NISTM Orlando 2023 Takeaways

NISTM Orlando 2023 Takeaways

HUVR recently attended the National Institute for Storage Tank Management (NISTM), 25th Annual International Aboveground Storage Tank Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.  NISTM is a regular venue for us, as it is a great opportunity to meet old friends, make new friends, witness the continual improvement in technologies and learn about customers’ challenges…and while not absolutely critical in the understanding of the ups and downs of storage tanks,  the addition of a Martini Bar this year did not hurt (let’s not be too hasty. -Ed.).

Navigating the Rising Tide of Regulatory Control

HUVR has regularly highlighted the fact that industry veterans are exiting and taking their hard-earned tank inspection knowledge with them. At the same time, new inspection technologies and regulations are being introduced, creating the perfect storm for aboveground storage tank owners and operators. 

Together with Earl ”The Tank Whisperer” Crochet, we had the opportunity to speak to the fact that the legion of regulatory authorities are not necessarily aligned as to which standards are to be adhered to. This burden becomes readily apparent when one considers that API-653 is 14 years old and API-2350 is 17 years old–it is inevitable that these standards will soon be updated, resulting in the different regulatory authorities demanding adherence to somewhat dissimilar versions of the same standards at the same time, commonly requiring multiple systems of record. 

Earl Crochet says “Start digital. Stay digital.” This is a maxim all asset owners/operators should consider. Such a perspective, put into practice, can easily transform this apparent burden into a benefit with an industry-focused, fit-for-purpose digital solution. Following our talk, we were visited by many customers interested in discussing how HUVR could help. Because we already have a solution in place, we were able to run on-demand, live demos of the HUVR IDMS platform tailored to answer each customer’s questions and meet their specific needs.

Data Management is a challenge…but also the solution

Speaking with customers, we were surprised to hear how many of their adopted solutions did not play well together, let alone with their CMMS of choice. Furthermore, while the adopted solution resolves one challenge, it usually brought new challenges with it. 

Not that I am biased…but this is one of the benefits HUVR brings to the industry. We don’t make assumptions and leap, but rather take a breath, pause and discuss at length with our network of industry recognized advisors and our ecosystem of partners, to determine the best way forward to ensure delivery of solutions that fit into the network of industry technologies. 

“All for one and one for all” springs to mind, but I am not sure that really works…could be something to do with the martini bar, I guess. Anyway, if you’d like to know more about our plans for the future, or how we can help you today, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to talk it through with you, as the future is not on the horizon…it is already here.