Dearman Systems Review: Automate Your Terminals for Peak Accuracy and Safety

Terminal operations still stuck in manual mode?

If you’re looking into Dearman Systems, chances are those paper logs, data silos, or endless spreadsheets are holding your terminal operations back.

Here’s the reality: Operational delays, missed data, and constant manual work just eat into your profits and make daily management feel like a never-ending headache.

Dearman Systems cuts through this with automation and real-time insights for bulk storage, logistics, and enterprise data—letting you actually run your terminals instead of just putting out fires. Their approach goes way beyond basic automation, focusing on configurability, integration with a full range of hardware, and a single pane of glass across all your operations.

In this review, I’ll break down how Dearman helps you replace the busywork with real control and walk you through my in-depth analysis of their system.

You’ll discover in this Dearman Systems review how the platform handles daily workflow, feature breakdowns, pricing, top alternatives, and whether it fits your complex operational needs.

By the end, you’ll have all the insights and features you need to decide if Dearman is the right fit—so you can make your move without regret.

Let’s get started.

Dearman Systems Overview

Dearman Systems has been dedicated to automating bulk liquids terminals since its founding in 1988. From Tucson, Arizona, their entire mission is to streamline complex operations for this specific industry.

They work specifically with the bulk liquids storage and distribution industries, covering everything from midstream oil and gas to chemical refining and renewables. You won’t find them trying to be a generalist; their focus remains solely on automating core terminal operations.

Their 2021 LYNX platform launch was a smart move, showing a push into modern logistics. As I’ll explore through this Dearman Systems review, this connects the entire supply chain beyond the terminal fence.

Unlike competitors like PDI, Dearman maintains a deep focus on terminal automation. This results in a practical tool built by people who actually understand day-to-day operational challenges, which I find is a major advantage.

They work with hundreds of customers globally, having automated over 250 terminals across four continents. This includes traditional petroleum sites and growing segments like renewable fuels, NGLs, and even water treatment facilities.

I’ve noticed their current strategy really emphasizes data unification with their UNITY platform. This directly addresses your need for real-time enterprise visibility, moving beyond the limits of older, single-terminal control systems.

Now let’s examine their core capabilities.

Dearman Systems Features

Dealing with outdated, disconnected terminal operations?

Dearman Systems offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored for the bulk liquids industry. These are the five core Dearman Systems solutions that optimize assets and streamline your operations.

1. Terminal Automation System (TAS.net & RTG)

Tired of manual errors and inaccurate product measurement?

Outdated manual processes can lead to costly mistakes and inefficiencies in terminal operations. This slows down everything from loading to reporting.

Dearman’s TAS.net automates crucial processes like load authorization and inventory, directly integrating with field devices. From my testing, the scalability and customization options really stand out, making it suitable for any terminal size. This solution boosts accuracy and streamlines your entire operation.

This means you can enjoy enhanced safety, real-time data, and increased revenue through optimized asset utilization.

2. UNITY (Multi-Terminal Data Unification)

Struggling with fragmented data across multiple terminals?

When data is siloed across different locations, it’s nearly impossible to get a clear, unified view of your entire business. This hinders strategic decision-making.

UNITY aggregates and stores data from all your terminals in one centralized location, breaking down those silos. What I found impressive is how it supports everything from business intelligence to customer order management. This solution provides a single source of truth for your entire enterprise.

So you can get improved company-wide reporting, better decision-making from real-time insights, and greater efficiency.

3. LYNX (Supply Chain Logistics Software)

Is your supply chain lacking real-time visibility and communication?

Manual order management and disconnected parties in the supply chain can lead to delays and inefficiencies. This often frustrates both your team and your customers.

LYNX offers a self-service portal that connects all parties—terminal operators, position holders, and customers—in real time. This is where Dearman Systems shines, offering unique features for truck, rail, and barge logistics. This solution optimizes order management across your entire supply chain.

This means you get improved operations, enhanced customer satisfaction, and enterprise-wide security.

4. Terminal Graphics Builder

Need better real-time visibility into your terminal’s activity?

Without a clear visual overview, monitoring product movement and activity within your terminal can be challenging. This can lead to missed opportunities for efficiency.

This module allows you to take control with real-time visualization of terminal activity and product flow. From my evaluation, the ability to monitor specific loading/unloading bay activity provides invaluable operational insights. This feature helps you quickly identify and address issues.

This means you can improve the efficiency and quality of your operations through intuitive visual monitoring and control.

5. Accounting Interface Module

Facing challenges with financial data transfer between systems?

Manually transferring operational data to your accounting and ERP systems can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This creates unnecessary administrative burdens.

Dearman’s Accounting Interface Module streamlines financial processes by integrating directly with various ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics GP. This feature automates data transfer for increased accuracy and efficiency, eliminating manual reconciliation headaches. It acts as a bridge, ensuring seamless communication.

