A program has been launched by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, in cooperation with ExxonMobil to encourage Exxon and Mobil branded wholesalers to convert or update their forecourt equipment and systems for EMV (EMV is a trademark owned by EMVCo LLC).

Offered by Gilbarco and ExxonMobil, the limited-time program features dispensers with cutting-edge technology, which also includes the FlexPay IV CRIND for EMV payment acceptance contactless payment acceptance and Gilbarco's Insite360™ remote monitoring and management service are the available features. In addition, profitability is improved via reduced meter drift and fewer calibrations with the help of Gilbarco's HD meter. In order to refresh the site's brand image and drive more forecourt traffic, the dispensers will also come completely outfitted with ExxonMobil's new Fuel Technology Synergy graphics.

John Rhodes, Americas Retail Director for ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants & Specialties Marketing Company said, "We have implemented this program for a number of reasons. In addition to updating existing dispensers to new state-of-the-art equipment that will provide for a better consumer experience and overall brand image enhancement in the forecourt, our branded wholesalers will also have the necessary EMV-compliant equipment in place when the liability shift takes place in 2020. It is important to us that our branded wholesalers continue to move toward EMV compliance."

"Leading retailers are leveraging the upgrade to EMV dispensers to take advantage of new technologies to drive sales, customer loyalty and operational efficiency. We are pleased to work with ExxonMobil on this program to help ensure that their retailers have the equipment necessary to protect their customers and their brand, while also improving their businesses," said Mark Williams, Vice President of Marketing, North America for Gilbarco.

The cost of conversion for participating wholesalers is covered by the program. With the aim to drive sales and customer loyalty, including media and merchandising-capable screens that promote in-store products and services to consumers at the pumps, branded wholesalers have the option to leverage additional solutions that can come with the advancements. PWKD04052017

 Both companies will pool their competences together in the future when it comes to the car wash sector. The aim of the cooperation is to strengthen the individual divisions, keeping the focus on the respective core business of each of both partners.

Kärcher will contribute its know-how in development, engineering and construction of car washes to this cooperation as well as its distribution presence with car dealerships, garages and investors. TSG strength and contribution comes with its valuable fuel retail network in the fuel distribution sector combined with its ability to provide service maintenance.

Both companies believe that this strategic partnership will enhance the business of both companies significantly and create win win.  In addition, all services concerning car washes, especially in the fuel retail sector, will be a one-stop shop. A new service hotline will be available  24/7 in most countries. PW040517

EFS has signed a multi-year private label processing agreement with Pilot Flying. Pilot Flying J’s Fleet card program will now be jointly developed using EFS’s technology. Pilot Flying J will also be provided by EFS with a robust payments system that comprises of mobile applications, processing, billing functions and customer service support for Pilot Flying J’s proprietary Fleet Card customers.

Mitch Steenrod, senior vice president and chief financial officer, Pilot Flying J said, “We have had a great relationship with EFS, and we are looking forward to expanding our work together. EFS’ technology, ability to innovate, and level of service made this an easy decision for us because their card technology allows us to better serve our Fleet Card guests today and as we continue to grow in the future. The convenience and security of our guests are top priorities with every opportunity we have to serve them and with every swipe of a payment.”

Scott Phillips, senior vice president and general manager, EFS said, “We are excited to expand our relationship with Pilot Flying J, which will enable us to further leverage our proprietary technology together.” PWKD02052017

FleetBoard has launched an Azure cloud platform that will form the basis for all FleetBoard services and solutions, in association with connected services vendor HERE. The platform will provide a range of applications that can be continually advanced and expanded. Nxtload will furnish an easy search and booking of freight orders across different freight exchanges. FleetBoard intends to increase its vehicle capacity utilization along with transparency.

Stefan Buchner, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks said, “Since the market launch of telematics-aided Internet services in 2000, FleetBoard has set the standards in the industry. To date, about 220,000 vehicles of more than 7,000 customers are on the roads that are connected via FleetBoard. Due to entirely new technical features, we are getting ever closer to our vision of seamless transportation: We connect all traffic flows and all parties involved in transportation. This not only makes the business of our logistics customers more efficient, but also helps to optimize traffic flows, reduce traffic and accelerate transport processes as a whole.”

