In this edition we are reviewing a number of product developments, in particular as these relate to web based requirements. Users will have seen already that the user interface for Merridale FuelWorks has been further refined, to provide a dashboard ‘overview’ for the fuel management administrator.
This underlines one of the main benefits of a web service. Routine updates are incorporated automatically so that users are always on the latest version. This is what we mean by future proof with Merridale. There will never be any need for upgrades or new versions with claims that the previous product sets are obsolete.
Real time reporting
By using Internet connectivity, Merridale can offer either a standard web based, or a real time fuel management reporting package. The advantage of ‘real time’ reporting is that the system is continuously updating the FuelWorks database without having to initiate a round of communications data download to view the latest status.
As well as downloading fuelling transactions to the server as they occur, the Merridale Auditor control unit will also store the data for transmission at set intervals. Effectively this provides an-going backup against the possibility of any failure of the GPRS communications link. As the updates are processed, the system can verify that all transactions have been logged by the server. So there is no chance either of data going missing, or the fuelling process being held up while waiting for the data link to be re-established.
Transactions are authenticated by using programmable read/write data tags or keys that define access conditions for each operator. As well as facilitating self-serve operation, this precaution makes it virtually impossible for the system to be abused or corrupted in any way.
Retrofits
Web based reporting can be set up for any existing Merridale “F” and “G” series pump monitoring installations from 1995 onwards. All this involves is an upgrade to the communications pack for use with the GPRS data link. For the older “F” series systems to support real-time reporting as well, they would require an upgrade to the newer “G” series processor board.
Since 2018, JPB have been using Merridale’s MX-I to refuel, monitor and keep track of their extensive fuel use and large fleet of vehicles, having previously used only receipts and hand-written accounts of transactions to stay up-to-date. Built to be the complete solution in commercial fuelling and designed to meet strict ATEX standards, the MX-I […]
Having an unusual problem of one of the locations being highly remote and without power meant that this job was slightly different to Merridale’s standard installations but none-the-less, they were able to find the solution quickly and provide a temporary self-sufficient system. Marcus, who leads operations for the internet provider said “We needed a temporary […]
With Merridale’s own range now available, as well as still supplying Gilbarco with fuel management units, the marketplace had the choice of buying either a complete Merridale built package or a Gilbarco built version of the same management system. However, over the decades that followed, Merridale enhanced its product range by introducing true twin units, […]
