Solution

In 2006 the Northern Gateway Alliance approached Mini Tankers to be the first customer to trial the RFID service. The local Mini Tanker operator was trained in use of the Padl-R HF and undertook a full 1 month trial from mid-Jan to mid-Feb 2007.

Mini-Tankers applied a small (30mm) mount-on-metal RFID tag on or near the fuel cap of 130 items of construction machinery using super strength adhesive backing. This tag contained a micro-chip with a unique number linked to it’s asset record in the Mini-Tanker database. At the time of fuel delivery this tag was scanned using Tracient’s handheld Padl-R HF reader carried by the Mini-Tanker operator. This effectively automated data-entry / data-collection so that operators didn’t have to select the asset name from a (long) list.

When the Mini-Tanker operator returned to the cab, he transferred the tag details in the Padl-R HF reader to the WorkAbout Pro via Bluetooth. The information from the tag was collated together with the fuel dispensed information from the electronic fuel meter on the tanker. (The information from the fuel meter having been fed directly into the WorkAbout Pro via a serial communications cable).

The WorkAbout Pro matched the amount (in liters) dispensed to the asset record and the operator was able to print a customer docket. The information was then transferred to the Mini Tanker HQ database via Telecom Mobile - utilising the Telecom CDMA Mobile phone which is part of the Navman system. A customer invoice/statement was produced showing the date, time and location of delivery, and exactly how much fuel the equipment had been delivered.

Results

Mini tankers found the mount-on-metal tags to be hard-wearing and ideal for the application. The tags could be read accurately regardless of mud or exposure to petrochemicals. They were also happy to find all follow-on processes occurred as expected. Most importantly from Mini Tankers perspective, the pilot site operator consistently saved 30 minutes per 12 hour shift, due to time saved from scrolling through the large fleet list. This meant confirmation of the six month payback period forecasted for the project during planning.

Using the RFID solution, Mini-Tankers experienced:

• Speedier, more accurate identification of vehicles the fuel was delivered to.
• Faster recording of fuel delivery using automated data capture.
• Reduced time spent by Mini-Tanker staff dealing with account enquiries.

Mini Tankers was able to provide for their customers:

• Improved customer service through more accurate and efficient billing.
  
• Fast, accurate analysis of fuel consumption for specific vehicles resulting in customers spending less time reviewing fuel usage, and being able to make better decisions about what equipment to use where based on fuel consumption.
• Reduced customer back office administration associated with fuel management.