5 Steps to Transform Your Oil Terminal Operations for Maximum Efficiency
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
In the oil and gas industry, outdated terminal equipment and terminal automation systems can lead to significant operational bottlenecks. According to a study by the American Petroleum Institute, inefficiencies in terminal operations can result in average downtime costing companies upwards of $1 million per hour (API, 2020). At Toptech Systems, we understand the frustrations that C-level executives, engineers, and operations managers face when trying to maximize productivity. With decades of expertise and the distinction of being ranked as the #1 terminal automation system in North America by the ARC Advisory Group, Toptech can offer specific solutions.
Terminal operations are feeling the pressure
When your Terminal Automation System (TAS) goes down or your bay goes offline due to an equipment outage, every minute lost is a financial burden and impacts team morale and long-term project viability. Oil and gas professionals feel the pressure when existing systems no longer meet the operational needs—a problem worsened by the rising demand for reliability and accountability. A report from Deloitte indicates that 58% of oil and gas executives identify technology transformation as a critical component of their operational strategy (Deloitte, 2021).
To enhance your terminal's efficiency, consider a three pillar solution: first, invest in integrated systems that streamline all terminal processes, from loading to accounting. Second, implement training programs that equip your teams with the knowledge to utilize advanced technology effectively. Finally, ensure regular maintenance checks on equipment to avoid unplanned downtimes. Each approach fosters a proactive, rather than reactive, operational mindset.
To break this down into an actionable guide, here are five steps to improve your terminal’s performance:
- Assess your current systems. Conduct a thorough review of your existing hardware and software to identify bottlenecks. Review maintenance logs to identify if specific legacy equipment, like dated auto tank gauging equipment, for example, is continually failing. In addition, if you're running a legacy TAS, review how often the system hangs up or fails leading to the loss of critical transaction data. These outages not only decrease site efficiency, but they could also put your terminal at risk for a security breach. Engage with your team to gather insights on routine operational challenges they face.
- Map out your goals. Define clear, quantifiable goals for what an efficient terminal should achieve. For instance, aim to reduce average loading times by at least 20% within the next quarter, then identify specific actions you can take to achieve that goal. If you’re not already doing so, begin tracking the metrics that relate to each goal (average load time in minutes, for example). This way, you can see if the actions resulted in hitting the goal or not.
- Integrate Advanced Technology. If outdated systems seem to be the cause for inefficiencies, explore automation systems and modernization steps. Explore options like Toptech’s Multiload II+ load rack control system, which can increase load rack reliability and security. Also, consider automation, with solutions like the Toptech’s TMS7 terminal automation system, which has been shown to increase site efficiency by up to 20% (ARC Advisory Group, 2021).
- Train Your Team. Develop a continuous education program that enables your team to effectively utilize the new systems. Studies show that companies investing in ongoing training see productivity increases of 10-20% (Deloitte, 2022).
- Monitor Performance. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and consistently revisit and refine your operations based on these findings. Use the meaningful metrics, like the one discussed earlier, to create dashboards, so you and your team can continually assess your performance, making any changes as needed.
Ready to take action? Toptech Systems can help
If you are experiencing operational issues at your terminal, and you don’t take action, the risks could be significant: lost revenue, increased operational costs, and potential safety hazards can all stem from ineffective systems. Alternatively, adopting these strategies can lead to streamlined operations, better financial performance, and an overall transformed workplace culture that prioritizes efficiency.
Toptech Systems has been helping terminal operators and marketers transform their terminals for over 35 years, with an ecosystem of products and a proven professional services team. To get started on your path to operational excellence, reach out to us today and request your free ROI report. Our team is ready to help you unlock the full potential of your terminal operations. The next step is yours.
Toptech Systems is a proud member of the global IDEX family which is recognized as the premier provider of Fluid and Metering Technologies, Health and Science Technologies, Fire and Safety Products, and Dispensing Equipment.
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