In its bid to maximise accuracy at its supply points by leveraging technology, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), a Maharatna PSU, has commissioned 40 SMART terminals and will convert the remaining by 2018 fiscal-end. Its first SMART terminal was launched in October 2015, said a press release of IOCL.

 

As on date, Indian Oil’s 130 storage terminals across the country form the backbone of its POL supply & distribution (S&D). 

 

Notably, a SMART terminal is one where Tank-Truck (TT) filling operation is fully automated from its entry to exit from the terminal. A centralised automated system takes care of all the core operations, thus enabling manpower to focus only on the critical maintenance and safety-related support and engaging qualitatively with customers. Indian Oil has successfully leveraged automation and technology to achieve unmanned tank lorry filling (TLF) operations round the clock. 

 

The public undertaking believes that the execution of the SMART terminal concept is revolutionary for the Indian oil and gas industry which has brought in transparency, efficiency and safety at the terminals. 

 

The SMART terminal personifies the pioneering spirit of Indian Oil to tap into in-house resources to accomplish industry-first credentials. The entire software was developed in-house in its SAP’s S&D module with an objective to make these operations more efficient at reduced costs along-with intelligent data reporting. This development has ensured that data analytic aligns with business objectives. 

 

The adoption of cutting edge technology has prompted Indian Oil to make operations of all of its POL storage locations automatic.