Moreover, FleetBoard has revealed plans for the future of logistics and trucking with a number of applications it is working on in a pilot project phase that it is expected to come out in the following months or years. Source: Electronics360 PWKD12052017

Shell Canada has announced the signing of an agreement with ATCO to provide Shell Fleet NavigatorTM Card services. Shell Canada is a major player in the fuel and fleet space while ATCO is a leading global corporation in the structures and logistics, electricity, pipelines and liquids, and retail energy space. 2,500 of ATCO’s drivers across all of its business units in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will changeover to the Shell Fleet NavigatorTM Card.

ATCO’s fleet managers, with the help of eTRACTM, the Shell Fleet NavigatorTM Cards’ online management tool, will be able to easily control fuel spend and gain important insights to help identify new competences. 

“ATCO is a diverse company providing products and services to many different industries. We are thrilled to be working with each of their business groups to develop customized programs and ultimately, help streamline ATCO’s fleet operations,” said Josh Ferguson, National Sales Manager, Commercial Fleet, Shell Canada.

Sett Policicchio, Managing Director, Shared Services with ATCO said, “We have been fortunate to partner with Shell on a range of projects over the years, and we recognized very quickly the exceptional expertise in fuel management they could bring to bear. As we continue to drive efficiency throughout our global operations, we have pursued cost-effective solutions that will help automate, streamline and simplify our business - the Shell Fleet Navigator Card does all of those things, and it will play an important role in supporting our fleet operations moving forward." PWKD11052017

An OEM partnership has been formed between Invenco Group Ltd, global self-service payment technology leader and Tatsuno Corporation, the Tokyo headquartered, Japanese fuel pump pioneers. In order to deliver self-service payments to Tatsuno pumps, Tatsuno will access Invenco’s Outdoor Payment Terminal, as per the OEM partnership. The New Zealand based company has further extended its reach across the Asia-Pacific region with the joint venture with Tatsuno being Invenco’s eleventh global partner deal.

Shin Hashimoto, Tatsuno’s Manager of International Marketing says, “We are very glad to be working with Invenco. Invenco has attractive products, experienced engineers and is growing very fast. Our customer base is mainly in Asia, where the market need for this technology is very strong. We believe Tatsuno and Invenco can successfully cooperate and respond to such needs, under a long term of partnership.”

“We view Tatsuno as a true pioneer in fuel station technology and are very excited about the projects we will be able to work on together. Manufacturing and selling fuel stations is Tatsuno’s main business and the self-service payment technology Invenco has developed is a natural extension of this. There are many opportunities for further innovations between the two companies and we look forward to a highly successful and mutually beneficial partnership,” said Nathan Barnett, Invenco Head of APAC Business Development.

Japan’s first fuel service station POS system, level gauges for underground tank inventory management systems and fuel depot related equipment was introduced by Tatsuno, crediting it for its innovation. Focused on South-East Asia, it has over 60% market share of fuel stations in Japan and exports to over 75 countries. Source: PR Web PWKD15052017  

Editors Note: Both companies will be participating at the forthcoming PetorlWorld Fuel Retail Conference in Kuala Lumpur next month.

 Prior to this promotion, during his 22 years with the company, Jay held positions in technical service, sales, and product management. Most recently he held the role of Executive Vice President.

“My focus will remain on our commitment to providing products and services that protect human health and the environment, while delivering the lowest total cost of ownership to our customers,” said Jay Walsh upon the announcement. “As the leader in underground petroleum equipment, Franklin Fueling Systems will continue to build upon our mission to provide total system solutions to our customers worldwide.”

In addition to this appointment, Franklin Fueling Systems also announced that John Adrian has accepted a promotion to Senior VP, Sales, Americas/EMEA. In addition to overseeing sales for the Americas, John will use his experience and managerial expertise to assume sales responsibility for the European, Middle East and African markets.  

Tony Hsu has also accepted a promotion to VP Sales, Asia. Tony’s vast experience and sales success in Asia Pacific markets will now be broadened to provide managerial support to the China market. PetrolWorld160517

As part of its digital transformation, WEX Australia has launched a new Online Service Centre for its WEX Motorpass fuel card business to better meet the needs of its customers. WEX Australia is a subsidiary of WEX Inc., a leading provider of corporate payment solutions.

