The Munich-based startup Blik was accepted into the accelerator program of VW's digital subsidiary Rio last year. As a result of the program, MAN is now a pilot customer for Blik.
In the In July 2017, Blik won the Startup Pitch Night in Rio, the digital brand of Volkswagen Truck & Bus. Now the VW subsidiary MAN Truck & Bus is launching a pilot project with the Munich startup. combined software and hardware solution Blik enables real-time monitoring of goods and processes. Based on this data, planning processes are designed to be more transparent and simplified.
As part of Rio's multi-month accelerator program, Blik further developed its digital service for logistics process optimization. The team received €50,000 in funding, along with mentoring and coaching. Martin Kaspar, startup scout at Rio, says startups like Blik play an important role in the development of new technologies and digital business models. Through collaboration and mentoring, both the startups and the partners on the Rio platform benefit. The goal is more efficient logistics solutions for the industry. Rio CEO Markus Lipinsky says:
"Our platform is characterized by its open and collaborative approach. We achieve a connected transport and logistics ecosystem through the exchange and collaboration of countless small and often highly innovative companies with the heavyweights of the industry."
“Rio and Blik complement each other perfectly”
For the pilot project with Rio, around 100 axle load carriers have already been equipped with Blik sensors. In the coming weeks, these will move between the MAN plants in Munich and Salzgitter and can be located in real time. The loading status of the axle load carriers can also be accessed. As a result, the sensors are intended to optimize processes within the transport and supply chain. After a successful pilot phase, Rio plans to integrate the solution into its platform. Blik CEO Bastian Burger says:
"During our collaboration, it became clear that Rio and Blik's mindset and vision complement each other perfectly: At Blik, we create transparency in warehouses and production facilities; Rio does the same for freight routes throughout the entire transport and logistics chain. Together, we have worked to create an intralogistics service with significant added value for customers. We are delighted that this solution is now being deployed and tested at MAN Truck & Bus, an experienced and competent player."
