Ahrma Launches Smart Pallet

Ahrma combines new innovative materials with The Internet of Things, using state-of-the-art intelligence, and well-managed pool and rental services, creating optimal supply chain control, lower supply chain costs, and proven sustainability benefits.
 
“The pallet industry hasn’t shown any major innovation in the last 50 years,” said Erik de Bokx, managing director Ahrma. “Ahrma aims to be a frontrunner in this industry by adapting The Internet of Things in logistics. We offer more than just an innovation; we have transformed this traditional product to the arena of the new economy of sharing, preserving, and sustainability.”
 
Physical Pallet Properties
The Ahrma pallet combines the best characteristics of both wooden and plastic pallets. By using a technique of spraying the PU-Coating Elastocoat C of BASF on a specially developed wood composite inner structure, developed by Greenpanel, Ahrma has created a pallet with superior strength that is more durable and lighter than other types of pallets. The pallet is produced in components and assembled with a special adhesive at the first point of usage. This adhesive is developed bespoke by Henkel.
 
The Internet of Things
The embedded transponder in each pallet has several radio-protocols: A long-range protocol for factory and warehouse wide coverage and a short-range protocol for smartphone scanning. Transponders communicate with intelligent receivers that are mounted at strategic places on the customer premises. This intelligent system offers benefits in the reuse transport packaging market with assets that can easily be tracked and traced in real time with little operator input, minimal costs, and minimal investments in infrastructure. Furthermore, the transponder allows for measurement of acceleration, temperature, and weight, which allows users to obtain valuable operational data through the Ahrma Supply Chain Big Data System.
 
Sustainability Claim
The Ahrma pallet is lighter in weight compared to other types of pallets with the same functionality. This saves direct transportation energy costs. The total cost of ownership of Ahrma’s reusable pallet provides an alternative for costly one-way packaging products currently in use. The compressed wood inner structure is made of MDF, which is CARB2 compliant. Furthermore, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and PEFC have certified the inner structure components of the pallet. The Ahrma track and trace system provides for an asset management system that ensures optimal asset utilization, allowing fewer pallets needed in the supply chain system.
 
Ahrma Holding BV, Deventer, The Netherlands +31(0)85 4869 201 www.ahrmapooling.com

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