BASF, THIELMANN and NXTGN signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to launch a strategic partnership in the field of intermediate bulk container (IBC) tracking.
The companies say that, in the coming months, they plan to further advance a solution that was developed by BASF’s Coatings division for level measurement and location analysis of IBCs.
The solution entails the integration of the product Tracingo into NXTGN’s platform ibc.digital. It is a patented technology based on the evaluation of acoustic signals and the connection of sensors to the Internet of Things (IoT). The collected data is processed and displayed in a web-based dashboard.
The platform ibc.digital can be used to track and document the location of ICBs and their fill level and conditions in real time. According to the partners, this information can enable optimized resource planning, customized maintenance and comprehensive traceability. The partners plan to prepare the sensors for ATEX certification to enable their use in hazardous areas and to meet stringent safety requirements.
“Real-time tracking and monitoring of IBCs is key to meeting the ever-increasing demands for supply chain security, sustainability and efficiency. IoT enables us to overcome these complex challenges,” said Patrick Franke, managing director, NXTGN.
BASF Coatings is the initiator and user of the technical solution. NXTGN will lead further product development as a consultant for digitalization in medium-sized companies and an expert in the field of IoT. THIELMANN, a manufacturer of stainless steel containers, will contribute its knowledge of IBCs and customer requirements and act as a sales partner.