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Friday 6 June 2025
Ensuring precision: Kuehne+Nagel's certified quality logistics for the semiconductor industry
In a world where semiconductors are the foundation of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to satellites, their importance is widely acknowledged. While much attention is paid to chip design and fabrication, few recognize the critical role logistics providers play behind the scenes in keeping these complex global supply chains running smoothly.At the heart of this high-stakes ecosystem is Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world's leading logistics providers, whose strategy is deeply rooted in quality, specialization, and digital innovation. In an industry where nanometers are vital and billions of dollars depend on timing and precision, Kuehne+Nagel ensures that the smallest components arrive on time—every time."We don't make the goods. We create the solutions to move them safely," said Barry O'Dowd, Kuehne+Nagel's Head of Global Business Development Semicon, in a recent interview. With over 35 years of experience in the high-tech sector—more than 20 of them at Kuehne+Nagel —O'Dowd has witnessed the semiconductor industry evolve into one of the most demanding sectors for logistics providers.That level of expertise is built on a legacy that dates back to 1890, when August Kuehne and Friedrich Nagel founded a freight forwarding company in Bremen, Germany. Over the past 130 years, Kuehne+Nagel has transformed from a traditional shipping operation into a global logistics leader, now headquartered in Switzerland and serving key industries around the world with highly specialized solutions. "At the core of our business," O'Dowd added, "is a simple focus: understanding and meeting the needs of our customers."High-quality logistics tailored for semiconductorsKuehne+Nagel's strategic expansion into the semiconductor sector is no coincidence, it's a calculated move shaped by decades of experience. "Even before Taiwan became a semiconductor powerhouse, we were already supporting the broader electronics technology industry," said O'Dowd. While the company has long served customers such as materials and capital equipment suppliers, O'Dowd noted that only in recent years has the company made the semiconductor industry a dedicated growth focus, as part of its global "Roadmap 2026" strategy."We identified semiconductors as a market with strong growth potential and highly complex requirements where certified quality is essential," he explained. To meet these demands, Kuehne+Nagel established a network of over 35 certified logistics stations worldwide, capable of handling everything from oversized fab equipment to delicate wafer shipments. "Any disruption in this supply chain can have massive consequences for our customers," O'Dowd emphasized, "so precision, security, and specialized handling are non-negotiable."To meet the growing global demand for semiconductor-powered devices, Kuehne+Nagel launched "SemiconChain"—a quality-first logistics standard tailored to the semiconductor industry's complex requirements. Integrated with the company's specialized Air Logistics service, the SemiconChain network is supported by a global network of 38 certified stations, ensuring that shipments are transported under optimal conditions, with full air cargo tracking throughout the journey. Advanced digital tools are used to provide real-time updates and monitor the integrity of each shipment, helping to minimize the risk of damage or costly delays.Beyond infrastructure, SemiconChain emphasizes deep industry understanding- staff are trained industry experts who take part in a comprehensive and continuous training programme designed to give a deep understanding of the semiconductor supply chain and all its complexities. Whether moving delicate wafers or oversized capital equipment, Kuehne Nagel's SemiconChain network offers a consistent, certified, and expert-driven approach that delivers trust, visibility, and precision at every stage.An example of this commitment is Kuehne+Nagel's investment in its own Boeing 747 freighters—the Inspire aircraft—which operate flights to Taiwan twice a week as part of a global loop. "These aircraft were purposefully selected and dedicated to the semiconductor supply chain, capable of front-loading oversized, delicate tools essential for fab deployment and operation" explained O'Dowd.Enhancing services with digital innovationWhat distinguishes Kuehne+Nagel is not merely its hardware but the commitment to quality culture and technological integration. O'Dowd stated, "A supply chain's strength is determined by its weakest link. Our goal is to strengthen that link by implementing quality through comprehensive training, digital checklists, and