May 24, 2012 - Emerson Process Management announced a software solution specifically for management and optimization of bulk liquid terminals. The application is based on the Logistics module in Emerson’s Syncade platform, which provides intelligent links between IT and industrial automation technology.
The bulk liquid terminal application has been developed to support the expanding terminal market. The new application within Syncade Logistics comprises advanced planning and integrated stock management tools, order handling and auto-routing. The software is aligned with the liquids handling application within Emerson’s DeltaV digital automation system. Through links to Emerson’s DeltaV process automation system and to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Syncade Logistics provides savings at the administrative level.
This software application has been deployed for the first time at the recently completed Vopak fuel distribution terminal at Amsterdam Westpoort in the Netherlands, where an efficiency improvement of up to 30% has been achieved. Vopak has almost 400 years of experience in storage and distribution and is the world leader in independent bulk liquid storage terminals. "For Vopak, the focus of this project was to investigate the possibility of improving service levels and increasing efficiency by deploying intelligent information technology for management and control of our terminals," explained Ton van Dijk, global director ICT at Vopak. "In addition, we wanted to make improvements in other areas such as safety, speed and asset optimization."
"We developed this new software application to meet the requirements of Vopak and have now made it available to other terminal companies," said Guido Wink, Emerson Process Management general manager - sales and marketing for the Netherlands. "Vopak provided the terminal technology and logistics know-how, and we have converted this into a specific application for managing bulk liquid terminals." "Using our own performance indicators, we have been able to compare the performance of the Amsterdam Westpoort terminal using the Syncade Logistics application with our other terminals," explained Ton van Dijk.
"Because this was a prototype installation of Syncade Logistics, the initial handling of orders was not flawless, but the results show faster order handling and an efficiency improvement of up to 30%. We also believe that safety has improved, although we will require a longer period to substantiate this. With Syncade Logistics we were able to process larger than expected order flows in a highly efficient manner. This indicated an increase in the processing capacity and speed of the new application. We are currently expanding our storage and processing capacity by constructing new facilities in other parts of the world.
Emerson’s Syncade Logistics application will be used at these new facilities."
About Emerson Process Management
Emerson Process Management, an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, mining and metals, food and beverage, life sciences and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb, Syncade, DeltaV, Fisher, Micro Motion, Rosemount, Daniel, Ovation and AMS Suite.
