Fuel Island Terminals that promote scalability, such as OPW Fuel Management Systems’ Petro Vend 200 Fuel Island Terminal shown here, help public sector fleet managers maximize the life of – and their investment in ­– their fuel management equipment. / Image courtesy of OPW Fuel Management Systems

Fuel Island Terminals that promote scalability, such as OPW Fuel Management Systems’ Petro Vend 200 Fuel Island Terminal shown here, help public sector fleet managers maximize the life of – and their investment in ­– their fuel management equipment. / Image courtesy of OPW Fuel Management Systems

Simplifying fuel management through today's advanced fuel control technologies not only enables government fleet managers to optimize their operations, it helps them boost their operation’s bottom line. Here are five ways that a state-of-the-art, scalable fuel control solution such as the Petro Vend 200 (PV200) Fuel Island Terminal from OPW Fuel Management Systems saves federal, state and municipal fleet managers both time and money.

1. Fleets that control their own fuel inventory have lower fuel costs.

Government fleets that host an unattended fueling solution at their operation have greater control of one of their costliest expenses ­– their fuel. By eliminating the middleman, fleets with in-house fueling benefit from the savings that wholesale pricing offers. In addition, cardlock systems that control the authorization of fueling and capture data about fueling supply and consumption allow public sector fleets even greater visibility of their fuel assets, and as such, also their bottom line.

2. Scalable fuel control technologies provide value for investment.

Initially, new fuel control systems require fleets to make a capital investment. However, fuel control equipment’s ability to generate savings through operational efficiencies and reduced inventory losses deliver a reliable return on investment. This is especially true when fuel prices rise and theft increases in conjunction with the rising prices. 

In addition, modular fuel control technologies, such as OPW Fuel Management Systems' PV200 Fuel Island Terminal, can be scaled up or down to meet the specialized needs of public sector fleets, big or small. This design feature enables public-sector fleet managers to select ­– and invest in – the options they need, and disregard the ones they don't. For instance, the PV200 offers fleet managers the flexibility to select several options for their terminal, including:

  • Dual card reader support enables operators to utilize multiple activation devices
  • Integrated fuel site controller accommodates site configurations where indoor facilities are not available
  • Three pedestal heights (including heights that meet Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements)
  • Optional receipt printer

The PV200 is part of a family of fuel control solutions from OPW Fuel Management Systems that support future adaptability, including OPW's FSC3000™ Fuel Site Controller and Phoenix fuel management software. The FSC3000 enables flexibility through a wide selection of popular card brands and expandable memory that ranges from 2,000 to 64,000 cards. In addition, OPW's suite of Phoenix fuel management software offers powerful data analytics to fleets of every size and configuration ­– from single work-station style operations to multi-site.

3. Actionable data reveals costly problems.

Utilizing advanced fuel management software that offers a comprehensive reports package ­is one of the best ways to identify weaknesses in a fleet's fuel management program. Software, such as Phoenix SQL® and Phoenix SQL Lite™ from OPW Fuel Management Systems, automates fuel inventory reconciliation, which not only helps operators reduce inventory losses, it creates operational efficiencies. These programs provide actionable data for identifying sources of fuel losses, such as theft, gray loads or meter drift. In addition, the software interfaces with most fleet-maintenance and back-office software, enabling operators to fully leverage their data across multiple programs.  

4. Intelligently designed fuel control systems offer the added benefit of streamlined maintenance.

In the event that the Fuel Island Terminal requires service, a modular equipment profile helps technicians reduce equipment downtime. For instance, components in OPW's PV200 are engineered to be quickly and easily removed. The FIT's cabinet door may be removed and components housed on the inside of the door may be serviced off-site.

5. Rugged construction leads to reliable operation, reduced maintenance and longer service life.

New Fuel Island Terminals are built to last. For example, the PV200's cabinet and pedestal feature aluminum construction to prevent rusting. In addition, the fuel island terminal's thermostatically controlled heater provides reliable operation in the harshest environments.

Protect Your Bottom Line

OPW FMS is committed to delivering fuel management solutions that help government fleets improve their bottom line. To read an article about how an automated fuel management software solution reduces inventory losses and create operational efficiencies, download the free whitepaper, "The Numbers Don't Lie," from OPW Fuel Management System. To set up a consultation to learn about the financial benefits of adding a modular, scalable fuel control solution to your fleet management strategy, please contact OPW Fuel Management Systems.

In addition, OPW Fuel Management Systems will exhibit at the PEI Convention at the NACS Show Oct. 17-20 in Chicago, IL. To schedule a time to meet with an OPW representative to begin developing your site's long-term fuel management strategy, please contact OPW today.

About the Author

Bobby Hayes is the Domestic Sales Manager at OPW Fuel Management Systems in Hodgkins, IL. He can be reached at (770) 605-9611 or robert.hayes@opwglobal.com.