What Toolbase - Werkzeug Ausgabesysteme does

Toolbase, operated by Achterberg GmbH, designs, manufactures, and sells electronic tool dispensing systems for industrial manufacturing environments. Founded in 1982 in Germany and headquartered in Gladbeck (Haldenstraße 18), the company evolved from a sales representation into a specialized manufacturer of automated dispensing machines for cutting tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), C-parts, and spare parts. It serves primarily machining production (zerspanende Fertigung) companies across manufacturing sectors including automotive (MAHLE), drive technology (SEW-EURODRIVE), industrial machinery (SMS Group, Aerzen, Flowserve, Asco), and cutting tool vendors (ZCC, OSG). The company has accumulated 3,000–4,000+ systems installed across Europe and globally.

The product portfolio comprises six hardware system types — carousel/rondell, box, drawer, locker, vertical, and scanner — all powered by the proprietary ATMS.CORE software platform launched in April 2020. ATMS.CORE replaced the legacy ATMS NG version, shifting the architecture from standalone single-station systems to networked, server-based, and cloud-capable deployments with modular extensions (BASE, FULL, DEVICES, INTERFACES, CDB, SERVER). The company also offers ATMS Mobile (web-based mobile access, released October 2021) and ERP interface modules that integrate with SAP and other procurement systems. The legal entity Achterberg GmbH operates as part of the TCM Group (since 2008), alongside sister brands WinTool (tool data management software), TCM Systems (automation), and TCM Austria (tool trading).

Toolbase generates revenue through a mix of one-time hardware sales (perpetual license model for dispensing machines), modular subscription software licensing (CORE modules), recurring maintenance services (biennial inspections, DGUV V3 electrical safety checks), and ongoing technical support (hotline, TeamViewer remote access during business hours). Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is configured per customer through direct sales consultation. Distribution occurs via a direct enterprise sales team and a network of over 50 sales partners worldwide. The company is led by Managing Director (Geschäftsführer) Klaus Trampert, with Stefan Schauer serving as Product Manager Toolbase.

Name

Toolbase - Werkzeug Ausgabesysteme

Legal name

Achterberg GmbH

Website

https://toolbase.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Toolbase (Achterberg GmbH) designs and manufactures electronic tool dispensing systems and ATMS.CORE management software, serving machining manufacturers across automotive, industrial machinery, and cutting tool sectors in Europe and globally with 3,000+ systems deployed.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Gladbeck

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Dispensing Systems: Sale of electronic tool dispensing machines including box systems, drawer systems, locker systems, vertical systems, and carousel/rondell systems. Machines are sold with various configurations and capacities to meet different customer requirements.
2. Software Licenses - ATMS CORE: Modular software licensing including BASE, FULL, DEVICES, EXTERNAL, INTERFACES, CDB, and SERVER modules. Software can be updated and extended as needed.
3. Maintenance and Service: Regular maintenance services recommended every two years, including inspection, testing, electrical safety checks (DGUV V3), and emergency repair services. Full automatic systems particularly benefit from annual maintenance.
4. Support Services: Technical support via hotline, web meetings, and TeamViewer remote access during business hours (Mon-Thu 08:00-16:30, Fri 08:00-14:30).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Toolbase designs, manufactures, and sells electronic tool dispensing systems (drawer, box, locker, vertical, and carousel formats) for industrial manufacturing customers, powered by its proprietary ATMS CORE software platform. The integrated hardware-software solution enables controlled 24/7 withdrawal of cutting tools, personal protective equipment, C-parts, and spare parts, with ERP integration, automated reordering, and centralized networked administration.

