Smart pallet launches with embedded chips

Ahrma has combined new innovative materials with The Internet of Things, using state-of-the-art intelligence, and well managed pool and rental services. Thus creating optimal supply chain control, lower supply chain costs and proven sustainability benefits. Currently a small group of triple-A launching customers are commercially testing this ‘pallet loaded with innovation’.

Erik de Bokx, managing director Ahrma: “The pallet industry hasn’t shown any major innovation in the last fifty years. 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.”

The Ahrma pallet is said to combine 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 is said to have  created a pallet with superior strength: 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 low cost receivers that are mounted at strategic places on the customer premises. Such an intelligent system offers great benefits in the reuse transport packaging market and has the potential to set the standard in the market, as all assets can easily be tracked and traced in real time with very little operator input with 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 excellent 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 & trace system provides for an asset management system that ensures optimal asset utilisation, allowing fewer pallets needed in the supply chain system.

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