advanced tools."For instance, Kuehne+Nagel's staff use multilingual mobile-based checklists to ensure handling consistency at each transfer point—critical when transporting wafers or capital equipment. These tools log visual inspections and feed real-time data back to customers via Kuehne +Nagel's tracking systems, offering visibility and assurance.Digitalization extends beyond checklists. Kuehne+Nagel also employs AI-based predictive models to estimate sea freight transit times, especially relevant post-COVID, when carrier reliability dropped. The company also developed smart labels in a project that collaborated with Alphabet's X (formerly Google X) to give cargo a digital "voice"—real-time reporting on location, condition, and expected delivery time.These examples highlight how advanced digital tools and integrated technologies are redefining semiconductor logistics by ensuring efficiency, security, and reliability throughout every mile. Kuehne+Nagel presented several real-world case studies that demonstrate this transformation effectively. One notable instance involved a 7,827-mile transport from Austin to Taipei, where photomask etching systems were delivered flawlessly using custom ULDs and temperature-controlled trucks.Another case saw 18 massive Purion ion implant units shipped from Boston to Dublin, requiring vibration protection and tightly coordinated handoffs to prevent production delays. Meanwhile, a shipment from Zurich to San Francisco presented a dual challenge of climate control and time sensitivity. With the use of Envirotainer units, real-time monitoring through the myKN platform, and direct flight arrangements, the delicate tools arrived on schedule and in perfect condition.Driving sustainability, navigating uncertaintySustainability is another pillar of Kuehne+Nagel's operations. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint across all scopes by 2040 and recently signed a global sustainability MoU with 14 airlines. By developing optimized solutions, including sea-air combinations and pushing for fuel efficiency, the company helps customers balance environmental goals with delivery performance.Despite global uncertainties, such as shifting supply chains and regulatory challenges, O'Dowd remains confident. "We have been operational for 135 years, enduring wars, pandemics, and economic downturns. Our strength is derived from our scale, expertise, and the relationships we have established with suppliers and customers."In Taiwan, which hosts the world's most advanced semiconductor fabrication facilities, Kuehne+Nagel's logistics operations are extensive. They facilitate the inflow of materials and equipment, as well as the outflow of products, and they plan to expand as clients diversify manufacturing into other regions. "We follow our customers' leads. If that necessitates certifying ten additional stations for the SemiconChain network, we are prepared to do so," O'Dowd stated.As semiconductors become more central to everything from AI to electric vehicles, the silent force behind their delivery becomes ever more vital. Kuehne+Nagel may not be manufacturing chips, but its role in keeping the supply chain unbroken makes it an indispensable partner to the industry's biggest players."We're not just moving goods," O'Dowd concluded. "We're helping the world's most advanced technologies reach the world."
Thursday 5 June 2025
Darveen signs distributor agreement with IP SYSTEMES to expand market presence in France
Darveen Co., Ltd., a global provider of rugged industrial computing solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic distribution partnership with IP SYSTEMES, a well-established French value-added distributor known for its expertise in rugged computing and industrial automation. Under this agreement, IP SYSTEMES is now an authorized distributor of Darveen's full range of industrial computing products in France.This partnership marks a significant step in Darveen's long-term strategy to enhance its presence in the French market. By leveraging IP SYSTEMES' strong distribution network, Darveen aims to better serve local customers while introducing its cutting-edge technologies to new system integrators and industrial users previously unfamiliar with Darveen."We are excited to partner with IP SYSTEMES to bring our industrial computing innovations closer to customers in France," said Kevin Liang, General Manager of Darveen. "Their deep industry expertise, customer-centric approach, and broad market reach perfectly align with our commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance solutions for demanding industrial environments."Headquartered in Lyon, IP SYSTEMES has over 35 years of experience and is recognized as a leader in France's automation and rugged computing sectors. The