Essential account management services can be performed by customers with the help of the new online service, for instance: 

• All transactions made to an account can be easily viewed
• If the original has been lost, a receipt can be requested
• Product controls on all cards on account can be set
• PIN status can be changed and a new PIN can be set on all cards
• ·         Annual and Quarterly Activity Reports can be set up

Susan Nicholson, WEX Director of Product & Marketing Asia Pacific said, “Business customers are increasingly expecting the same of type of experience at work that they get in their personal, or ‘real life’, similar to what they do with their major banks. Customer experience is a critical consideration when thinking about how your organization is going to be relevant tomorrow. Building our digital skill set has been central to the growth in our innovation capability. These efforts have been recognized with WEX Australia being named in Australia’s top 50 most innovative companies in 2016.”

“While clearly I am thrilled with what has been delivered and the step change in our digital capability, at the heart of the growth is the relationship between the WEX and Sapient Nitro/Razorfish teams to get such a terrific outcome. What we have seen here is teamwork at its best with technology and product partnering to deliver a superior user experience,” said Jim Madytianos, WEX Australia’s Head of Information Technology.

Users who have used this Online Service Centre found it to be more contemporary and intuitive. It is the second important digital release for the WEX Motorpass business. The first critical one was when their new online application with instant credit decisioning i.e., many customers are approved in real time, was unveiled last year. PWKD19052017

Kraus Global Ltd., has launched Optima™, the state-of-art compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling dispensers. Optima has Pulse™, a proprietary new companion display, and a powerful new MICON NEXTGEN 1.0™, which enhances station control and performance through its data and communication capabilities. Optima™ is currently being used by a number of CNG fuel providers, including Alternative Vehicle Services Group (AVSG), Clean Energy, Independent Fueling Systems, Love’s Trillium, Nopetro, Pacific Gas & Electric, Timco, U.S. GAIN and others.

Optima™ provides full access to error codes, software upgrades and fill parameter set points either locally or remotely from the convenience of a smartphone, tablet or laptop. The new Micon NextGen 1.0™ uplifts the present standards with data capabilities and configuration tools delivering smarter control, increased efficiency and higher profitability. The real-time data is available on the Pulse display, providing users with fill progression as it communicates the starting and ending parameters of their filling process.

President and CEO of Kraus Global Ltd., Ossama AbouZeid said, “We have been beta testing Optima™ for approximately 18 months and have received positive feedback from our customers. Their support has been tremendous and we appreciate their loyalty.” Source: FMN PWKD01052017

A program has been launched by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, in cooperation with ExxonMobil to encourage Exxon and Mobil branded wholesalers to convert or update their forecourt equipment and systems for EMV (EMV is a trademark owned by EMVCo LLC).

Offered by Gilbarco and ExxonMobil, the limited-time program features dispensers with cutting-edge technology, which also includes the FlexPay IV CRIND for EMV payment acceptance contactless payment acceptance and Gilbarco's Insite360™ remote monitoring and management service are the available features. In addition, profitability is improved via reduced meter drift and fewer calibrations with the help of Gilbarco's HD meter. In order to refresh the site's brand image and drive more forecourt traffic, the dispensers will also come completely outfitted with ExxonMobil's new Fuel Technology Synergy graphics.

John Rhodes, Americas Retail Director for ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants & Specialties Marketing Company said, "We have implemented this program for a number of reasons. In addition to updating existing dispensers to new state-of-the-art equipment that will provide for a better consumer experience and overall brand image enhancement in the forecourt, our branded wholesalers will also have the necessary EMV-compliant equipment in place when the liability shift takes place in 2020. It is important to us that our branded wholesalers continue to move toward EMV compliance."

"Leading retailers are leveraging the upgrade to EMV dispensers to take advantage of new technologies to drive sales, customer loyalty and operational efficiency. We are pleased to work with ExxonMobil on this program to help ensure that their retailers have the equipment necessary to protect their customers and their brand, while also improving their businesses," said Mark Williams, Vice President of Marketing, North America for Gilbarco.

