— Newsletter Archive: Newsletter Vol. 11, 2024/6/19 —
This series of newsletters introduces solutions that utilize the logistics management solution “HAKO-FLO” to improve the efficiency of manual tasks such as “receiving/shipping management,” “inventory management,” “stocktaking management,” and “documentation,” including cargo damage reports, and beyond.
In our last newsletter, we covered the Microsoft Azure environment in which the HAKO-FLO CLOUD service is running and the role of the HAKO-FLO CLOUD service.
In this issue, we will go through some of the Microsoft Azure services used by the HAKO-FLO CLOUD service.
PAT. P
As introduced in our last newsletter, Tokyo Electron Device Limited offers Microsoft Azure in Japan as a Microsoft Cloud Distributor. We also provide support services as well as the certification support to help our customers make the most of Microsoft Azure.
Microsoft Azure offers features and functions unique to the cloud platform for building solutions. And provides a variety of functions for implementing data exchange features over the Internet in which HAKO-FLO services use to incorporate RFID reader terminals and tablet devices. In addition, there are also a wealth of functions for processing and viewing data stored on the cloud service.
Microsoft Azure is characterized by its enhanced security, including access control and policies, as well as scalability and flexibility, which we find very appealing. In addition, there are many options for bridging the cloud and the edge, and the abundance of tools for analyzing collected and stored data is also a major attraction.
We have selected the optimal combination of various functions provided by Microsoft Azure to builtd the HAKO-FLO CLOUD service. The HAKO-FLO CLOUD service is implemented using Azure App Services, taking into consideration not only ease of development but also ease of operation. Also, Azure Database for PostgreSQL is used to store and manage customers’ important data.
(1) Azure App Services
The functions provided by the HAKO-FLO CLOUD service are mainly implemented using Azure App Services, a PaaS (Platform as a Service) that provides a flexible environment for implementing various functions, including server-less web applications.
The HAKO-FLO CLOUD service is containerized with Docker, and Azure App Services deploys and executes containerized software, making it easy to operate and manage. It can also be scaled up or down as needed, and processing capacity can be adjusted to meet customer requirements.
One of our favorite features of Azure App Services is a feature called “Blue Green Deployment”. This feature allows users and development teams to switch systems while minimizing the burden on users when updating services that are currently in operation. We believe that this feature is essential for cloud services to release new versions safely and quickly, minimizing the time that the service is unavailable in the production environment.
For your information, “Blue” refers to a system that is in production, while “Green” refers to a newer version of the system for which development has been completed. It is called “Blue Green Deployment” because it replaces the “Blue” environment with “Green.
(2) PostgreSQL
In the early stages of the development of the HAKO-FLO CLOUD service, Microsoft SQL Server was used as the database engine, but after reviewing the database functions required by the HAKO-FLO CLOUD service and the sustainable operating costs, we are now using Azure Database for PostgreSQL.
PostgreSQL and SQL Server are both relational database systems, but PostgreSQL is an open source database and is available under the free PostgreSQL license. Recent releases of PostgreSQL have enhanced the functionality and security of the database system, and have achieved a level of reliability and performance sufficient for commercial use. Microsoft SQL Server, on the other hand, is a Microsoft product and features easy integration with other Microsoft products.
PostgreSQL was created at the University of California, Berkeley nearly 30 years ago and is now so popular, in addition to being highly reliable, that it is hard to find an operating system that does not run it.
We offer an easy-to-implement service “HAKO-FLO” that utilizes cloud services and other technologies that are highly effective for business efficiency. We also provide consulting services to help our clients utilize these technologies in their workplaces.
If you have any warehouse management issues, please contact us.
To Inquiry Page
