Estonian technology company Invendor and Japanese electrical supplies wholesaler Ogawa Denki have opened their first 24/7 self-service warehouse in Moriguchi, Osaka. The project showcases how automation and digitalisation can reshape industrial supply management — making materials available anytime, without staff or paperwork.
A New Approach to Industrial Supply in Japan
Faced with rising labour shortages and a growing need for efficiency, Ogawa Denki decided to modernise its long-established wholesale model. The company implemented Invendor’s fully automated, self-service warehouse system.
The self-service warehouse allows its customers 24/7 access to over 1,000 products while reducing manual workloads and operational bottlenecks. “Japan’s culture of trust and discipline creates ideal conditions for advanced automation. Together we’re showing how technology can enable transparency and independence in the industrial sector,” said Joonas Püvi, CEO of Invendor.
Warehouse Technology That Works Without Pause
Invendor’s solution transforms Ogawa Denki’s self-service warehouses into digital access points. Customers enter the facility using an access card or facial recognition. Then they pick the materials they need and complete purchases via the Invendor mobile app. All transactions are automatically recorded in the cloud, and clients receive a consolidated monthly invoice. No staff required, no paperwork involved.
The system is already in use by 14 Ogawa Denki business clients. It’s primarily used by maintenance technicians who perform electrical service and repair work. For them, access around the clock is crucial — particularly in a country where natural conditions often demand immediate response. The new model enables them to collect the necessary tools and components at any time. This ensures a faster turnaround in critical situations.
“This project proves how well Estonian innovation and Japanese precision complement each other.”Joonas Püvi, CEO of Invendor
Self-Service Automation as a Competitive Advantage
Compared to traditional on-site purchasing, the new solution cuts material collection time by up to 50%. Shorter collection time frees up time and resources for both Ogawa Denki and its customers. The company selected Invendor’s technology for many reasons: ease of use, scalability, and reliability. These are all key factors in the demanding Japanese industrial environment.
“At first, we were cautious about how clients and staff would adapt to an unmanned system,” said Takehiro Ogawa, President of Ogawa Denki. “But once the self-service went live, feedback was immediately positive — our customers value the flexibility and speed it provides.”
Building a Bridge Between Two Innovation Cultures
Invendor’s partnership with Ogawa Denki began just a year earlier at Hannover Messe in Germany. This is one of the world’s leading industrial technology fairs. For Invendor, the Moriguchi self-service warehouse represents not only its first collaboration in Asia but also a tangible example of how small, agile innovation from Estonia can scale globally.
Following the successful launch, Ogawa Denki plans to expand the solution to additional locations and act as Invendor’s official distributor in Japan. The company also intends to showcase the solution at several Japanese trade fairs in 2026 to introduce this model to other industrial wholesalers.
In the long term, both companies see continuous access and automated service becoming a new standard for B2B distribution.
“Industry is moving toward the same convenience expectations we already see in consumer retail,” added Püvi. “Our goal is to make that level of flexibility the norm in the industrial world as well.”
About Ogawa Denki
Founded in 1947, Ogawa Denki is a Japanese wholesaler of electrical materials, housing equipment, and home appliances. The company partners with more than 3,000 manufacturers and manages over 150,000 products through 37 branches across Japan. Its suppliers include major brands such as Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Sharp, Toshiba, Hitachi, Sony, and Daikin.
About Invendor
Founded in 2017, Invendor is an Estonian technology company developing modern automation solutions for industrial inventory and warehouse management. Its systems combine mobile-based scanning, weight-sensing vending cabinets, and real-time data analytics to make warehouse operations more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly. Invendor’s technology is used in more than ten European countries — and now, for the first time, in Asia.