The cost of conversion for participating wholesalers is covered by the program. With the aim to drive sales and customer loyalty, including media and merchandising-capable screens that promote in-store products and services to consumers at the pumps, branded wholesalers have the option to leverage additional solutions that can come with the advancements. PWKD04052017

 Both companies will pool their competences together in the future when it comes to the car wash sector. The aim of the cooperation is to strengthen the individual divisions, keeping the focus on the respective core business of each of both partners.

Kärcher will contribute its know-how in development, engineering and construction of car washes to this cooperation as well as its distribution presence with car dealerships, garages and investors. TSG strength and contribution comes with its valuable fuel retail network in the fuel distribution sector combined with its ability to provide service maintenance.

Both companies believe that this strategic partnership will enhance the business of both companies significantly and create win win.  In addition, all services concerning car washes, especially in the fuel retail sector, will be a one-stop shop. A new service hotline will be available  24/7 in most countries. PW040517

EFS has signed a multi-year private label processing agreement with Pilot Flying. Pilot Flying J’s Fleet card program will now be jointly developed using EFS’s technology. Pilot Flying J will also be provided by EFS with a robust payments system that comprises of mobile applications, processing, billing functions and customer service support for Pilot Flying J’s proprietary Fleet Card customers.

Mitch Steenrod, senior vice president and chief financial officer, Pilot Flying J said, “We have had a great relationship with EFS, and we are looking forward to expanding our work together. EFS’ technology, ability to innovate, and level of service made this an easy decision for us because their card technology allows us to better serve our Fleet Card guests today and as we continue to grow in the future. The convenience and security of our guests are top priorities with every opportunity we have to serve them and with every swipe of a payment.”

Scott Phillips, senior vice president and general manager, EFS said, “We are excited to expand our relationship with Pilot Flying J, which will enable us to further leverage our proprietary technology together.” PWKD02052017

FleetBoard has launched an Azure cloud platform that will form the basis for all FleetBoard services and solutions, in association with connected services vendor HERE. The platform will provide a range of applications that can be continually advanced and expanded. Nxtload will furnish an easy search and booking of freight orders across different freight exchanges. FleetBoard intends to increase its vehicle capacity utilization along with transparency.

Stefan Buchner, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks said, “Since the market launch of telematics-aided Internet services in 2000, FleetBoard has set the standards in the industry. To date, about 220,000 vehicles of more than 7,000 customers are on the roads that are connected via FleetBoard. Due to entirely new technical features, we are getting ever closer to our vision of seamless transportation: We connect all traffic flows and all parties involved in transportation. This not only makes the business of our logistics customers more efficient, but also helps to optimize traffic flows, reduce traffic and accelerate transport processes as a whole.”

Moreover, FleetBoard has revealed plans for the future of logistics and trucking with a number of applications it is working on in a pilot project phase that it is expected to come out in the following months or years. Source: Electronics360 PWKD12052017

Shell Canada has announced the signing of an agreement with ATCO to provide Shell Fleet NavigatorTM Card services. Shell Canada is a major player in the fuel and fleet space while ATCO is a leading global corporation in the structures and logistics, electricity, pipelines and liquids, and retail energy space. 2,500 of ATCO’s drivers across all of its business units in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will changeover to the Shell Fleet NavigatorTM Card.

ATCO’s fleet managers, with the help of eTRACTM, the Shell Fleet NavigatorTM Cards’ online management tool, will be able to easily control fuel spend and gain important insights to help identify new competences. 

“ATCO is a diverse company providing products and services to many different industries. We are thrilled to be working with each of their business groups to develop customized programs and ultimately, help streamline ATCO’s fleet operations,” said Josh Ferguson, National Sales Manager, Commercial Fleet, Shell Canada.

Sett Policicchio, Managing Director, Shared Services with ATCO said, “We have been fortunate to partner with Shell on a range of projects over the years, and we recognized very quickly the exceptional expertise in fuel management they could bring to bear. As we continue to drive efficiency throughout our global operations, we have pursued cost-effective solutions that will help automate, streamline and simplify our business - the Shell Fleet Navigator Card does all of those things, and it will play an important role in supporting our fleet operations moving forward." PWKD11052017

An OEM partnership has been formed between Invenco Group Ltd, global self-service payment technology leader and Tatsuno Corporation, the Tokyo headquartered, Japanese fuel pump pioneers. In order to deliver self-service payments to Tatsuno pumps, Tatsuno will access Invenco’s Outdoor Payment Terminal, as per the OEM partnership. The New Zealand based company has further extended its reach across the Asia-Pacific region with the joint venture with Tatsuno being Invenco’s eleventh global partner deal.

