Hands

Challenge: Rethinking Retail Network Security

For most retailers, VPNs are the default solution for creating secure backup lines and protecting sensitive point-of-sale (POS) data. However, managing separate VPN connections for each store can quickly become costly and difficult to scale, particularly for chains with dozens of locations.

Hands realized that their reliance on VPNs was not sustainable. Establishing and maintaining a dedicated VPN for each location not only created significant upfront and recurring costs, but also increased administrative overhead when VPNs expired and required recertification.

Beyond costs, VPNs still left potential vulnerabilities. A cellular line connected to a global IP address exposed each device to possible external threats, creating an urgent need for a more secure and manageable alternative.

Solution: A Cellular Alternative to VPNs

Hands chose to replace its backup VPN lines with Soracom Air SIMs across all retail store business terminals. By doing so, each terminal gained secure connectivity to central servers without the complexity of traditional VPN infrastructure.

The company went further by adopting Soracom Canal, creating a closed network that restricted server access to authorized devices only. This not only safeguarded sensitive business data but also gave IT teams better control over which terminals could access specific resources.

The benefits extended beyond security. At Hands’ flagship locations, Soracom connectivity replaced wired LANs, saving significant time and money. Instead of spending months and millions of yen on construction and installation, Soracom allowed them to deploy new terminals in days with minimal upfront investment.

Why Soracom: Security and Simplicity at Scale

For Hands, Soracom offered the perfect balance of flexibility and control. With Air SIMs installed in each terminal, secure connectivity could be established immediately, eliminating the need for ongoing VPN maintenance and renewal.

The Soracom User Console gave IT teams centralized visibility into device connectivity and performance. Adjustments that previously required site visits or complex reconfiguration could now be handled remotely with just a few clicks.

In short, Soracom delivered a streamlined, cost-effective networking solution that addressed both Hands’ operational requirements and its strict security needs, while positioning the retailer for future scalability.

Future Plans: Expanding Secure Retail Connectivity

Hands has already begun extending its Soracom-based system to its Osaka stores and plans to expand the approach nationwide. Over time, the retailer aims to completely eliminate reliance on WANs and LANs, relying instead on cellular IoT for secure, flexible connectivity.

The company has also started to equip its iPad business terminals with Soracom connectivity. By avoiding VPN setup for each new device, Hands saves time for its staff and reduces technical complexity across its IT environment.

Looking forward, Hands plans to leverage Soracom’s authentication and access restriction features to further strengthen application security. With these steps, the company is building a resilient, future-ready network architecture that can keep pace with the rapidly evolving retail industry.