New challenges for logistics industry: Kraker Trailers initiator new project
The logistics industry is facing many challenges and opportunities, with digitisation and sustainability being the main ones. The switch to zero emission vehicles is just the first step into make supply chains sustainable. To transition the entire logistical system to a sustainable usage of raw materials and energy – a wider transition is required. The limited and uncertain availability of raw materials ,now and in the future, creates a growing challenge for the industry. Therefor a transition to a circular economy with the use of fewer raw materials and resources is required. Hence, the development of product designs and smart maintenance that extend the lifespan of products. Innovative solutions like Smart Industry, Predictive Maintenance and PaaS (Product as a Service) will encourage and allow manufacturers to do so.
Project Smart Trailer
With the Smart Trailer project trailer manufacturer Kraker Trailer Axel B.V. contributes directly to the development of sustainable manufacturing. The project aims to expand the lifespan of products being used within the logistics industry. Raw materials will be used more sustainably and efficiently. The Smart Trailer project is initiated by CEO Jan de Kraker. A consortium of universities, SMEs and large enterprises has joined forces to create a strong consortium from both the logistics and financial sectors.
Together they have formulated the following objectives:
- Development of Predictive Maintenance for trailers – the trailer itself will initiate maintenance to be scheduled after a number of parameters are been met. These parameters can include among others, mileage and number of loading and unloading processes.
- Development of Smart Trailer logistics concept by using Internet-of-Things technology: a well-maintained and immediately deployable trailer is ready at all time to be used by the user when required.
- Development of Pay-per-Use concept – a fully digital and automated financial platform for the logistics industry. The platform aims to automatically perform payments between parties in the supply chain based on the actual usage of the trailer.
The project consortium consists of companies and organisations, each with their own expertise. Kraker Trailers being the initiator and project secretary. HZ University of Applied Sciences, G.Bosman en ZN. PNO Trailer Rental, Van Uden and Rabobank are the other participants.