Automation brings positive changes at ITank/VTTI

The tank storage industry is a fascinating world, where virtual oil trading and physical oil flows and storage go hand in hand. VTTI, which specialises in tank storage, has placed the automation in a separate part of the company, ITank, headed by René Gijsbers. He explains: "When VTTI was founded in 2006, IT was provided by Vitol, VTTI's parent company. With the number of terminals, the demand for compliance also increased, and we have housed the IT as part of VTTI in ITank. An independent IT department can also take initiatives and help the company move forward."

Fully automatic filling of tankers

At several terminals, such as in Florida and Malaysia, the filling of tankers has already been automated. René: "The driver drives in, registering with his fingerprint and pass. He immediately receives the order, including the location where he has to fill the truck. He connects the hose and the tank is loaded automatically. It keeps track of exactly what goes into it and how much. The driver only has to disconnect the hose. All administrative matters have already been dealt with and the driver receives the delivery documents. When leaving the gate, the departure time is noted." This efficient way of working also appears to be appreciated by the drivers. The fact that more transports are possible is not even the most important advantage, according to René: "The system offers a significant improvement in safety for the drivers, but also in data integrity and efficiency." Incidentally, one of VTTI's most innovative oil terminals is located in the port of Rotterdam. From the control room, the operator has a complete graphical overview of everything that is happening 'outside'. It can also automatically control various processes from there, such as opening and closing valves. He can also fully monitor the contents of the storage tanks.

Towards a Future Terminal Management System

ITank's current Terminal Management System is being further developed to better guide VTTI on its way to its goal: providing Superior Customer Services. A fast time to market is crucial in this. ITank is focused on continuously improving IT to help the business move forward. The current Terminal Management System is specifically built for VTTI. This gives flexibility towards the customer, for example because project- or terminal-specific adjustments can be made. Now that VTTI went public in 2014, the requirements for compliance in particular have been further tightened. Reason enough for ITank to set up a new system for Finance, Procurement and Document Management, among other things.

ITank works closely with AMIS on the Future Terminal Management System, the renewal of the administrative system. "They don't just provide hands, but really think along," explains René Gijsbers. "I've had this fit since the start of ITank. We will tackle the renewal process, which was completed at the beginning of 2018, step by step, using Scrum. Oracle Forms is going out and we are moving to Oracle Application Development Framework. Incidentally, we had experts from Cap Gemini look at more solutions than just Oracle in the preliminary phase. When the Oracle solution came out on top for us, we were able to continue with AMIS."

Bring Your Own Device

The starting point is that IT will not only support the business, but also offer more possibilities. René gives an example: "Employees now want to be able to receive their information anywhere and anytime. We have fulfilled this with the Bring Your Own Device concept – the sharing of information in the Cloud. We also have a centrally controlled management of all office automation on the sites."

Automation continues to evolve

When asked how he personally views new developments, he answers: "In principle, I find everything interesting and I make sure I am informed. But I am also critical. ITank is open to new developments, the starting point being that they must support the realization of the VTTI strategy and that they must add value to the terminals, now or in the near future. Consider, for example, the development of the Internet of Things, which allows devices to broadcast information about their status themselves. For example, a maintenance system that receives a signal from one of the valves if it is not working properly or is deteriorating in operation. In such a case, before something goes wrong, someone can go and see what is going on. With the advantage that you have much less chance of malfunctions, which benefits productivity." All these new developments ensure that, according to René Gijsbers, ITank will always be fascinating!