Attending Sensor+Test 2023 with distribution partner Althen

Who is Althen Mess- & Sensortechnik GmbH?

 Althen specialises in measuring and sensor technology. We connect with a wide range of customers from diverse industries. Jointly with original manufacturers like ASC we develop sensor solutions to fit clients’ individual needs. We see our role as that of a “value added distributor” as from our market overview and connectivity we’re in a position to meet nearly any requirement, however unusual. We also have our own manufacturing unit that allows us to produce and tailor products to customer specifications.

How does Althen support ASC? How long have the companies been collaborating?

Our partnership was agreed at the Sensor+Test 2019 expo in Nürnberg, exactly four years ago. We act as an extended distribution channel for ASC. Our team assists ASC in reaching out to new business partners who may benefit from high-precision sensor solutions – beyond the company’s traditional networks and focus areas. For Althen, the breadth of ASC’s inertial sensor portfolio, complementing our own program seamlessly, was a major factor in the decision to enter this collaboration.

How has the partnership evolved – what customer benefits does it offer?

Our collaboration is progressing well. We cater to a broad spectrum of businesses for whom ASC’s innovative sensors often enable a true quantum leap. A critical benefit is the combined professional experience and flexibility of both partners: once the client has entrusted their challenge to either of us, experts from both sides will stick their heads together to come back with one joined-up solution delivered in a well-coordinated fashion.

For customers, this means that it makes no difference whether they initiate contact through Althen or ASC. They’ll always receive an aligned, integrated solution. The implementation will be seamless. However, the collaboration between our experts and those at ASC often becomes so close that we get to previously unimagined approaches. This can lead to outcomes the customer may not have achieved from just one team thinking about the problem in isolation.

What was your impression of this year‘s Sensor+Test expo?

One of our focus areas at Sensor+Test, which ran from May 9-11 in Nürnberg, Germany, was showcasing the products of ASC. Following years of pandemic disruption, we noticed a clear jump in attendance as well as a marked increase in the quality of conversations and inquiries.

Why is this trade show important?

For Althen and ASC, this expo is one of the principal venues in the German-speaking region. It’s one of the few that retained their position throughout the pandemic period.

At Sensor+Test not only can we interact with our vast network of collaborators and competitors. We also meet the essential decisionmakers on the client side all in one place – from mechanical and automotive engineering, the building and construction industry, renewable energies all the way to the airline and space industries. This includes existing customers as well as potential new ones, both in the private as well as institutional sectors.

How does this informed trade audience view ASC’s innovations?

Our customers value the competitive pricing of ASC’s innovative products.

Another advantage highly rated are short, reliable delivery times – particularly as nearly everywhere else timelines keep slipping and deadlines are regularly missed. In this difficult environment customers are pleasantly surprised by the quick production and delivery cycles ASC is able to commit to, due to its agile business model and local manufacturing. With regard to reliability, we never have to worry about ASC: If a quote states “delivery within 4 weeks” then the product will have arrived within that timeframe.

Regarding the quality of products and services, all I can say is we haven’t received any quality complaints since the start of our collaboration with ASC. Nor did we see any returns of damaged or dysfunctional sensors. For us, this is an important aspect as the reputation of the solutions we offer impacts how Althen is viewed by the market, too.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I’m a dedicated sales professional. The beauty of sales and distribution is that within certain parameters one has ample freedom to determine how to spend the working day. It’s down to me what priorities to set each day to create value for our partners and clients. The mix of tasks comprises a wide range of distribution channels and activities, from cold acquisition to writing an offer. However, it’s my decision, based on experience, to determine appropriate activities for today. Therefore, my work never becomes boring.

I thrive on projects that allow us to solve challenging problems. That’s actually a strong link with ASC – the determination to innovatively solve individual client needs. Both companies will search and innovate until the solution fits. This can include technical finetuning and continuous development, or a complex sensor installation, extremely tight delivery deadline or specific requirements to the long-term stability and robustness of a sensor solution.

Is there a common philosophy that Althen and ASC share?

We’re both medium-sized, owner-led businesses determined to provide outstanding service and flexible customer support. In addition, I keep noticing a similar commitment to innovation at ASC that we foster at Althen. It’s very rewarding to jointly shape a sustainable future through new ideas and technologies that benefit humankind.