Hikari Alphax: Getting to know our distributor network

Saft batteries and systems are used by customers from across the globe thanks to, in part, an extensive network of partners. By working with this network Saft can better meet the needs of a growing customer base, coupling their expertise and products with the local knowledge and talent of in-country distributors.

One such partner is Hikari Alphax, the exclusive distributor for Saft batteries in Japan. The Osaka-based company (with 14 branches across Japan and beyond) distribute electronic components, such as semiconductors, capacitors, and batteries.

In 2023, we covered how their product, ALPHIoT Power, is powering IoT-enabled sensors to help monitor for landslide and flood risk.

We spoke to Mr. Yamamura, General Manager of the Battery Sales Division to discuss the latest on ALPHIoT Power, delve into their relationship with Saft, and explore the current IoT trends in Japan.

Let’s start by talking about ALPHIoT Power and how it came to be. What was the original idea behind it, and how have your customers responded to it since its launch?

In IoT systems powered by compact solar panels, stable power supply is essential, but solar charging is often affected by weather conditions and surrounding environments.

In response to multiple customer requests for a solution that could ensure consistent power delivery regardless of such external factors, we initiated the development of our proprietary product, ALPHIoT Power.

This innovative solution is specifically designed to meet those needs, providing reliable and uninterrupted power for IoT applications even in challenging environments – much like in the sensors that we spoke about in 2023.

It has received highly positive feedback from customers, confirming the strong demand for a stable power solution in IoT applications. Moreover, the release of ALPHIoT Power has not only boosted interest in this product alone but has also led to increased inquiries for ALPHIoT Battery (a customized battery pack without the control circuit board) and other Saft battery solutions, further expanding our business opportunities.

Is ALPHIoT Power being deployed in other settings?

Yes, most definitely! We’re seeing it used in snow monitoring environments, where ALPHIoT Power stands out as a highly reliable solution capable of delivering stable power - even under harsh weather conditions such as wind and snow, and in extremely low temperatures down to -25°C.

Its ability to operate independently of environmental fluctuations makes it an ideal choice for ensuring uninterrupted performance in critical outdoor IoT applications.

How does your relationship with Saft help your customers?

Saft has extensive experience across a wide range of demanding applications including marine, aerospace, and military, where performance and reliability are critical. The high-quality and highly reliable products make them a trusted and attractive choice for customers.

That’s why we believe Saft is the best supplier of batteries that can bring to the current Japanese IoT market.

What are the current IoT trends in Japan? Are there any key emerging markets?

One of the key markets we are currently focusing on is the water meter sector.

Compared to Europe and the United States, the adoption of smart water meters in Japan has been relatively slow. However, we anticipate significant growth potential in the Japanese market in the coming years. Notably, the smart water meter segment in Japan requires batteries that can operate for at least eight years without replacement.

We’ve also had recent regulatory easing of Japan’s explosion-proof standards, which has accelerated the development of explosionproof equipment by device manufacturers.

We see both emerging markets as strong business opportunities for Saft products that are well-positioned to meet these stringent requirements with their proven long-life and high-reliability performance.

What is next for Hikari Alphax?

We’re aiming to expand into the smart electricity meter market, with a particular focus on emerging economies such as India and Southeast Asia.

By collaborating with local subsidiaries of Japanese companies and leveraging Saft’s proven reliability and advanced battery technologies, we see strong potential to meet the growing demand for stable and long-lasting power solutions in these rapidly developing regions.