So you can break down data silos and automate tasks, leading to improved overall business efficiency.

You’ll appreciate how these Dearman Systems features work together, creating a cohesive and powerful platform for optimizing bulk liquid operations.

Dearman Systems Pricing

Worried about hidden software costs?

Dearman Systems pricing operates on a custom quote model, meaning you’ll need to contact sales directly to understand the costs tailored to your specific operational scale.

1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors

Their pricing model is entirely custom.

Dearman Systems’ pricing isn’t published but centers on a value-based approach, tailored to your specific needs. From my cost analysis, your total cost depends on the modules you select, like TAS.net, UNITY, or LYNX, and the number of terminals you need to automate.

Budget-wise, this means your investment aligns directly with the scope of automation and operational improvements you seek.

2. Value Assessment & ROI

Does this justify the cost?

What I found regarding pricing is that while specific numbers aren’t public, the documented administrative labor cost reductions, like Bluewing Midstream’s $300,000 savings, demonstrate strong ROI potential for your business. Their focus is on driving operational efficiency and asset optimization, which translates to significant long-term savings.

This means your budget gets a tangible return on investment, making the custom pricing model potentially very cost-effective.

3. Budget Planning & Implementation

Consider all your budget needs.

Beyond the core software, you should budget for implementation services, training, and potential custom integrations with your existing ERP or accounting systems. What stands out is how their configurability minimizes costly custom coding, which helps keep implementation efficient compared to extensive bespoke solutions.

So for your business, planning for these initial setup costs is crucial to fully realize the operational benefits and savings.

My Take: Dearman Systems’ custom pricing is ideal for bulk liquids operations seeking tailored automation and significant ROI through operational efficiency, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

The overall Dearman Systems pricing reflects value-driven solutions for complex industry needs.

Dearman Systems Reviews

What do real users experience?

My analysis of Dearman Systems reviews provides balanced insights into what actual customers think about this software, helping you understand real-world user experiences.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Users report high satisfaction.

From my review analysis, customers consistently praise the effectiveness of Dearman’s solutions in enhancing operational efficiency and security. What I found in user feedback is how companies achieve significant ROI and administrative savings, highlighting strong positive sentiment.

This suggests you can expect tangible improvements in your operations with their system.

2. Common Praise Points

Improved security and efficiency stand out.

Users repeatedly highlight the enhanced security features and streamlined operational control, especially for bulk liquid loadouts. From the reviews I analyzed, the responsive customer service and development teams are frequently commended, indicating strong ongoing support and product evolution.

This means you’ll likely benefit from robust security and dedicated support for your needs.

3. Frequent Complaints

Limited public critiques are available.

While specific negative Dearman Systems reviews are not widely published, the focus on testimonials on their site often means any less-than-stellar feedback is less visible. What stood out in customer feedback is how positive experiences are consistently emphasized, making it hard to find common complaints.

This suggests that while general critiques are absent, specific nuanced issues might exist for some users.

Overall, Dearman Systems reviews indicate strong user satisfaction and clear operational benefits for their customers.

Best Dearman Systems Alternatives

Which bulk liquids system truly fits your needs?

The best Dearman Systems alternatives include several strong options, each better suited for different business sizes, <a href="https://nerdisa.com/orientdb/">operational complexities and specific industry integrations</a>.

### 1. PDI Technologies

Running a <a href="https://nerdisa.com/codeachi/">business beyond just terminal operations</a>?

PDI excels if your business extends into convenience retail or petroleum wholesale, requiring a broader enterprise suite beyond just bulk liquids. From my competitive analysis, **PDI offers a more holistic value chain platform** for integrated operations, though it might lack Dearman's deep niche focus.

Choose PDI if your operations span retail or wholesale and demand a wider, integrated software ecosystem.

<div class="vendor-summary-box pros-cons">
    <div class="summary-content">
        <ul>
            <li>🎯 <strong>Bonus Resource:</strong> Speaking of streamlining operations, my guide on <a href="https://nerdisa.com/libraryworld/">automate your library operations</a> covers additional strategies.</li>
        </ul>
    </div>
</div>

### 2. TopTech Systems

Already integrated with specific hardware ecosystems?

TopTech Systems makes more sense if your operation has specialized hardware integration needs or a long-standing reliance on their established ecosystem. What I found comparing options is that **TopTech provides deep hardware integration focus** for terminal automation, offering an alternative for specific existing infrastructure.

Consider this alternative when complex hardware compatibility or an established TopTech environment is your priority.

### 3. DTN

Do your <a href="https://nerdisa.com/biblionix/">operations rely heavily</a> on market intelligence?

DTN is a better choice if your business heavily leverages market data, forecasting, and advanced analytics to inform your bulk liquid operations. Alternative-wise, **DTN offers robust data and analytics capabilities** beyond Dearman's core operational focus, providing critical decision-support tools.

