Managing fuel through an IT pipe

LANCASHIRE, US: Managers can customise reports to highlight information that is especially relevant to them. For example, when fuel stocks fall to a re-order position the software will automatically issue a reminder.

If this is not actioned within a set time the system will cascade this warning to other managers until action is taken. These alerts can be issued by e-mail and text messaging where this is appropriate.

These are just some claims that refuel with Fueltek's new software product launch. Fueltek, which is a player in fuel management technology, has launched a new software product to aid fuel management control - Fueltek Fuel Manager Online (FMO). Data on fuel access, monitoring stock levels, and analysis of driver/vehicle fuel usage and the need to programme or exclude access tags can deluge the fleet manager with minor chores that prevent them getting on with other essential tasks. FMO overcomes these problems and allows 24/7 access to data anytime and anywhere there is a suitable internet connection, says a company release.

Applications arise in haulage fleets, public transport, manufacturing, local authorities, emergency services and other organisations that operate vehicle fleets. The system is equally applicable in operations with a handful of vehicles and to large organisations that have scores of locations.

The FMO software is multi-user so that tasks such as fuel ordering, datatag programming or exclusion can be delegated to managers at site level. The software is therefore empowering to both the local site manager and to the fleet manager at HQ. The software gathers field information via Fueltek's Fuel Access Control Terminal (FACT). The FACT is given an Internet protocol (IP) address so that it becomes part of the network. Communication between the FACT and host PC can be based on a company Intranet or can use the Internet connection to the GPRS modem within the FACT. Data is securely transferred and only accessible via personalised passwords.

FMO is easy to install and set up and can be hosted by Fueltek and made accessible to the end user without any components being installed on the end users system. This off site hosting reduces any IT burden to clients and also frees their systems for other tasks making them faster and more reliable. Alternatively, FMO can reside on the clients system if this is required.