RAAK

Project description

This project aims to address the diversity in SME infrastructure by creating a generic yet adaptable solution that supports real-time data visualization, efficient data storage, and secure access. The core challenge lies in designing an interface and backend that balance flexibility with simplicity, ensuring it is easy to maintain and deploy across different factory setups. Additionally, the solution must handle varying data volumes while meeting privacy and performance requirements.

Context

The RAAK project is located in the production and manufacturing domain, specifically targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trying to digitalize their operations. Many SMEs lack the technical resources and infrastructure to implement full-scale smart factory solutions. This project creates affordable, adaptable, and easy-to-deploy digital tools that support efficiency and transparency in production processes.

The project responds to this need by developing a generic factory application that includes a product tracking dashboard. The system connects to real-time data streams from machines and sensors on the factory floor, offering visual insights into product flow, bottlenecks, and part status. By storing data in a scalable cloud-based time-series database and exposing it via a secure API gateway, the system can be reused across different SMEs with minimal adaptation.

Results

The main outcome of the RAAK project is a fully functional, cloud-deployed product tracking dashboard designed for general use across small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). The system enables real-time monitoring of product flow, parts movement, and machine events using visual graphs and status panels. It is built as a modular, scalable microservices architecture and validated within a simulated factory context.

Key components developed include:

• A real-time data ingestion pipeline using TimescaleDB for time-series storage
• A RESTful API Gateway for secure data access, with integrated Auth0 authentication
• A frontend dashboard built in React.js for live monitoring and visualization
• Kubernetes-based deployment on Google Cloud, ensuring portability and scalability

The platform was tested using both automated simulation data and performance testing tools (e.g., k6). Results confirmed that the system handles thousands of requests per minute, scales horizontally, and maintains response times below 300ms for the majority of endpoints. This performance makes it suitable for factory environments with continuous data streams.

From a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) perspective, the system is positioned at TRL 6–7. It has moved beyond proof of concept and functions reliably in a relevant environment. Although further testing in a real SME factory is required, the architecture and deployment approach were designed with this target context in mind.

A major insight from the project is that SMEs do not need highly customized factory software if a reusable, well-abstracted foundation exists. By separating data logic, visualization, and infrastructure concerns, the system lowers the technical entry barrier for digital transformation.

In summary, this project proves that a basic yet scalable and secure solution for product tracking is viable and valuable in SME settings. It delivers a modern, cloud-native architecture with a focus on usability, legal compliance, and deployment flexibility—offering a strong foundation for future integration, such as predictive analytics or AI-driven insights.