company provides comprehensive industrial computing and automation systems across a wide range of industries including robotics, medical, industrial communication, IoT connectivity, and surveillance. Its strong technical capabilities and deep customer relationships are set to play a vital role in supporting Darveen's localization.Through this collaboration, both companies aim to enhance solution delivery, accelerate project deployment, and provide exceptional local support to industrial customers throughout France.About Darveen Co., Ltd.Established in 2007, Darveen has been dedicated to developing rugged industrial computer solutions tailored to the unique needs of various vertical industries. Our product lines include in-vehicle computers, industrial panel PCs, rugged tablets, embedded box computers, and industrial monitors. Darveen's vehicle-mounted computer solutions have successfully helped hundreds of container terminals in streamlining their processes and operations. With nearly 20 years of experience in product design and manufacturing, Darveen's products have gained widespread acceptance in diverse markets, including container terminals, warehousing, manufacturing, industrial equipment, mining, and special vehicle fleets. For more information, visit https://www.darveen.com/.About IP SystèmesFounded in 1986, IP Systèmes is a French company specializing in the distribution and integration of industrial IT and automation solutions. With over 35 years of expertise, IP Systèmes supports manufacturers, equipment suppliers and systems integrators in the design and implementation of robust, innovative and sustainable solutions adapted to the challenges of Industry 4.0. From fanless embedded PCs and industrial tablets to energy-efficient HMIs, PLCs and control systems, IP Systèmes offers a wide range of certified products and customized services. The company works for demanding sectors such as railways, mechanical engineering, medical, energy and transport. IP Systèmes is committed to quality, responsiveness and customer satisfaction, and has become a trusted partner in industrial digital transformation in France and Europe. For further information: www.ip-systemes.com
Thursday 5 June 2025
BIOSTAR concludes COMPUTEX 2025 on a high note with the debut of Edge-Comp series and edge AI platforms
BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of edge computing solutions, motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices, proudly concludes a highly successful COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2025 showcase. This year's campaign drew significant attention from global media, industry professionals, and tech fans, highlighting BIOSTAR's strong presence across edge AI platforms, industrial edge computing, and next-gen AI PC solutions. Credit: BIOSTARA major highlight of BIOSTAR's COMPUTEX 2025 campaign was the official debut of the EdgeComp series, a new generation of edge computing systems developed to meet the demands of modern industries. Drawing on over two decades of expertise in industrial motherboard manufacturing and deep experience on developing industrial computer systems, BIOSTAR's engineering team has built platforms that are purposefully designed for smart manufacturing, smart retail, and smart city applications.Credit: BIOSTARAmong the featured edge AI platforms, the EdgeComp B850MT-H1 demonstrated its capability to handle real-time AI recognition across more than 100 video channels simultaneously. The EdgeComp N97-MX3, equipped with the MemryX AI NPU, demonstrated real-time environmental safety monitoring applications, including construction site safety and wildfire detection scenarios. The EdgeComp AI-NONXS was demonstrated live performing three simultaneous edge AI tasks: multi-object vision recognition, body pose detection, and a locally-run SLM AI assistant. BIOSTAR showcased how seamlessly integrates leading-edge AI NPU solutions from NVIDIA, DEEPX, and MemryX to deliver reliable, high-performance edge AI computing.As AI continues to reshape the future of technology, BIOSTAR is strategically positioned to lead with its close partnerships with industry giants like Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA. This synergy allows BIOSTAR to fine-tune hardware and software integration at every level, ensuring optimized performance, stability, and adaptability across a wide range of edge AI workloads. From automation system integrators to digital signage specialists, HMI solution providers, and edge AI developers, BIOSTAR offers tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each client, delivering not just products but full-stack platforms engineered for real-world applications.Among the notable EdgeComp systems unveiled at COMPUTEX, BIOSTAR introduced the ultra-compact