Hexa IoT: Revolutionizing SMEs through Cutting-Edge IoT Solutions

The Silicon Review

In the bustling cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, an SME that began as a humble food manufacturing company has undergone a remarkable transformation. Hexa Food Sdn Bhd, renowned for its herbs, spices, and seasonings, embarked on a digital revolution in 2018 by establishing its IoT division—Hexa IoT. With a mission to harness the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and digitalization, Hexa IoT has not only revolutionized its parent company’s operations but also extended its innovative solutions to other SMEs across manufacturing, agriculture, and environmental sectors.

Hexa IoT was conceived out of necessity and vision. As Hexa Food sought global expansion, it faced the challenges that many SMEs encounter: the need for efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Recognizing the potential of IoT, Hexa Food’s leadership decided to venture into this high-tech arena to address these challenges. What started as an internal project to enhance Hexa Food’s production processes quickly evolved into a dedicated IoT department, providing sophisticated solutions to various SMEs in the region.

"We understood the common problems and challenges faced by SMEs because we lived them," says a spokesperson from Hexa IoT. "Our solutions are crafted with these insights, ensuring they are not only technologically advanced but also practical and affordable for SMEs."

Pioneering IoT in Manufacturing and Beyond

The IoT landscape is not entirely new, but its application in industries such as manufacturing has been both demanding and elusive. Hexa IoT has been at the forefront of integrating IoT with digitalization, creating numerous in-house innovations that address the specific needs of SMEs. Their solutions are fully wireless, battery-powered, and cloud-integrated, making them accessible and user-friendly for small businesses.

One of Hexa IoT’s notable achievements is the AI-powered chili sorting machine developed in 2019. This innovative device uses visual technology and AI to differentiate between good and bad chilies, significantly improving sorting efficiency and product quality. Such advancements illustrate Hexa IoT’s commitment to leveraging the latest technologies to solve real-world problems.

A Commitment to Malaysian Innovation

Proudly 100% Malaysian-owned, Hexa IoT embodies the spirit of "Malaysia Boleh" (Malaysia Can). The company’s solutions are designed, developed, and manufactured locally, emphasizing simplicity, precision, and stability. This approach ensures that even the most technologically unsavvy user can effectively utilize their products, which are priced competitively to suit the financial constraints of SMEs.

“Built for SME, by SME” is not just a slogan for Hexa IoT; it is a guiding principle that underscores their dedication to empowering local businesses with homegrown technology.

Impact and Recognition

Hexa IoT’s influence extends beyond Hexa Food. Their solutions have been instrumental in helping other SMEs streamline their operations and embrace Industry 4.0. By reducing wastage, minimizing damage, and enhancing efficiency, Hexa IoT’s technologies have proven to be game-changers.

Their contributions have not gone unnoticed. Hexa IoT was honored to be a panelist at the Huawei Spark Malaysia event, where they discussed the technology ecosystem in Malaysia, shared insights on innovations and trends, and highlighted the importance of building a meaningful tech ecosystem.

Embracing the Future with AI and Microsoft

In a significant milestone, Hexa IoT announced its venture into the open AI era, supported by Microsoft. This collaboration marks a new chapter in Hexa IoT’s journey, leveraging AI to further enhance their solutions and expand their capabilities.

“Our partnership with Microsoft allows us to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into our IoT solutions, pushing the boundaries of what SMEs can achieve,” says the spokesperson.

Pandora Rival: A Smart Environmental IoT Solution

One of Hexa IoT’s flagship products is the Pandora Rival, an advanced environmental monitoring solution designed for real-time data collection and analysis. Available for both indoor and outdoor environments, Pandora Rival exemplifies Hexa IoT’s innovative approach.

Indoor Capabilities

Temperature Monitoring: Accurate temperature readings are crucial for environments like cold rooms. Pandora Rival allows users to monitor and set alerts for specific temperature thresholds, ensuring optimal conditions.
Humidity Monitoring: This feature is vital for maintaining product quality, especially in the food industry. Real-time humidity data helps manage and preserve product conditions effectively.
Sound Monitoring: Ensuring a safe working environment involves monitoring sound levels. Pandora Rival provides data and threshold settings to protect employee health and safety.

Outdoor Capabilities

Temperature and Humidity Monitoring: Essential for agricultural applications, these features help farmers make informed decisions regarding crop management and irrigation.
Pressure and Illuminance Monitoring: These parameters aid in weather prediction and optimizing conditions for crop growth.
Global Radiation and Wind Monitoring: These features help in understanding solar radiation patterns and assessing wind conditions, crucial for both agricultural and environmental applications.
Rainfall Monitoring: Accurate rainfall data supports efficient water management, crucial for irrigation planning and optimizing crop yields.

The Road Ahead

Hexa IoT’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of SMEs to lead technological advancements. As they continue to expand their offerings and explore new frontiers with AI and IoT, Hexa IoT remains dedicated to supporting SMEs in Malaysia and beyond.

Their vision of a digitalized, efficient, and competitive SME sector is becoming a reality, one IoT solution at a time. Hexa IoT is not just a company; it is a catalyst for transformation, empowering small businesses to achieve big dreams through the power of technology.

Jinn An New, CEO & Co-Founder