Choose DTN when <a href="https://nerdisa.com/accenture/">market insights and data-driven forecasting</a> are as crucial as real-time terminal automation.

<div class="vendor-summary-box">
    <h3>Quick Decision Guide</h3>
    <div class="summary-content">
        <ul>
            <li><strong>Choose Dearman Systems:</strong> Deep specialization in bulk liquids terminal automation</li>
            <li><strong>Choose PDI Technologies:</strong> Broad enterprise suite for convenience retail/wholesale</li>
            <li><strong>Choose TopTech Systems:</strong> Specific hardware integration and established ecosystems</li>
            <li><strong>Choose DTN:</strong> Advanced market intelligence and data-driven forecasting</li>
        </ul>
    </div>
</div>

The best Dearman Systems alternatives depend on <u>your specific industry scope and data intelligence requirements</u> more than features alone.

<!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} -->
<div class="wp-block-buttons">
<!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"vivid-red","textColor":"white","width":100,"style":{"border":{"radius":"0px"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100">
<a class="wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://dearmansystems.com" style="border-radius:0px" target="_blank">Compare Dearman Systems With Alternatives →</a>
</div>
<!-- /wp:button -->
</div>
<!-- /wp:buttons -->

Dearman Systems Setup

What are you signing up for?

The Dearman Systems setup involves a spectrum of deployment complexities, from quick “ready-to-go” options to highly customized enterprise integrations. This Dearman Systems review will help set realistic expectations.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

Deployment isn’t one-size-fits-all.

For smaller operations, the RTG system offers remote, quick installation, often “right out of the box.” However, TAS.net for larger terminals means implementation requires detailed planning and configuration to align with specific workflows.

Plan for timelines that range from weeks for RTG to several months for complex TAS.net deployments requiring deep customization.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Expect varying levels of IT involvement.

RTG systems have standard configurations, but TAS.net requires integration with an unlimited number of instruments and existing systems. What I found about deployment is that it’s engineered for Microsoft® Windows® Server environments, leveraging .Net, SQL, and Reporting Services.

You’ll want to prepare your IT infrastructure for these requirements, especially for TAS.net’s extensive integration capabilities with over 25 pre-built connectors.

3. Training & Change Management

User adoption is critical for success.

Training needs will vary; simpler RTG deployments might require less, while complex TAS.net setups demand comprehensive user education. From my analysis, proactive training prevents common operational hurdles that can arise when introducing new automation.

Invest in thorough training programs and strong internal champions to smooth the transition and ensure your team maximizes the software’s benefits.

4. Support & Success Factors

Vendor support can make or break your rollout.

Dearman Systems highlights responsive customer service and development teams, with users praising their quick issue resolution. From my implementation analysis, dedicated vendor support is crucial for complex integrations and custom configurations.

Plan to leverage their technical expertise throughout your Dearman Systems implementation, as their commitment to support significantly impacts project success.

Overall, the Dearman Systems setup demands scalable planning based on your business size and complexity but offers significant operational gains.

Bottom Line

Dearman Systems: Right for your bulk liquid operations?

My Dearman Systems review provides a comprehensive look at its value proposition, helping you determine if this specialized software aligns with your specific operational needs and business goals.

1. Who This Works Best For

Mid-market and enterprise bulk liquid operators.

Dearman Systems is ideal for businesses in petroleum, chemicals, and renewable fuels managing single or multiple terminals. From my user analysis, companies needing to automate manual processes and gain real-time visibility across complex operations find this solution invaluable for their digital transformation.

You’ll achieve success if your priority is improving accuracy, efficiency, and safety in your bulk liquid storage and distribution.

2. Overall Strengths

Unparalleled specialization in bulk liquid terminal automation.

The software delivers robust terminal automation (TAS.net, RTG), multi-terminal data unification (UNITY), and innovative supply chain logistics (LYNX). From my comprehensive analysis, its configurability and deep integration capabilities stand out, providing immense flexibility for unique operational requirements and enhancing overall security.

These strengths will translate into significant reductions in administrative costs and increased throughput for your business.

3. Key Limitations

Pricing transparency is a notable concern.

The primary drawback is the absence of publicly available pricing, requiring direct engagement with Dearman Systems for cost details. Based on this review, extensive customization, while beneficial, can introduce complexity during implementation, which is a common challenge with enterprise-level software deployments.

I find these limitations manageable, provided your business accounts for the sales cycle and potential implementation complexities.

4. Final Recommendation

Dearman Systems earns a strong, clear recommendation.

You should choose this software if your mid-market or enterprise bulk liquid operation seeks to automate, optimize, and gain real-time insights across your supply chain. From my analysis, this solution is a strategic investment for long-term growth and operational excellence in your specific industry.

My confidence level is extremely high for businesses with complex bulk liquid storage and distribution requirements.

This Dearman Systems review shows clear value for specialized bulk liquid operations, guiding your decision with confidence and strategic insight.