EdgeComp MU-N150 and the robust 2U rackmount platform EdgeComp MW-B670, highlighting scalable edge computing solutions for space-constrained deployments and data-intensive industrial applications. From the EdgeComp MS-1335U and MS-X7433RE to the MS-J6412, BIOSTAR showcased a comprehensive range of EdgeComp embedded systems, tailored to meet the diverse demands of smart manufacturing, smart retail, and smart city applications.Credit: BIOSTARBIOSTAR also showcased the EdgeComp MS-N97 and EdgeComp MS-J6412 in a DIN-Rail demonstration setup—an industrial-friendly design tailored for factories and compact spaces, enabling wall-mounted installation via rail systems to optimize space utilization.Credit: BIOSTARIn addition, BIOSTAR showcased its reliable range of industrial motherboards, including the BIW88-AHS with ECC DRAM support and the versatile BIQ87-AHS which designed for industrial automation. BIOSTAR also introduced the first NVIDIA Jetson Orin edge AI developer kit, the AI-NONXS, compact SBC BITWL-N150, ERX93-AXP, and RASL-D5DE, purpose-built for EV charging solutions.On the consumer side, BIOSTAR's booth also drew significant attention with its showcase of custom-built PCs and cutting-edge components. Two standout modded systems wowed visitors, one built around the Z890 VALKYRIE motherboard in a high-performance showcase rig complete with a dedicated highlight video and another fully water-cooled ARGB build powered by the B850MT-E PRO motherboard and AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. Running DDR5 memory at 8000MT/s, the system impressed with both looks and performance.BIOSTAR's consumer motherboard lineup at COMPUTEX 2025 featured a strong mix of Intel and AMD platforms designed for next-gen computing. On the Intel side, the Z890A-SILVER leads with support for Intel Core Ultra processors, PCIe 5.0 M.2, dual HDMI, DisplayPort, 2.5GbE LAN, and WiFi 7 module support. The B860M-SILVER and B860MT-E PRO offer mainstream flexibility with similar high-end features, including DDR5 support up to 256GB and 2.5GbE LAN. For AMD users, BIOSTAR showcased the industry's first B840 chipset motherboard, the B840MT-E, built for compact systems. The B850MT-E PRO and B850MT2-E DJ deliver high-speed connectivity, PCIe Gen5 or Gen4 M.2, and broad support for the Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 series, ideal for gaming and multimedia applications.Complementing its motherboard and system showcases, BIOSTAR revealed a strong lineup of consumer hardware designed for modern performance builds. The AMD Radeon™ RX 7000 series graphics cards were a major highlight, featuring the RX7900XTX, RX7900XTX, RX7800XT, RX7700XT, and RX7600OC, which deliver exceptional graphics performance for gaming, creation, and compute-intensive tasks. For storage, the spotlight was on the M800 PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 SSD, built for high-speed data access and efficient thermal control in compact, high-performance systems. BIOSTAR also showcased its GAMING X DDR5 memory modules, designed for next-gen platforms and featuring sleek heatspreaders and dynamic RGB lighting, which combine speed, stability, and style in a single package.Credit: BIOSTARLooking ahead, BIOSTAR is committed to driving innovation in the edge AI space, building on the momentum of its successful EdgeComp series. Through close collaborations with leading technology partners, including Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, DEEPX, MemryX, and others, BIOSTAR continues to develop next-generation edge AI platforms that are smarter, faster, and more adaptable to real-world applications. As global demand for AI-powered edge solutions accelerates, BIOSTAR stands ready to support its clients with advanced, reliable technologies rooted in decades of engineering expertise as a trusted edge computing partner.Connect with usWebsite https://www.biostar.com.tw LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/biostar Facebook www.facebook.com/BiostarHQ X https://twitter.com/BIOSTAR_Global Instagram www.instagram.com/biostarofficial YouTube www.youtube.com/user/BiostarTaiwan Availability http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/wheretobuy/index.php BIOSTAR VIP Care https://store.biostar.com.tw/customerABOUT BIOSTARBIOSTAR is a professional brand dedicated to the production of motherboards, graphics cards, computer peripherals, industrial PC, and AI computing solutions. Since its establishment in 1986, BIOSTAR has become a major supplier in the IT industry. In order to pursue the best quality and aesthetic design, BIOSTAR has invested heavily in ID design, global marketing as well as R&D. With an unceasing focus on enriching lives, BIOSTAR consistently strives to pioneer a fresh future, bringing solutions into reality.