Solution: Improved productivity through data handling error reduction
Products Tracient - Handheld HF RFID Reader and Tag Selection
Field At Work - "Customer Asset Tracking Service" Mobile:
Psion Teklogix - WorkAbout Pro Handheld PDA
Navman - GPS System
Industry: Petrochemical
Country: New Zealand

Business Challenge

Through-out New Zealand Mini-Tanker franchisees provide on-site diesel refuelling direct into customer equipment. A key performance requirement is the accurate identification of each piece of equipment, regardless of its location (regularly changing) and the environment (mud, corrosive petrochemicals). Mini Tankers wanted to eliminate data errors in the identification of assets that receive fuel, improve the speed and accuracy of data capture in the field and reduce back office administration associated with fuel management.

Solution

Mini tankers chose a solution incorporating GPS from Navman and an in-vehicle telemetry system for metering fuel dispensing. In addition each driver was equipped with a handheld computer (the Psion Teklogix WorkAbout Pro) and a Padl-R HF RFID reader from Tracient Technologies. This RFID based solution enabled Mini Tankers to pilot a vendor fuel management service comprising automated data capture, electronic management of asset details and automated fuel management for customers.

Results

The pilot confirmed RFID as an effective solution for asset identification and data entry in a harsh environment. Near perfect asset identification was achieved, resulting in improved customer information and increased customer satisfaction. Time spent by Mini Tanker administration staff on billing enquiries was reduced and Mini Tanker drivers experienced speedier identification of equipment and faster recording of fuel delivery.

Customer Brief

Mini Tankers is a subsidiary of Shell New Zealand, which is part of the Shell Group of companies, the energy and petrochemical giant with operations in 130 countries and annual revenues in excess of $300 Billion. In New Zealand Mini Tankers is the largest on-site diesel refuelling service in the country with 45 tankers spread throughout the country, delivering over 60 million liters of fuel to field machinery each year. The company’s customer base includes large transport infrastructure companies in air, rail and road transport, public works and forestry companies.