Anytime, anywhere online access to vital data
Issue: Summer 2009
Running a fleet of any size can be a nightmare. Controlling fuel access, monitoring stock levels and analysis of driver/vehicle fuel usage is vital. Fueltek, the UK's market leader in fuel management technology, has produced Fuel Manager Online (FMO) fuel management software, which has been developed to put fleet managers in the driving seat.
By Martin Devine
Online is the operative word. FMO software is different to traditional fuel management software because it is a web browser based application. This means that information can be more easily accessed, by accredited users, from any location. All that is required is an Internet or company Intranet connection.
Good management is based on sound and timely information, so FMO has been engineered to be truly multi-user. Whether the manager is based at HQ, running a depot or travelling in the UK or overseas, they can easily access information and make decisions. Depending on their personalised access and control profile they can review and print reports, update information, monitor fuel stocks, view vehicle performance, add or lock out drivers from the system and perform many other key tasks. The software works with 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 on fuelling transactions, fuel stock levels and vehicle mileage is securely transferred and only accessible via personalised passwords. The nominated system administrator can allow full access or limited access depending on the user’s position and information needs.
FMO has applications in haulage and logistics, passenger transport, manufacturing, local authorities, emergency services and other organisations that operate vehicle fleets. The software is equally useful in single-site operations with a handful of vehicles as it is for large organisations that have hundreds of vehicles and scores of locations.
Managers can customise reports so that any activity that is outside the norm is highlighted and can be investigated further. For example, the system can have an inbuilt warning when fuel levels fall to a designated re-order position. This warning is automatically relayed to the designated manager and will cascade through the system to other managers if no action is taken. The system can even send these notices via email or text messaging where required.
The software allows tasks such as fuel ordering, datatag programming or exclusion to be delegated to managers at site level. To this extent the software is empowering to both the local site manager and to the fleet manager at HQ who is able to concentrate on core tasks.
FMO is easy to install and set up. It can be hosted by Fueltek and made accessible to the end user without any components being installed on the end user’s system. This off site hosting reduces any IT overheads 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.
Published: 06/07/2009
