Terminal Automation: Benefits and Future Outlook
Just a few years ago, the biggest problem a bulk terminal operator had to worry about was successfully getting a handful of products in and out of the facility. Terminal automation systems were designed around handling this in a
straight-forward fashion. Times have changed. Operators are now forced to wear many hats and play many different roles, and so must their automation systems.
In the wake of 9/11, security has become a number one priority. Terminal managers are facing an evergrowing number of boutique specialty fuels that make inventory management and storage a more intricate balancing act. Add the increasing number of regulatory obligations to implement and monitor, along with significant fines for noncompliance. Now consider that both supply and price volatility are driving the demand for tighter customer allocations. Finally, all these variables must be managed and reported in greater detail than ever before.
