VMI automation brings customer tank level information into the vendor's Sales and Operations departments via level sensing, telemetry and computer technologies. The software provides tank level alarms along with precise information on current tank levels, usage rates, time-to-need estimates, and available tank capacities. This technology can greatly improve a vendor's efficiency and profitability through efficiency improvements in every major department.

VMI Benefits

1. RESPONSIBILITY SHIFT: With automated VMI, responsibility for maintaining the user's inventory at adequate levels shifts to the supplier. The user no longer needs to have someone check the tank levels and report to purchasing on a regular basis. Tank levels are checked automatically by machines that do not forget and do not call in sick. The vendor or supplier controls the amount delivered and the time of delivery.

2. FEWER PEOPLE INVOLVED: VMI automation reduces the number of different people and departments that are involved in the inventory management process, and this reduces the risk of mistakes and accidents that can result in an outage. The vendor becomes responsible for managing customer supplies.

3. SAFETY: Safety is always an issue with larger tanks that must be checked by climbing atop the tanks to check the levels with a stick or drop line. Automation greatly reduces the user's risk of employee injury and Workman's Compensation claims.

4. AUTOMATION SAVES LABOR: The labor required to check tank levels on a regular basis can be significant in a manufacturing or processing plant with numerous bulk tanks spread out over a large complex. Through automation, the ordering process is alarm driven.

5. OPTIONS: Once automation is in place, the user has a variety of options available that may be useful. These can include: local level display; local indication of various alarm conditions, such as overfill protection and leak detection; pump controls; even help in meeting certain EPA requirements.

To learn more about the VMI, please call Electronic Sensors, Inc. toll free number at 1-800-886-2511, or E-mail us at leveldevil@leveldevil.com.