TruckandTrackSummer2020

Truck and Track Summer 2020 www.truckandtrack.com 24 FUEL MANAGEMENT With these uncertain times looking to continue further, working from home may fast become the new norm. For fleet operators, this may appear more difficult than it needs to be. Those still using older fuel management software will know that it tends to be installed on one dedicated office computer, meaning you are unable to access all your vital data and reporting tools when working remotely. However, monitoring and managing your fleet’s fuel usage no longer needs to be restricted to the office. Merridale FuelWorks, a market-leading web-based fuel management service, is the choice of many large fleet operators and local authorities, with over 1400 sites already in the UK. Each weekmore fleet operators switch to FuelWorks, and take advantage of this low-cost subscription-based service, securely hosted by Merridale. The ability of FuelWorks to be accessed through a web browser on any device gives the user complete flexibility and accessibility, eliminating the need for any software to be installed on office computers. This means that users can access the vital data they require, from anywhere, at any time. FuelWorks can also monitor tank levels and predict low stock, sending email alerts as needed. The software has been designed in-house by Merridale to be as user-friendly as possible, without sacrificing any functionality. Merridale also offers unrivalled levels of support and training, with initial training being available remotely, and a helpdesk on hand to offer ongoing support. Other features include secure encrypted https connections, multiple users across multiple sites, real-time capabilities, a range of reporting features (including fuel, cost, vehicle and driver performance, and environmental impact), tank stock reconciliation and costing, stock low prediction and email alerts. John Hadaway, fleet manager at Linburg Coaches, who has used FuelWorks since 2013 said “I can’t think of a time I’ve looked at our reports and wished FuelWorks could tell me something more. It seems to cover everything. It’s great having access on any device too, rather than being limited to a single computer.” Fleet operators who wish to upgrade existing Merridale equipment to use FuelWorks need not worry about replacing existing hardware to do so. Merridale can upgrade the majority of existing systems to make them compatible with FuelWorks, no matter how old the system is. To find out how Merridale FuelWorks could benefit your company, contact Merridale on 01902 350 700 or visit www.merridale.co.uk. Access your fleet’s vital data from anywhere in the world Many fleet operators will know the importance of investing in a good quality storage tank. However, a key component that is often overlooked when purchasing a tank, is the tank gauge. Some of the more common questions that a fleet operator requires theirstoragesystemtoanswerinclude:HowmuchfueldoIcurrently have?Whenwill I need to refill and howmuch should I order?What if I accidentally over-fill the tank? Are the pumps accurate? What if there is a leak or someone is stealing fuel? Before hastily buying a new or replacement low-cost gauge, you need to understand what the right gauge for your system is. Many tanks are often only equipped with the most basic of gauges, which may be inaccurate or perform badly, and sometimes only just meet the regulations and standards, never mind provide answers to any of your questions. A true tank management system, such as the Merridale MX-T series, will provide answers to all of these questions from a single integrated package. As standard, a Merridale tank management system features a highly accurate gauge with precision pressure probes and overfill sensors, as well as having the functionality to interface with a Merridale fuel management system for remote access and detailed reconciliation. By transferring the data to the Merridale FuelWorks web-based service, via the fuel management integration, you can benefit further from fuel stock prediction, automatic delivery detection, low-level warnings, and order prompts, all accessible on any web- enabled device. A detailed reconciliation report is generated in FuelWorks by comparing the daily stock movements within the tank, considering any deliveries that have been automatically detected and comparing this against the authorised issues from the fuel pumps. This information can be used to pinpoint areas of concern such as hidden tank or pipework leaks or simply if the fuel pump meters need recalibration. Merridale’s tank management systems now also include stock depletion detection, to alert you immediately, via SMS, of an unexpected drop in fuel level. This means that you will be alerted to any severe leak or theft from the tank that occurs, irrespective of where you are at the time. Fridlington Farms, which supplies potatoes to the likes of Walkers, McCain’s & Mercian have been using Merridale’s systems since 2019. Their assistant manager, Callum Stark, told us about the difference it has made already. “Theweek after installing the system, we had a break-in at the farm. They managed to get away with tools and equipment, but they could not get to the diesel. If they would have been a week earlier, we’d have had no way of stopping them from emptying the tank.” “I even found that the tank management system had sent an alert to my phone warning me of irregularities as the attempted theft was happening but, unfortunately, I didn’t have it with me so I couldn’t take action at the time.” To find out how a Merridale fuel and tank management system could benefit your company, contact Merridale on 01902 350 700 or visit www.merridale.co.uk. Choosing the right tank gauge