Global fuel retailer, Shell, has recently introduced a flexible communication and 'store and forward' platform, ideal for data transfer between sites, head office and various data bureaus.
PetroPod, developed by Isebe, is currently being used at the Shell sites to gather, collate and forward data from multiple automatic tank gauging and point-of-sale systems running at the sites. TriPod units form part of the PetroPod solution, where data is transferred to head office multiple times per day and is used in different projects from their central location.
Connectivity is provided via GPRS, EDGE or HSDPA. XLink Communications is responsible for the SIM card estate management as well as hosted service. “What is unique about this solution is that by eliminating forecourt and tagging cabling, there is no need to dig up forecourts, there is a massive reduction in maintenance, and little infrastructure is required,” comments Hymie Marnewick, chief operating officer of XLink Communications. “Our VPN management is critical to the overall success of the zero cabling solution to ensure remote connectivity to site level for the extraction of data from the Tripod Units.”
PetroPod facilitates the real-time management of the complete on-site operation, starting with fuel in the tanks and ending with payment of fuel pumped for individual customers. The system can be fully integrated with the latest FAFNIR automatic tank gauging (ATG) systems to ensure that the filling station manager is aware at all times of the quantity of fuel stored, how much has been sold, and by which petrol pump attendant.
Isebe, together with XLink and several partners, have currently secured over 200 active sites installed throughout South Africa. “The success of this technology will no doubt reach other fuel retailers within South Africa. In tough financial times, it has a far lower cost of ownership, making it a smart and reliable solution,” comments Marnewick.
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XLink
XLink Communications was established in 2004 and is a pioneer in GPRS-based EFT data communication solutions in South Africa. The company is currently the largest carrier of EFT (electronic funds transfer) services across the GSM network, with 21 000 units installed nationwide. Building on its ICASA licensed technology supported by the country's major financial institutions, XLink has expanded its product range, providing wireless data solutions, further penetrating the telemetry market space. For more information, visit http://www.xlink.co.za.
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