Aplix

Basic Information

Stock Code
3727
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Systems & Software
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
February 1986
Listing Year
December 2003
Official Website
https://www.aplix.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

Aplix is a pioneering technology company in the information and communications industry, founded in 1986 and based in Japan, specializing in embedded development and cloud solutions centered on IoT and MVNO services.

Current Situation

Aplix recorded consolidated sales of approximately ¥3.5 billion and net profit of approximately ¥138 million in the fiscal year ended December 2022, working to stabilize its operations. Its core IoT business offers Bluetooth beacon products like 'MyBeacon' and corporate data communication services 'unio,' collaborating with diverse subsidiaries. Leveraging embedded technology honed from mobile Java platform development, it provides one-stop services from embedded systems to cloud integration. From the fiscal year ending December 2024, it is strengthening synergies with MVNO services under the support of Mitsusaki Denko Group, which has capital of ¥2.15 billion. It emphasizes environmental considerations and sustainable operations while maintaining listing requirements. In the future, it plans to focus on expanding its IoT platform and entering new markets. The going concern note was lifted in February 2023, confirming the health of its business foundation. Moving forward, it aims to expand revenue through the integration of corporate IoT services and communication services.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Holds one of the top domestic track records in IoT beacon market
  • Once provided the world's top-share mobile Java platform
  • Participated as Japan's sole founding member in Google's Open Handset Alliance
  • Company rebuilt through Mitsusaki Denko Group
  • Capable of in-house development from IoT product design to cloud integration
  • Founder Tatsuya Kuniyama was a former Microsoft product manager
  • Track record of collaborations with Pioneer, KDDI, and others across industries
  • Rebuilt growth strategy with full entry into MVNO market
  • Has history of venturing into game and anime businesses
  • Offers products with Bluetooth iBeacon certification

Hidden Connections

  • Major collaboration in communications business via capital tie-up with Mitsusaki Denko Group
  • Founder from Microsoft oversees software development and management
  • Cross-industry track record providing products for Pioneer and KDDI IoT services
  • JBlend for feature phones achieved over 60% domestic market share
  • Sole domestic company involved from inception in Google's Android promotion group
  • History of partnership with G-Mode during game industry entry
  • Also handled Wi-Fi functionality development for Nestle's coffee machines
  • Emphasizes synergy creation from IoT communication services and device sales

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Ongoing growth in corporate IoT market
  • Strengthened integration with new communication technologies like 5G and LPWA
  • Expansion via Mitsusaki Denko Group's sales channels
  • Increasing demand for subscription-based services
  • Enhanced custom IoT solutions for industrial use
  • IoT proliferation in overseas emerging markets
  • Progress in smart cities and smart factories
  • Improved social evaluation through environmental technologies
  • Deepening cloud service integrations
  • Gaining customer trust via security enhancements

Strategic Goals

  • Maintain top-class share in domestic IoT market
  • Exceed ¥10 billion in new IoT service sales
  • Significantly reduce environmental impact through sustainable technology development
  • Maximize collaboration with Mitsusaki Denko Group for sales network expansion
  • Optimize integration of corporate MVNO and IoT services
  • Improve global market recognition
  • Continuous investment in advanced technologies and promote open innovation
  • Achieve product energy efficiency and over 80% recyclability
  • Enhance risk management for improved business stability

Business Segments

IoT Solutions Business

Overview
Provides IoT devices and solutions tailored to various industries, supporting customer operational efficiency.
Competitiveness
One-stop technology provision from embedded to cloud
Customers
  • Automotive Manufacturers
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Public Facilities
  • Zoos & Theme Parks
  • Home Appliance Manufacturers
  • Corporate Clients
Products
  • MyBeacon Series
  • Corporate IoT Data Communication Service unio
  • AORINO LTE-Equipped Drive Recorder
  • IoT Cloud Platform
  • Data Communication Modules

MVNO Communication Services Business

Overview
Provides affordable and flexible communication services for corporations utilizing MVNO communication.
Competitiveness
Sales expansion power through collaboration with Mitsusaki Denko Group
Customers
  • Corporate Enterprises
  • Communication Service Providers
  • IoT Device Vendors
  • Small and Medium Enterprises
Products
  • SmartMobile MVNO Service
  • Mobile Communication SIM Cards
  • LTE Network Services
  • Subscription Communication Packages

