Reliable monitoring of stocks

To keep your machinery running on wheels, industrial lubricants are crucial. Georg Oest Mineralölwerk, located in the middle of the Black Forest, has more than 100 years of experience in their development, production and distribution. The work thus also includes mixing and filling containers and storing various components. VEGA's sensors have been used for these processes for many years. "We need sensors that provide us with reliable measured values over a long period of time and that is exactly what VEGA sensors do," sums up Thilo Reich, head of engineering at Oest.

High-quality petroleum refinates are the basis for Georg Oest Mineralölwerk's wide range of products. Today, the plant in Freudenstadt forms the heart of the group. Not only the laboratory and the workforce but also the storage areas were gradually expanded there. That is why the company built a new warehouse and logistics center about two years ago, accounting for a total area of about 3,500 m² and with space for more than 4,000 pallets. VEGA sensors have been used for many years in the numerous mixing and storage tanks. Although the mixing processes are simple and the storage tanks not particularly complex, the sensors must still be robust. For example, they must withstand temperatures of up to 100 °C and meet ATEX requirements in some zones. But the most important requirement is: "We need sensors that provide us with reliable measured values over a long period of time, and this is exactly what VEGA sensors do," Reich points out. So for him, it is only logical that Vega sensors are installed in almost every one of the approximately 70 tanks.

VEGA sensors have been used for many years in numerous mixing and storage tanks. Although the mixing processes are simple and the storage tanks not particularly complex, the sensors must still be robust.

Importance of inventory monitoring

There, first, they must measure the level in the numerous storage containers to ensure reliable stock monitoring and delivery to customers. In addition, they protect against overfilling the tanks. About a year ago, new overfill protection equipment in the form of VEGASWING was installed in the raw materials storage facility. Thanks to Plug & Play, commissioning the VEGASWING is incredibly easy. Inventory monitoring has taken on an important role because delivery time requirements have changed so much. "On the one hand, we are faced with the challenge of responding much faster than before and delivering widely varying quantities. On the other hand, we have to constantly keep certain products in stock for some Asian customers. In addition, we constantly keep an eye on prices on the raw materials markets so that we can always purchase our basic raw materials at favorable prices," Reich clarified.

Managers can view inventory levels at any time and intervene as needed. This not only optimizes operational processes, it also enables cost-effective production and inventory.

Automated inventory

Acquisition and visualization of inventory data and delivery planning are therefore becoming increasingly important in business operations. For automated inventory, Oest has relied on the VEGALOG for many years. Today, the company is supported by VEGAMET and the VEGA INVENTORY SYSTEM (VIS), which enable inventory visualization for pre-planning and control of production processes. VEGA's sensors and controllers collect all measurement data, which the VEGA INVENTORY SYSTEM then makes available for proper, effective planning. The Vega Inventory System reports the need for replenishment fully automatically and on time. To do this, the software counts not only on current measurement data from the inventory, but also on empirical data from consumption history. Analysis and planning tools enable optimized material requirements and inventory as well as supply planning. Bar charts and tank symbols give the user a constant overview of current inventory levels.

Simply excellent

"Calibrated gauges are used when filling the tankers, but the data from the VEGA sensors are very important for comparison. Even the old sensors still provide extremely accurate values." Managers can view inventory levels at any time and intervene when necessary. This not only optimizes operational processes, it also enables cost-effective production and inventory. "The service and support we receive, as well as the price-performance ratio and quality of the VEGA sensors, are simply outstanding," Reich says in conclusion.