3 weeks. Throughout the process, we ensure your operations continue normally.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
I appreciate the detailed timeline. Now, regarding costs, what's the total investment required? We need to justify this to our headquarters, so we need a clear breakdown of initial costs and ongoing expenses.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Let me break down the investment clearly. The initial cost is 850000 USD, which consists of hardware at 600000 USD, software integration at 150000 USD, and training at 100000 USD. The annual maintenance is 85000 USD, covering software updates and technical support. Based on your current labor costs, you'll achieve full return on investment within 3 years. After that, you'll save approximately 280000 USD annually.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
The numbers are substantial, but the long-term benefits are clear. One final question: how will this automation impact our supply chain optimization goals? We want to enhance our overall efficiency, not just automate individual tasks.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Excellent question. Our system enhances your entire supply chain in three ways. First, real-time inventory tracking [削減する] stockouts by 65 percent. Second, faster order processing accelerates delivery times by 30 percent. Third, the system provides data analytics that help you [予測する] demand patterns and optimize warehouse layout. This creates a more responsive and efficient supply chain overall.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Thank you for the comprehensive explanation. I can see how this solution addresses both our immediate needs and long-term goals. I'll present this proposal to our management team next week. Could you send me the detailed documentation by Friday?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. I'll [提出する] the complete proposal including technical specifications, implementation timeline, and cost breakdown by Thursday. I'm also available for a follow-up meeting with your management team if needed. Thank you for considering our solution.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Perfect. I look forward to receiving the documentation. Your solution appears to be exactly what we need to modernize our operations. I'll be in touch after our internal review.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Introducing robot systems for warehouse automation and logistics efficiency at a Dutch logistics company.
オランダ物流会社での倉庫自動化と物流効率化に向けたロボットシステムを導入する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Thank you for coming today. We're looking to automate our warehouse operations, specifically picking and packing. Could you explain how your robotic system can help us reduce labor costs while improving accuracy?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Thank you for the opportunity. [当社のロボットソリューションは物流業務専用に設計されています。] It can reduce labor costs by 40 percent and improve picking accuracy to 99.8 percent. [3つの主要なメリットを詳しく説明させてください。] First, the system operates 24 hours without breaks. Second, it eliminates human errors in order fulfillment. Third, it integrates seamlessly with your existing warehouse management software.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
That sounds promising. However, we're concerned about the integration process. Our current system has been customized over the years. How long will the implementation take, and will it disturb our daily operations?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I understand your concern. [当社は欧州の物流企業で同様のプロジェクトを実施してきました。] The implementation takes 12 weeks in total. [混乱を最小限に抑えるため3段階で進めます。] Phase one is system assessment and planning, which takes 3 weeks. Phase two is installation during off-peak hours, taking 6 weeks. Phase three is staff training and testing, requiring 3 weeks. Throughout the process, we ensure your operations continue normally.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
I appreciate the detailed timeline. Now, regarding costs, what's the total investment required? We need to justify this to our headquarters, so we need a clear breakdown of initial costs and ongoing expenses.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Let me break down the investment clearly. The initial cost is 850000 USD, which consists of hardware at 600000 USD, software integration at 150000 USD, and training at 100000 USD. The annual maintenance is 85000 USD, covering software updates and technical support. Based on your current labor costs, you'll achieve full return on investment within 3 years. After that, you'll save approximately 280000 USD annually.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
The numbers are substantial, but the long-term benefits are clear. One final question: how will this automation impact our supply chain optimization goals? We want to enhance our overall efficiency, not just automate individual tasks.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Excellent question. Our system enhances your entire supply chain in three ways. First, real-time inventory tracking reduces stockouts by 65 percent. Second, faster order processing accelerates delivery times by 30 percent. Third, the system provides data analytics that help you anticipate demand patterns and optimize warehouse layout. This creates a more responsive and efficient supply chain overall.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Thank you for the comprehensive explanation. I can see how this solution addresses both our immediate needs and long-term goals. I'll present this proposal to our management team next week. Could you send me the detailed documentation by Friday?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. I'll submit the complete proposal including technical specifications, implementation timeline, and cost breakdown by Thursday. I'm also available for a follow-up meeting with your management team if needed. Thank you for considering our solution.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
Perfect. I look forward to receiving the documentation. Your solution appears to be exactly what we need to modernize our operations. I'll be in touch after our internal review.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
A logistics company in the Netherlands is considering warehouse automation with industrial robots for picking and packing operations.
The sales representative needs to propose a robotic solution that addresses labor cost reduction, accuracy improvement, and integration with existing systems.
オランダの物流会社が、ピッキングと梱包作業のための産業用ロボットによる倉庫自動化を検討しています。
営業担当者は、人件費削減、精度向上、既存システムとの統合に対応するロボットソリューションを提案する必要があります。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Logistics Manager】:
We're interested in your robotic system for our warehouse. Could you explain how it can help us achieve both cost reduction and operational efficiency?
(貴社のロボットシステムに興味があります。コスト削減と業務効率の両方をどのように実現できるか説明していただけますか?)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1. Describe the system benefits
2. Explain the implementation process
3. Break down the investment costs
4. Show supply chain improvements
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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