Terminal automation systems automate manual processes in terminal operations, enhancing efficiency and safety through functions like load authorization, product movement, documentation, and reporting. These systems integrate easily with existing infrastructure and allow real-time visualization of terminal activities, optimizing supply chain management. Liquid Controls, a unit of Idex Corporation, offers a leading terminal automation solution recognized for its accuracy, low maintenance, and user-friendly interface.

1. Terminal automation system: what is and how it works ?

2. What is terminal automation?
Terminal automation is a system that automates certain manual
processes in a terminal, specifically around load authorization, product
movement, product measurement, documentation, and reporting. The
software is flexible and open to integration with other systems and
hardware, including meter skids, weight scales, tank gauging systems,
and secure access control systems. These systems often bridge the gap
between the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

3. Terminal automation is critical for modern industries for several
reasons:
•It allows for more effective positioning of containers and equipment to
increase throughput with the same assets.
•It offers a real-time graphical visualization of terminal activity that can
be configured to match a terminal facility setup.

4. •It can handle customer orders and even allow position holders or stock
holders to schedule their movements directly through the system.
•It allows for the integration of multiple transportation methods into
the terminal operations, including truck, rail, barge, and pipeline.

5. Terminal automation systems that have open, flexible designs usually
provide the best returns on investment for companies storing large
quantities of liquid. This is because their data can move easily and quickly,
creating value for business needs when required.
Terminal automation plays a crucial role in increasing efficiency, reducing
errors, improving safety, and ultimately enhancing profitability in modern
industries.

6. How Does Terminal Automation Work, and What Are Its Core Functions?
Liquid Controls, a unit of IDEX Corporation, provides terminal automation
solutions that automate certain manual processes in a terminal. The core
functions of Liquid Controls’ terminal automation system include:

7. •Load Authorization: The system authorizes the loading of products
based on predefined rules and regulations.
•Product Movement: The system automates the movement of products
in and out of the terminal via multiple transportation methods.
•Product Measurement: The system accurately measures the quantity
of product being moved, ensuring precise inventory management.

8. •Documentation: The system generates necessary documents such as
Bills of Lading (BOLs), operations monitoring, accounting, taxes, and
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance.
•Reporting: The system provides highly configurable reports used for
various purposes, including operations monitoring, accounting, taxes,
and EPA compliance.
•Integration: The software is flexible and open to integration with other
systems and hardware, including meter skids, weight scales, tank
gauging systems, and secure access control systems. These systems often
bridge the gap between the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

9. •Visualization: Many terminal automation systems offer a real-time
graphical visualization of terminal activity that can be configured to
match a terminal facility setup.
•Supply Chain Optimization: Terminal automation systems can handle
customer orders and even allow for position holders or stock holders to
schedule their movements directly through the system. Terminal
automation systems make it possible to coordinate various ways of
transporting goods, like trucks, trains, boats, and pipelines, within the
terminal’s operations.

10. Liquid Controls’ terminal automation works by automating various
manual processes in a terminal to increase efficiency, reduce errors,
improve safety, and ultimately enhance profitability.

11. What are the 4 types of automation systems?
The four main types of automation systems are:
1.Fixed Automation: Also known as “hard automation,” this type of
automation is used for producing high volumes of simple products.
The sequence of processing operations is fixed by the equipment
configuration, and the operations are usually simple.

12. 2.Programmable Automation: This type of automation is used for
batch production. The sequence of operations can be changed through
programming, allowing for flexibility in the production process.
3.Flexible Automation: Also known as “soft automation,” this type is
used for low-to-medium volume production of a variety of products. It
allows for easy changes in product design and sequence of operations.

13. 1.Integrated Automation: This type involves the integration of various
systems and processes to create a fully automated production process.
It’s often used in industries where high volumes of a variety of products
are produced.
Each type of automation system has its own advantages and is suited to
different kinds of production processes. The best terminal automation
company in India.

14. IDEX’s Liquid Controls Flowmeter is considered one of the best terminal
automation systems due to its exceptional features and benefits:
•High Accuracy and Repeatability: The system ensures sustained
accuracy better than +/- 0.05%. There is no metal-to-metal contact
inside the measuring chamber, which means minimal deterioration in
accuracy over time and fewer recalibrations. The repeatability is 0.02%.
•Low Maintenance: The system requires minimal maintenance due to
its design.

15. •Long Service Life: Liquid Controls positive displacement flow meters
are known worldwide for their exceptional accuracy, reliability, and
longevity for truck loading applications.
•Compatibility: The system is easy to operate through larger key
buttons and is automation compatible through RS485. It can manage
preset valves (LF/HF), pump control signals, programmable digital
input (permissive, Dead Man), and programmable pulse output.

16. •Security Features: The electronics are equipped with an alert system
that makes the operator timely aware of the periodic maintenance
plans like W&M stamping, calibration, strainer checks, etc. It also has
improved security and audit trails.
•Increased Profitability: The system helps increase profitability by
eliminating manual pricing errors.

17. •Ruggedness and Reliability: The system is rugged and reliable, with
simplicity of operation and compatibility with industry-standard Epson
printers.
•Approvals: The system is PESO and Weights & Measures approved.
•These features make IDEX’s Liquid Controls Flowmeter a top choice for
terminal automation.

18. Conclusion
Terminal automation is a pivotal component for modern industries
seeking to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure
compliance with regulations. Liquid Controls, a unit of IDEX Corporation,
provides a comprehensive terminal automation system that encompasses
load authorization, product movement, precise measurement,
documentation, and reporting. With a strong focus on accuracy, low
maintenance, and compatibility, the IDEX Liquid Controls Flowmeter
stands out as one of the best terminal automation systems available.

19. Its ability to increase profitability, ensure security, and provide a user-
friendly interface makes it an invaluable tool for industries reliant on
precise measurement and streamlined operations. Investing in terminal
automation, especially through the advanced features of the IDEX
Liquid Controls Flowmeter, is an essential step in optimizing industrial
processes in today’s fast-paced and regulated environments.

20. Let’s Connect for More
Support:
info.fmt@idexcorp.com
Enquiries:
18002679955
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