There are some who have explained, in somewhat academic terms, the sōgō shōsha's upstream-downstream integration process by dividing it into two concepts: "diversification" and "integration."
Weight of nontrading roles
Simply, what is occurring is the business divisions' units are applying and combining such nontrading functions as marketing, logistics (especially supply chain management), finance (credit, etc.), risk management, information technology and other expertise, including new technology, to provide a package of diverse services to fit each customer's needs at each stage of the supply chain, or what we also call the flow of trade. (Note: Some forms of logistics such as basic transport and shipping arrangements, including insurance, and import and export trade procedures, including trade settlement, can be considered part of the trading function.)