At 49 North, we strive to be more than a lubricant delivery service. We go beyond just delivering high-quality products. We offer a suite of services designed to make your life easier including technical advice, custom marketing materials, and tank monitoring.
In today's data-driven world, tank monitoring provides valuable insights that empower our teams to make informed decisions. This blog will delve into how tank monitoring works, how we use it to your advantage, and the numerous benefits it offers.
How does tank monitoring work?
We use a tank monitoring system called Nee-Vo, and we use Level-Con when a satellite connection is required. Both of these systems use an internet connection to give us real time data that connects to an app/website. Each tank is calibrated based on its size, shape, and contents. This data is then displayed on a user-friendly online interface, accessible by our Customer Service Representatives (CSRs).
As you can see, the online interface allows us to see information such as the levels of each individual tank, last withdrawal, and expected date until empty. Furthermore, our CSRs can access in-depth data for each tank such as temperature fluctuation, signal strength, and fill history. Shown below, the app clearly shows the levels of your tanks, and the thresholds set for alerts. This information can be accessed at any time by your team and ours.
Tank monitors are easy to install and highly accurate when calibrated. Older models use a floating tank monitor to measure levels, however we now install hydrostatic sensors in our tanks. Hydrostatic sensors use a precise pressure sensor to deliver accurate readings in any sized tank, filled with any kind of fluid.
How do we use this data?
Our CSRs use this data to make sure that you never experience any downtime due to lack of lubricants/fluids. They have the ability to set custom low point alerts which can be configured any way you desire. These notifications allow the CSRs to schedule a delivery for you, or reach out for instruction depending on your needs. Rapid draw alerts are another feature of the tank monitoring system. Rapid draws occur when you use a significant portion of the tank at once. This will prompt a member of our team to reach out to you and see if we need to deliver more product sooner.
What are the benefits of tank monitoring?
Overall, tank monitoring simplifies inventory management, and helps you minimize downtime. However, some specific benefits are as follows:
- Eliminate Unexpected Shortages: Say goodbye to the stress of running out of lubricants and costly production delays.
- Optimize Inventory: Maintain optimal stock levels to reduce waste and save money.
- Gain Valuable Insights: Understand your lubricant usage patterns and make informed purchasing decisions.
- Streamline Operations: Free yourself from constant inventory checks and focus on your core business.
- Boost Efficiency: Reduce administrative tasks and improve your overall operational efficiency.
We asked one of our customers how tank monitoring affects their business, and they told us that it "takes zero effort" on their part. They went on further to say that having a tank monitor allows them to focus entirely on their work and takes 100% of the stress away from monitoring fluid levels. This customer in particular started with a tank monitor on their hydraulic oil. After seeing how useful it was, they started ordering their antifreeze in bulk so that they could have that tank monitored too. With this customer, we receive notifications when they reach 30% volume on their tanks. After that, we send them an order confirmation, and they reply with a purchase order. Once that is complete, they typically see the delivery in the next 2-3 days.
Conclusion
Ultimately tank monitoring is another method of eliminating downtime. If minimizing downtime is a topic that interests you, check out our analysis on how downtime affects different sized businesses here.
Finally, for more information, do not hesitate to reach out to our technical specialist, Corey Foy at info@49northlubricants.com. Alternatively, feel free to browse our online store here.