BASF has partnered with Dutch start-up company, Ahrma Holding to work on logistic solutions, investing EUR5m (US$5.89m) in Ahrma shares.
“There is great interest in the smart use of logistics data as companies in all industries look for transparent, reliable information in real-time to optimise their supply chain,” said BASF’s Performance Materials division president, Raimar Jahn.
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Ahrma offers a supply chain solution consisting of a pallet coated with BASF’s polyurethane (PU) spray system Elastocoat C and equipped with an active wireless transponder. Ahrma also offers its transponder as a stand-alone technology for retro-fitting existing assets or entirely new application areas.
First pilot applications of Ahrma’s smart pallet at BASF customers have taken place with the technology providing users insights on the position and movement of shipped goods, temperature fluctuations, load state and any possible impact or dropping. Such transparency is used to improve processes, reduce waste and save costs.
“We believe that there is great potential far beyond the chemical industry for an offering like this,” added Jahn.
For his part, Ahrma founder and CEO, Erik de Bokx, added: “With customers in almost every market and industry, and a strategic path towards digitalisation, BASF is an ideal partner for us to further develop our smart platform concept and surrounding Internet of Things infrastructure.”
