For optimisation of your Supply Chain Management, CSE-Seprol's vendor inventory management control software, TelSure, combined with their hi-tech remote control units, also known as outstations, or RTU's, offer a cost effective solution for stock level control of bulk powders and liquids

Inventory management is made easier and, if required can then become the responsibility of the vendor who, using CSE-Seprol's inventory software is able to remotely monitor his stock levels on the customers site and make deliveries accordingly.

From a central control point a computer operates a process monitoring software package which regularly logs information remotely from the storage vessels. Based on the information received, reports and alarms are generated and sent via by pager/fax or to a remote PC workstation. This enables the vendor to have visibility of usage and to arrange for a delivery to be made in a timely manner.

With a remote workstation the vendor may call up the central control point at any time of the night or day to obtain the latest status or archived information.

In recent reports, savings of between 5% and 15% in transportation and logistics costs have been indicated with the use of remote inventory management.

Control by the Consumer or the Vendor?

- Vendor Controlled

If the vendor provides the remote inventory managed system, the consumer has the confidence in knowing that his bulk storage is continually monitored, the vendor can then be said to provide a service not just a product.

- Consumer Controlled

For large consumers with multiple locations, they may wish to provide access to the remote inventory management system for their in-house logistic experts to schedule deliveries. They may also supply their chosen vendor with a remote workstation to enable them to schedule appropriate deliveries.

What are the Benefits for the Vendor?

Here are some key questions vendors are constantly seeking to answer.

When do I need to make my next bulk delivery?
How much do I need to have delivered?
When will my customer run out of product?
Will the transport return with undelivered product?
How much of my product does my customer use per hour/day/week/month?
When will spare capacity be available to allow me to make my next delivery?

Vendor managed inventory (VMI), using TelSure, answers these questions and provides other valuable information on what the customer does with the product and when.

This is possible with the aid of special 'trending' software which is able to interface with the process monitoring package. It is also possible with the aid of local processing power on the CSE-Seprol S250 outstation, to make some 'decisions' from the data it has received, taking away some of the more mundane tasks from the host system. These features help 'add value' to the product which in turn helps to distinguish the vendor's organisation from others supplying the same product.

"I'm interested in remote inventory management but I'm not sure I have the relevant IT personnel in place to manage the system, what are my options?"

A number of options are available, but here are the three of the simplest ones:-

System Purchase

For vendors or consumers who wish to own the system, but do not have the technical capability to design or install it, CSE-Seprol and our sister company CSE-Servelec are able to offer a tailored monitoring package to suit their particular application requirements. The service we offer includes any or all of the following.

• Design
• Build
• Configuration
• Installation
• Commissioning
• Support and Maintenance

Purchase will mean that they take ownership of the system, but where and when required, support and maintenance is available from CSE-Servelec's customer support centre.

Another option is:

System Rental

Rental is the no hassle option for vendors or consumers who want the benefit of a remote inventory management system's technology but do not want the cost of initial capital expenditure.

Once again, CSE-Seprol and CSE-Servelec would undertake to design, build, configure, install, commission, support and maintain the system once it is installed on site, but the system would still be owned by us.

This option may be ideal for consumers who change vendors on a regular basis, but want each new vendor to offer remote inventory management.

In 'data critical' applications it is also possible to offer what is known as a 'duty standby server' which acts like a backup to the main system in the event of failure. It is also worth mentioning that the type of 'outstation' used can make a big difference. In the event of the remote site being cut off due to a communications failure for example, the S250 is able to archive tank data. The data can then be transferred when communication is resumed. Some other manufacturers products do not offer this feature.

The third option is what is known as a TelSure Bureau Service.

TelSure Bureau Service basically means that the main system is owned by the CSE-Seprol/CSE-Servelec Group but instead of installing the central control system onsite and communication to each outstation being local, the central control is installed at our headquarters and information is then accessed by either the vendor or consumer via a specialist workstation or via the Internet using a standard PC. This service may also be available within 24 Hour, 365 day/year support for critical installations.

Why use CSE-Seprol Products and Services?

CSE-Seprol have been designing, manufacturing and supplying telemetry products and solutions for over 20 years and are a major supplier to UK based utility companies.

This innovative technology is available at competitive prices making it ideal for remote inventory management. This enables you to use tried and proven technology that was previously only available to major utility companies. Our products are designed for arduous environments.

The equipment monitors:-

- radio and television transmitters for broadcasting
- lighthouses, light vessels and buoys for navigation
- treatment works for water supply and distribution
- sewage treatment works and pumping stations
- pipelines for routing and safety
- rivers and lakes for pollution, level and flood forecasting

We know how to monitor remotely 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and 52 weeks/year. We specialise in this technology and have a great deal of experience.

To ensure we understand our customers everyday problems related to inventory management, we are an Affiliate Member of The Institute of Logistics and Transport number 04579.

Our quality management systems are approved to the ISO 9001:2000 standard by Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance. Certificate Number LQR-0962170/B.

If you would like to find out more about our Remote Inventory Management solutions or have a specific application to discuss, please contact us.