Embedded Software Development Business

Overview
Legacy business developing advanced embedded software for cell phones and home appliances.
Competitiveness
Abundant embedded technology and track record
Customers
  • Home Appliance Manufacturers
  • Communication Equipment Manufacturers
  • In-Vehicle Equipment Manufacturers
Products
  • JBlend Platform
  • Custom Embedded Software
  • Middleware Solutions

Cloud Services Business

Overview
Offers services supporting IoT device management and analysis via cloud.
Competitiveness
Enhanced integration with in-house IoT products
Customers
  • IoT Device Operators
  • System Integrators
  • Corporate Clients
Products
  • IoT Device Management Cloud
  • Data Analysis Platform
  • Notification Delivery Service

Game & Entertainment Related Business (Previously Held)

Overview
Previously developed mobile phone game titles and related hardware.
Competitiveness
Game content planning capabilities (withdrawn from existing business)
Customers
  • Mobile Carriers
  • Game Platform Operators
Products
  • J-Phone Game Titles
  • Mobile Game Controllers

Publishing & Content Business (Previously Held)

Overview
Publishing business for children's books and digital content, etc. Currently sold off.
Competitiveness
Track record in collaboration with digital distribution platforms
Customers
  • Educational Institutions
  • Bookstores
Products
  • Educational Books
  • Digital Comic Distribution

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Comprehensive IoT technology from embedded to cloud
  • Long years of experience in mobile Java platform development
  • Parent company Mitsusaki Denko's sales network and capital
  • Proven track record and numerous adoptions in Bluetooth beacon field
  • Customer base in corporate MVNO services
  • Compact yet highly specialized R&D organization
  • One-stop development capability for IoT products
  • Diversified business across multiple industries
  • Product lineup flexible to customer needs
  • Integration of cloud and communication services
  • Thorough compliance with domestic laws and quality management
  • Agile business transformation adapting to market
  • In-house beacon terminal development capabilities
  • Proprietary IoT data communication technology
  • Efficiency from simple organizational operations

Competitive Advantages

  • Pioneering presence in domestic IoT beacon market with high brand recognition
  • Established technology base in pre-smartphone mobile embedded Java domain
  • Stability from Mitsusaki Denko Group's large sales channels and financial base
  • Deployment of integrated communication-device services via corporate MVNO linkage
  • Technology system enabling in-house development from IoT devices to cloud
  • Reliability demonstrated by beacon adoptions across multiple sectors
  • High solution provision capability via edge devices and cloud integration
  • Agile service deployment enabled by strengthened subsidiary collaborations
  • Experience in business reconstruction from past losses leading to profit improvement
  • Business portfolio targeting growth amid expanding IoT market
  • Safe and secure product design compliant with domestic regulations
  • Rapid R&D response as a compact group of specialists
  • Flexible pricing enabling diverse customer対応
  • Trust from long-term market share in Java platforms
  • Successful strategic shift from M2M to MVNO

Threats

  • Intensified competition from direct entry by major telecom carriers
  • Inflow of low-price IoT products from overseas vendors
  • Obsolescence risk from rapid technological innovation in IoT market
  • Shifts in demand due to spread of alternative technologies like smartphones
  • Market contraction from Japan's declining population
  • Difficulty competing with capital-rich large firms
  • Impacts from regulatory tightening or communication infrastructure changes
  • Intensified price competition from new entrants
  • Risk of customer trust loss from security breaches
  • Product supply delays from supply chain issues
  • Growth slowdown due to funding constraints
  • Component procurement risks from deteriorating international situation

Innovations

2023: Enhanced Corporate IoT Data Communication Service 'unio'

Overview
Improved corporate data communication service for IoT devices to support diverse applications.
Impact
Contributes to customer base expansion and sales growth

2022: Launched LTE-Embedded Drive Recorder 'AORINO'

Overview
Introduced subscription-based drive recorder with LTE communication functionality.
Impact
Progress in adoption in logistics and transportation industries

2021: Technology Update for MyBeacon Series

Overview
Released new beacon models with reduced power consumption and improved accuracy.
Impact
Contributes to enhanced product competitiveness

2020: Developed Cloud IoT Management Platform

Overview
Built cloud infrastructure integrating remote IoT device management and data analysis.
Impact
Improves customer satisfaction and creates new services

Sustainability

  • Promoting power-saving technologies to reduce product environmental impact
  • Promoting recyclability of product materials
  • Strengthening supply chain environmental standards compliance
  • Promoting use of IoT services for social issue resolution
  • Product design considering health and safety