Shin Hashimoto, Tatsuno’s Manager of International Marketing says, “We are very glad to be working with Invenco. Invenco has attractive products, experienced engineers and is growing very fast. Our customer base is mainly in Asia, where the market need for this technology is very strong. We believe Tatsuno and Invenco can successfully cooperate and respond to such needs, under a long term of partnership.”

“We view Tatsuno as a true pioneer in fuel station technology and are very excited about the projects we will be able to work on together. Manufacturing and selling fuel stations is Tatsuno’s main business and the self-service payment technology Invenco has developed is a natural extension of this. There are many opportunities for further innovations between the two companies and we look forward to a highly successful and mutually beneficial partnership,” said Nathan Barnett, Invenco Head of APAC Business Development.

Japan’s first fuel service station POS system, level gauges for underground tank inventory management systems and fuel depot related equipment was introduced by Tatsuno, crediting it for its innovation. Focused on South-East Asia, it has over 60% market share of fuel stations in Japan and exports to over 75 countries. Source: PR Web PWKD15052017  

Editors Note: Both companies will be participating at the forthcoming PetorlWorld Fuel Retail Conference in Kuala Lumpur next month.

 Prior to this promotion, during his 22 years with the company, Jay held positions in technical service, sales, and product management. Most recently he held the role of Executive Vice President.

“My focus will remain on our commitment to providing products and services that protect human health and the environment, while delivering the lowest total cost of ownership to our customers,” said Jay Walsh upon the announcement. “As the leader in underground petroleum equipment, Franklin Fueling Systems will continue to build upon our mission to provide total system solutions to our customers worldwide.”

In addition to this appointment, Franklin Fueling Systems also announced that John Adrian has accepted a promotion to Senior VP, Sales, Americas/EMEA. In addition to overseeing sales for the Americas, John will use his experience and managerial expertise to assume sales responsibility for the European, Middle East and African markets.  

Tony Hsu has also accepted a promotion to VP Sales, Asia. Tony’s vast experience and sales success in Asia Pacific markets will now be broadened to provide managerial support to the China market. PetrolWorld160517

As part of its digital transformation, WEX Australia has launched a new Online Service Centre for its WEX Motorpass fuel card business to better meet the needs of its customers. WEX Australia is a subsidiary of WEX Inc., a leading provider of corporate payment solutions.

Essential account management services can be performed by customers with the help of the new online service, for instance: 

• All transactions made to an account can be easily viewed
• If the original has been lost, a receipt can be requested
• Product controls on all cards on account can be set
• PIN status can be changed and a new PIN can be set on all cards
• ·         Annual and Quarterly Activity Reports can be set up

Susan Nicholson, WEX Director of Product & Marketing Asia Pacific said, “Business customers are increasingly expecting the same of type of experience at work that they get in their personal, or ‘real life’, similar to what they do with their major banks. Customer experience is a critical consideration when thinking about how your organization is going to be relevant tomorrow. Building our digital skill set has been central to the growth in our innovation capability. These efforts have been recognized with WEX Australia being named in Australia’s top 50 most innovative companies in 2016.”

“While clearly I am thrilled with what has been delivered and the step change in our digital capability, at the heart of the growth is the relationship between the WEX and Sapient Nitro/Razorfish teams to get such a terrific outcome. What we have seen here is teamwork at its best with technology and product partnering to deliver a superior user experience,” said Jim Madytianos, WEX Australia’s Head of Information Technology.

Users who have used this Online Service Centre found it to be more contemporary and intuitive. It is the second important digital release for the WEX Motorpass business. The first critical one was when their new online application with instant credit decisioning i.e., many customers are approved in real time, was unveiled last year. PWKD19052017

As fuel and c-stores across the U.S. continue to migrate to the new chip-enabled POS software, the industry leader in EMV technologies, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, conducted an estimated 350 million secure EMV transactions through March with its Passport point-of-sale (POS) EMV system. 

