The transformation from traditional working within a tank terminal to an Industry 4.0 terminal is an intensive journey. Most of the issues relate to smart automation in the production process. At DWG, we see many opportunities to help terminals with this transformation. More and more companies are discovering the benefits of smart digitalisation in industry. Pieter Gelton, CTO of DWG, tells us more.
Pieter has worked on behalf of tank terminal companies for many years. Compared to his former role, which focused mainly on managing expansion and migration projects as efficiently as possible, his projects in recent years have increasingly centred on themes related to smart digitalisation in industry. Security, for example, operational excellence and the energy transition.
About DWG
DWG has specialised in providing automation solutions for industry since 2014. We have acquired much experience and knowledge in recent years, especially in relation to tank terminals. Pieter has years of experience in the tank terminals sector, which makes his input invaluable when working with other DWG engineers to map out, execute and supervise the implementation of solutions for complex projects for customers.
As an expert in automation solutions, DWG has now established a solid and good reputation. At DWG, we also understand that maintaining a strong position in the automation world means that you constantly need to anticipate market dynamics. Innovation is no longer something that increases profitability, but a necessity. Pieter is a strong advocate of Smart Industry (i.e. Industry 4.0) and unceasingly urges colleagues at DWG to consider those principles in everything they do, as a springboard to a more efficient, cleaner and safer production process in line with tomorrow’s standards. This typifies DWG’s desire to operate at the forefront of this unavoidable industrial transition. Standing still is not an option, and, as pioneers, we are in the habit of sticking our necks out, says Pieter with a spontaneous smile: “this is exactly what I mean with Ahead of Tomorrow’s challenges!”
The current targets set by the government are putting pressure on tank terminal businesses, says Pieter. So most companies are already working on ‘terminals of the future’ projects. One of the questions that needs answering is: “What will a Terminal look like in 10 years’ time?”
Pieter adds: “Many companies are experiencing a need to find partners to pool their resources. By sharing knowledge and insights, we can ultimately work more efficiently .”
The first steps in a 'Smart Industry’ transition
In recent years, DWG has grown strongly and is now a large SME. Significant expertise has been brought into the business and DWG also decided to build its own product solutions in IIOT (the Industrial Internet of Things). In addition, DWG also assists customers with Cyber Security issues and Digital Twin projects. We see that the current goals are forcing industrial companies to move with the times.
“I can’t see into the future, of course, but one thing is certain: a great deal of change is needed in a short period of time. The most common themes I hear when talking about the future is that assets need to be used as flexibly as possible, and space for scaling up is required in order to store other products, such as hydrogen.”
In practice, we see that tank terminal businesses continue to struggle with their automation projects. Formulating a strategy for this is challenging. Our obvious next question for Pieter is why this is perceived as a challenge.
“The cost of automation is a relatively small amount in relation to the total asset value, but its impact is huge. For example, the average automation percentage in relation to the total investment for a new tank array with containment in line with construction regulations is only 5% to 10%! As you can imagine, not many people are involved in automation based on these numbers. So, creating support is often perceived as difficult.”
Automation and Industry 4.0
Many of DWG’s customers recognise that automation is key to addressing the aspects involved in making terminals ready for Industry 4.0.
“Exactly!”, says Peter. “DWG’s experience in the terminal market makes us an ideal partner because we have a good understanding of the different business units operating at a tank terminal and we also know how the market works. We know that bringing operational excellence up to 100% is the best approach.”
The engineers at DWG understand better than anyone how this works technically and how it helps improve the terminals’ business models. These are the ingredients for arriving at a strategy and then progressing down a considered path to the final future objective. DWG’s consultants love getting involved in processes like this and continually ask themselves how we can all work in your best interests to ensure that the money you spend generates relevant value.
Work on your terminal together with DWG
Would you like to know more about the benefits for your company? Get in touch with Pieter and he will use our strategic models to help you navigate through this process. We look forward to meeting you.
