In a statement, SSAB said that through its SmartSteel system, customers can scan bar codes on products and access material information through an app.

"SmartSteel gives steel a digital identity, making the data and instructions relating to any steel item available, regardless of where the item is used. With the SmartSteel app, customers can identify products, examine material properties, download material certificates and initiate claims. Each link in the production chain can then utilize and add to this data," the company said.

SSAB said it intends to expand the capabilities of the system over time.

"In the future, steel will be able to communicate its properties and processing instructions to the machine that processes it," said Niko Korte, head of SSAB’s digital business development.

"The machine will then adjust itself automatically. The result is less waste and shorter production time."

SSAB said the service is being rolled out to buyers of SSAB Special Steels and SSAB Europe products.