Rikei Corporation (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Satoru Isaka; hereinafter “Rikei”), is pleased to announce that it has started to provide “IoT Database Construction Package (NoSQL data model)” that can easily install new sensors and increase the amount of data.

Background of the market

In the manufacturing industry, smart factory initiatives have been underway to create new value by connecting all devices to the Internet (IoT) and collecting and analyzing a variety of data for use. Although it aims to solve issues such as improving quality and productivity, reducing costs and eliminating shortages in the quality and quantity of human resources, to achieve this, it is necessary to have knowledge of how to properly use IoT and create a database for that purpose. When introducing the IoT, the problem is that the types of data to be collected and the policies of data use differ for large manufacturing companies that have multiple bases. Therefore, there is a need for an IoT database that can consolidate different data and promptly respond to the increasing data for the future smart factory concept. In addition, the database created with the conventional SQL data model¹ has low versatility and development costs are required for each installation of sensors and increase in the amount of data.

 Overview of the new product

The IoT Database (NoSQL database model) has a flexible data structure and excellent availability and scalability compared to SQL database models. Even if the amount of data increases, system performance can be easily increased by adding servers. Therefore, it is unnecessary to develop a new database each time. This achieves high-speed communication for enormous amounts of data and management of many IoT devices across multiple locations.

It is possible to build a database according to the customer’s request. In addition, Rikei comprehensively supports data visualization by analyzing collected data, listing and prioritizing issues, and providing data analysis consulting that reveals potential needs. Based on the track record of delivery to major domestic manufacturers, we will expand sales mainly to major manufacturers with multiple bases.

System Configuration

 Features

 Flexible data structure and extensibility corresponding to IoT, where the amount of data increases

Because MongoDB², which is one of the NoSQL³ databases, is used, it is possible to increase the amount of data to be acquired and change the data analysis method easily. As a result, the cost of system development can be reduced.

² MongoDB: Open source software document database developed by MongoDB Inc.

³ NoSQL data model: A general term for new database management systems other than SQL data models. Suitable for IoT platform development due to its flexible data structure.

Accelerating big data processing

The processing of huge amounts of data can be accelerated by combining the horizontal distribution⁴ function of MongoDB and the MQTT protocol, which is suitable for sending and receiving short messages with high frequency between many IoT devices.

⁴ Horizontal distribution: Distributing the processing load among multiple devices and systems with equivalent functions and configuration.

 Efficient management of IoT devices

The settings on the devices can be easily changed and efficient management is achieved by centrally managing a large number of IoT devices with Kubernetes⁵.

Operation management and automation of Linux OS terminals that are commonly used for research and development are also possible.

⁵ Kubernetes: An open source platform designed by Google that automates the operation and management of Linux containers.

About Rikei Corporation

Established in 1957, Rikei Corporation is a solution provider for the IT and electronics industries.

Rikei offers a wide variety of solutions centered on the world’s cutting edge technologies and advanced products in the fields of system solutions, such as entrance exam and educational affairs systems and IT infrastructure, business strategy, and information security solutions. It also provides network solutions, such as satellite communication data transfer systems, digital video transfer systems, network systems for telecommunication operators and other private companies, wireless access systems, and disaster management information systems. In addition to solutions, Rikei provides electronic components and devices, such as high frequency components, high performance adhesives for industrial use, testers for automotive audio and navigation equipment, power grid analysis systems, defense-related machinery and security systems. 

*The other product names and corporation name mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.