Automated storage tank management software streamlines compliance, reduces cost

STOICS (Storage Tank Operation, Inventory & Compliance System) from environmental consultants BEM Systems, Inc. is the first tank management and compliance software tool specifically developed for managers of above- and below-ground storage tank systems, at single or multiple facilities. Since test marketing began last year, the GIS-enhanced software has enjoyed enthusiastic acceptance. Approximately 2,000 tanks are currently managed with STOICS, most at government facilities, including 850 tanks at a Midwestern Air Force base and over 120 tanks owned by the U.S. Postal Service at 79 sites in and around New York City. With a broader marketing effort now under way, BEM hopes to see a number of major sales completed shortly to companies in energy, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals as well as to airports, auto rental companies, NASA, and the Air Combat Command.

"STOICS is the only software solution that focuses on the structural and maintenance side of storage tank system management, as opposed to managing the inventory of the tank contents," explains Lou Pingitore, BEM's Director of Information Management Systems. "Over the years, BEM has helped many large public- and private-sector clients manage their regulatory compliance operations. What many have really needed, but never had, was a robust, versatile, user-friendly compliance tool that could help them manage day-to-day operations more effectively, and would also incorporate the latest versions of all applicable state and federal regulations. STOICS provides that for them.

"The bottom line," says Pingitore, "is that STOICS makes it very easy for a compliance professional to maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date inventory of all above- and below-ground storage tanks, wherever they are located, quickly check compliance status, and generate management reports and documentation with a few keystrokes. This cuts down sharply on the time and effort needed to manage a tank program, while it can also substantially reduce the company's potential exposure to penalties or liabilities. The program is also priced very affordably," he adds. "Most of our customers have reported a return-on-investment period of a year or less."

STOICS is an MS Windows-based, LAN-deployable program that runs on a minimum Pentium II/266+ MHz systems running Windows95 or later. Clear directions and easy-to-read, user-friendly screens provide compliance professionals with instant access to complete, up-to-date information. The system can generate 12 standard reports automatically, and custom reports can easily be added using Seagate Crystal Reports®. Key features include:

• An integrated tank compliance tool that automatically compares tank data to current state and federal regulations and flags potential compliance issues;
• Integrated GIS/mapping capabilities, using the popular ESRI Shape File® format;
• An event log to help schedule and record O&M tasks such as reports, inspections, and repairs, as well as to record and track regulatory events and follow-up actions. There's even a built-in Event Tickler to notify users of future approaching events and action-item deadlines;
• Special features such as pull-down menus, database-driven "pick" lists, push-button reporting, and automatic, customizable pop-up selections included to simplify training and operation;
• Affordable pricing.

Readers who wish to learn more about STOICS or to receive a descriptive brochure by mail are invited to contact Lou Pingitore, Director, Information Management Systems, at 908-598-2600 or by email at lpingitore@bemsys.com. Information is also available at the BEM Systems Website, www.bemsys.com.

BEM Systems, Inc., is a full-service, independent, multidisciplinary environmental consulting firm. Headquartered in Chatham, N.J., with offices in Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Missouri, and Washington, D.C., BEM's environmental engineers and scientists provide a full range of environmental compliance, cleanup, prevention, and risk management services for public- and private sector clients nationwide. For further information on BEM or any of its technical services, visit us online at www.bemsys.com or call BEM directly at (908) 598-2600.