Part one of this series discussed some of that problems that can occur when dealing with an unprotected fueling site and how fuel management systems can be used as an effective solution to maintain, control, monitor and track fuel inventories, purchases and transactions for fleets and unattended fueling sites. The three types of fuel management systems were previously discussed. Now let’s take a closer look at single and multi-site card lock systems.
Single and multi-site card lock systems consist of four main features:
- Fuel site controller
- Fuel management software
- Reconciliation
- RFID
Single & Multi-card Lock Systems Set The Standard
The fuel site controller, the heart of the fuel control system, can be located in a back office or built into the fuel island terminal. The fuel site controller stores transactions data and driver & vehicle records, maintains fuel restriction data, can store thousands of proprietary cards and transactions and can be connected to the fuel island terminal either via wire or wireless technology.
When a driver pulls up to your fueling location, they are greeted at the fuel island terminal with a message that you program into the system. To access fuel, the driver inserts their fueling card, waves their proximity card or key fob, or has the option of manually entering a pin. Next, the driver enters their vehicle ID and optional vehicle mileage or designated pin on the keypad. The fuel island terminal then requests authorization to activate the fuel dispenser from the fuel site controller. The fuel site controller verifies the drivers data, and if applicable, the vehicle or mileage, product type and authorizes the correct pump.
The fuel site controller can be configured with driver, product type and quantity restrictions for each vehicle. The fuel site controller records all driver, vehicle and transaction data, such as product type and quantity of fuel dispensed for later retrieval. When fueling is complete, the dispenser is turned off and the transaction is terminated. All transaction data is stored in the fuel site controller, including the date, time, driver ID, product type and quantity of fuel dispensed. Transaction data can be stored until pulled from a centralized database location. If equipped with a receipt printer, the fuel island terminal will generate and optional driver receipt once the user data has been reentered.
Fuel management software enables you to more effectively manage your site or sites by giving you total centralized control with on-demand polling, the ability to schedule activities, capture transaction data, consolidate data, export data, print reports, manage fueling cards and store critical fuel management data. Fuel management software has been designed to ultimately help maximize your time, improve your site visibility and protect your fuel assets.
Fuel management systems can also provide for complete fuel inventory reconciliation by adding an automated tank gauge to the site. Fuel reconciliation enables you to know exactly how much fuel is going in and how much is going out by combining dispenser data with tank inventory data, creating one report.
RFID fuel management systems removes any driver interaction because the system is completely automated for guaranteed accurate mileage reading through the use of a wireless communication unit. (WCU). This guarantees accurate mileage readings as well as verifies that the fuel is dispensed in the correct vehicle and tank. RFID technology provides accurate data, prevents theft and eliminates any chance of cross contamination or product. If the nozzle is removed from the tank, the transaction is immediately terminated. All data is stored in the fuel site controller.
So in conclusion, by utilizing a fuel management system, particular one offered by OPW Fuel Management Systems, site operators gain the ability to:
- Improve fuel security, accountability and control for one site or all sites
- Eliminate error-prone manual systems improving productivity and accuracy
- Improve fuel tracking and the elimination of theft and misallocation of fuel
- Regain control over valuable fuel assets
For a look at the latest fuel control innovation, visit OPW Fuel Management Systems to learn more about its fuel control systems.
How has your fuel control system helped improve your fueling operation?
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