Optex Co., Ltd.

IoT Platform enables rapid development of new services and business model transformation

Optex is known globally for its far-infrared sensors used in automatic doors and its extensive range of measuring devices. In addition to manufacturing and selling hardware, it has developed a new business model for meeting customer needs. By adopting the FUJITSU Cloud Service K5 IoT Platform, Optex quickly and cost-effectively developed 'WATER it', a quick water quality analysis service. This service is already in use in Asia where it is playing an important role in overcoming environmental challenges.

Using the IoT platform for intelligent processing of massive amounts of data is an essential factor in the continuous growth of our business. The FUJITSU Cloud Service K5 IoT Platform was a convincing choice in terms of both efficiency and cost.

Akihiko Nakamura
Director, Development Center,
Strategy Unit Optex Co., Ltd.

New business model shifts the company from 'a manufacturer' to 'a service provider'

Headquartered in Japan, Optex Co., Ltd. (Optex) has a worldwide reputation for designing, manufacturing and selling a range of reliable sensors. One of its core areas of expertise is in infrared sensors for automatic and security doors. Since it was founded in 1979, Optex has always maintained a presence in overseas markets, with approximately 60% of sales in 2016 coming from Europe, the United States and Asia (excluding Japan).

In 2015, the company began promoting its unique concept known as the Internet of Sensing Solution (IoS). Optex can extract valuable information, it calls 'smart data', through mining its vast stores of sensor-based data. The company aims to expand business by providing high-value-added services leveraging such smart data via the Internet.

As an extension of the IoS concept, Optex has developed a new business model to meet customer needs, beyond simply manufacturing and selling hardware. According to Akihiko Nakamura, Director, Development Center, Strategy Unit at Optex, "To secure sufficient growth of our business, we cannot rely solely on our conventional business model."

Asia is a region where environmental problems are emerging in the wake of rapid industrialization. To improve water quality in the region, tests must be carried out in various locations in frequent intervals, and the results must be quickly collected and analyzed. However, this process takes costs and time because a large number of samples need to be shipped. It is also costly to transmit data over telephone lines.

To overcome these challenges, Optex developed a method that uses smartphones to collect measurement data from testing equipment and upload it directly to the cloud. (For details please see page 32, Book2)