Recognising the potential to strengthen the digital economy’s long-term competitiveness, BASF embarked on a digital transformation journey in 2015. With this in mine, the company entered a strategic partnership with Dutch startup compane, Ahrma Holding B.V. to jointly approach the growing market for smart logistic solutions.
With an investment of EUR5 million (mn) in Ahrma shares, BASF is taking an important step towards a more transparent, reliable and efficient supply chain ecosystem.
“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 Raimar Jahn, President of BASF’s Performance Materials division.
Ahrma offers a complete, rentable supply chain solution consisting ofa 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.
The first pilot applications of Ahrma’s smart pallet at BASF customers have proven the advantages of the system. The technology provided users complete insights on the position and movement of shipped goods, temperature fluctuations, load state and any possible impact or dropping. Such transparency was then used to improve processes, reduce waste and safe costs.
Apart from that, BASF and Ahrma plans to further develop Ahrma’s offerings by bringing in complementary strengths of both partners spanning from internal use cases to supporting the enrichment of the technology. “With customers in almost every 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,” said Erik de Bokx, CEO and Founder of Ahrma.