Product overview

Toolbase is a modular tool dispensing systems portfolio developed and manufactured by Achterberg GmbH (a member of the TCM Group) at its Gladbeck, Germany facility. The portfolio spans six hardware system types — carousel (Rondell), box (Boxen), drawer (Laden), locker (Schließfach), vertical (Vertikal), and scanner — all powered by the ATMS.CORE software platform. CORE is a networked/server and cloud-capable software that replaced the earlier ATMS.NG in 2020, and supports modular extension modules (BASE, FULL, DEVICES, EXTERNAL, INTERFACES, CDB, SERVER) for customization. ATMS Mobile extends CORE access to mobile devices. Key product lines include the Control Top series (combining control unit and device in one form factor) and the Professional series (standalone devices). The company also offers used/demo models for budget-conscious buyers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Toolbase Control AR-19 600 (Rondellsystem) A high-capacity carousel-based dispensing system with a maximum payload of 600 kg, designed specifically for cutting tools. Supports 200 to 1,140 compartments depending on configuration, with individual withdrawal and automatic targeting controlled via ATMS CORE software. Targeted at industrial manufacturers and machining operations.
• Toolbase Control Top EB-60 (Boxensystem) A box dispensing system with 60 individually electronically lockable plastic boxes for storing high-quality individual items and low-cost C-parts. Integrates the Control Top unit with both the control system and device in a single compact form factor, expandable via software modules.
• Toolbase Control Top EL-12 Professional (Ladensystem) A compact dispensing solution combining the Toolbase Control Top control unit with 9 electronically lockable 100-drawers (200 kg total capacity) and CORE Basic Module on a touchscreen PC. Designed for small operations or as an alternative control unit for complex systems.
• Toolbase EL-12 Professional (Ladensystem) A drawer-based dispensing system with 12 individually configurable drawers (up to 200 kg per drawer) for storing cutting tools and workshop equipment. Provides large capacity for overview and order with optional individually lockable compartments.
• Toolbase EL-56 Professional (Ladensystem) A drawer-based dispensing system featuring 56 high-quality, rail-mounted drawers (20 kg load capacity per drawer) with proven drawer system mechanics for easy handling. Provides clear, access-protected storage for industrial tool management.
• Toolbase ES-40 Professional (Schließfachsystem) A locker-based dispensing system designed for bulky or large-format items such as safety helmets, work clothing, and protective equipment. Configurable with 14 to 40 compartments up to 15 kg per compartment, with optional charging capability for electric hand tools.
• Toolbase EV Professional (Vertikalsystem) A vertical dispensing system with 4 vertical pull-out drawers containing 4 adjustable shelves each (200 kg load capacity per pull-out). Designed for safe, space-efficient storage of assembled tools using tool holders such as HSK, ISO-SK, VDI, and Capto C.
• Toolbase Scanner Professional (Barcode Scanner) A barcode scanner solution for inventory management at storage locations outside of Toolbase dispensing automata. Supports booking transfers into the CORE software, cost center assignment, and automated disposition for inventory tracking across both automated and non-automated warehouse locations.
• ATMS.CORE (Achterberg Tool Management Software CORE) The primary software platform powering all Toolbase dispensing systems, enabling controlled and traceable withdrawal of tools, personal protective equipment, C-parts, and spare parts. CORE replaced the earlier ATMS.NG version in April 2020 and introduced networked/server and cloud-based architecture with modular extension capabilities.
• ATMS Mobile (Mobile Web Application) A free mobile web application (accessible via mobile.toolbase.de) that extends CORE functionality to mobile devices, enabling availability checks, shopping basket reservations, and article data access from any location within the customer network.
• Toolbase Warenausgabesysteme (Used & Demo Models) A selection of refurbished and demonstration dispensing machines offered at reduced pricing, including box systems and swing-door cabinets, providing an entry point for smaller operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cost savings up to 40%
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TCM Group (TCM International)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Toolbase (Achterberg GmbH) is a member of the TCM Group since 2008. TCM International is a manufacturer-independent technology partner in machining production. The group includes Toolbase (tool dispensing), WinTool (tool management software), TCM Systems (automation), and TCM Austria (tool trading), providing comprehensive tool management solutions.
• WinToolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWinTool is the leading provider of tool and data management software, complementing Toolbase's hardware solutions. Together, Toolbase and WinTool provide a comprehensive system solution for manufacturing companies, representing a key part of TCM's digitalization strategy.
• TCM SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCM Systems is a competent partner for automation and optimization of plants, offering over 25 years of experience in automation and special machine construction.
• TCM AustriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCM Austria is the first point of contact for tool supply in machining production, offering customer-specific technical consulting and optimal processing suggestions.
• HAM SchweizminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHAM Schweiz is a sales partner that supported the implementation project at VAT Vakuumventile AG in Switzerland.
• TCM InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCM International is the manufacturer-independent technology partner in machining production, part of the TCM Group that includes Toolbase, WinTool, TCM Systems, and TCM Austria.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bott GmbH & Co. KG: German manufacturer of workshop storage, tool cabinets, and vehicle interior equipment for industrial and trade customers. Comparable to Toolbase in industrial tool storage solutions and German mid-market manufacturing customer base.
• ZOLLER: German manufacturer of tool presetting, measuring, and management solutions for machining. Directly comparable to Toolbase as a provider of integrated hardware/software systems that manage cutting tools on the shop floor, serving overlapping European manufacturing customers.
• Hoffmann Group: German industrial tool specialist offering quality tools, workstations, and tool management/dispensing systems. Closely comparable to Toolbase in target customers (machining manufacturers), product range (tool storage + dispensing), and German mid-market positioning.
• Lista AG: Swiss manufacturer of industrial workstations, tool cabinets, and storage systems for production environments. Comparable to Toolbase in providing physical tool storage/dispensing infrastructure for manufacturing, with overlapping use cases in tool crib management.
• TDM Systems: Provider of tool data management software for CNC machining environments, used to organize and manage tooling data. Comparable to Toolbase as a software-centric tool management player; TDM complements rather than overlaps on hardware dispensing but addresses the same customer need.
• Hänel Büro- und Lagersysteme: German manufacturer of automated vertical carousels and rotating storage systems for industrial and intralogistics applications. Comparable to Toolbase in automated industrial storage/dispensing hardware serving manufacturing customers.

Broad incumbents

• Kardex Group: Swiss-listed global provider of automated storage and retrieval solutions (vertical lift modules, carousels) for industrial and commercial customers. Broader incumbent in automated industrial storage with overlapping mechanics to Toolbase's vertical/carousel systems.
• Würth Industrie Service: Industrial supply and C-parts management division of the Würth Group, offering automated inventory management including dispensing solutions for production environments. Comparable to Toolbase in serving machining customers with automated C-parts/inventory dispensing.
• Sandvik Coromant: Global leader in cutting tools and digital machining solutions, with tool management software offerings. Comparable to Toolbase at the intersection of cutting tools and tool management software; serves overlapping customers but with a much broader portfolio anchored in consumable tooling.

Others

• ASSA ABLOY: Global leader in locking, access control, and locker solutions, including industrial locker systems. Comparable to Toolbase at the component level on electronic locker-based dispensing (Toolbase ES series), though ASSA ABLOY serves a much broader market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TOOLMANAGEMENT
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/toolbase

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Toolbase - Werkzeug Ausgabesysteme