The POS installed base of Gilbarco continues to adopt EMV technology at a fast pace. An estimated 8,000 locations have updated to EMV software. This accounts for more than approximately $2.5 billion in secure transactions. From national chains to single-store operators, the conversion from legacy magnetic-stripe technology to EMV technology has occurred across an extensive range of Gilbarco’s customer base, including regional retailers like Champlain Oil Company, who uncompromisingly serves its customer base. 

More than 40 corporate c-store locations are operated by Champlain Oil Company, under the Jiffy Mart brand. Fuel and related services to many other fuel traders are provided by the company. 

“Champlain Oil’s mission is centered around customer service.  We strive to provide exceptional customer service with clean stores and fast service. But now, we also want our customers to feel their transactions are safe when they shop at one of our locations. The introduction of Passport EMV software early in the upgrade cycle allowed us to be a leader in secure chip payments for customers inside the store.  We continue to lean on Gilbarco as a trusted partner and look forward to completing our EMV roll-out at the fuel dispenser to meet our customers’ expectations as the year progresses. Due to our commitment to the process early on, upgrading our equipment to EMV compliance inside the store was a success and aligns with our mission of customer service, while giving us a competitive edge in our marketplace,” said Bryan Cairns, Vice President. 

“We launched EMV software for our Passport point-of-sale system almost a year ago. Consumers are starting to expect EMV payment acceptance and leading retailers like Champlain Oil Company are listening and rapidly enabling EMV inside the store. Given growing consumer expectations around EMV, we expect to see EMV 'turn on' at the fuel dispenser rapidly as well when the software is available later this year. Retailers are anxious to retain their security-conscious customers, who understand that fraud will be highest at those sites that haven’t yet upgraded,” said Mark Williams, Gilbarco’s VP of Marketing for North America. PWKD22052017

Scheidt & Bachmann was once again awarded with the certificate for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The current certificate will improve the company’s security standards as it is the latest PCI DSS version 3.2. The requirements of PCI DSS were met by Scheidt & Bachmann’s Data Centres in Mönchengladbach, Düsseldorf and Boston and the certification was again awarded with no objections.

Dirk Holzwarth, Head of IT Service Management of Scheidt & Bachmann said, “We are proud of our security and infrastructure processes that meet the strict PCI DSS requirements. As a leading manufacturer of fare collection systems in public transport, we are hosting more and more back office systems for our customers so PCI DSS is extremely important when offering the highest level of security and reliability.” PWKD23052017

A new Licensed Software Partner agreement has been signed between Leighton O’Brien and ACE Consulting and Engineering Inc.

As per the agreement, ACE will become Leighton O’Brien’s Licensed Software Partner for its leading Wetstock Live solution, a comprehensive real-time wetstock monitoring, analytics and reporting platform. The software monitors transactional data feeds from all brands of dispensing pumps and ATGs as well as delivery information.

“We’re pleased to announce another Licensed Software Partnership in the Eastern European region, which is a key of our global growth strategy to operate through valued third parties. Ace Consulting is an ideal partner for our wetstock management platform. We were very impressed with their domain knowledge of the wetstock space and understanding how our solution meets key customer drivers including accurate leak detection, compliance monitoring and improved operational outcomes,” said Reed Leighton, CEO of Leighton O’Brien.

“Leighton O’Brien has demonstrated superior capability in leak detection and fuel loss accuracy,” said Dr. Cem Avci, Technical Consultant at ACE. “It’s ATG calibration is second to none, able to detect operational issues like pump outs and sticky probes.”

Leighton O’Brien has the significant benefit of being independent, possessing vendor agnostic technology and being listed as one of few certified vendors by the NWGLDE. It can quantitively detect loss of 0.189 liters per hour with 99.6% accuracy, providing customers confidence in its ability to report true loss and thus the significance of an independent third party certification is valuable.

Customers usually get simple variance reports with potential issues, with non-certified reporting systems. Customers either burn cash on maintenance chasing false alarms or, over time, ignoring the variances, leading to complacence regarding fuel losses in the case of high false alarm rates. PWKD25052017