Many companies utilize a fuel management system to manage onsite fueling, but are they operating a system that has the most current and most effective processes? Get the most out of your fuel solution and maximize your investments by making sure you are getting these benefits.
Security
Driver names, driver license numbers and VIN information; the data contained in a fuel management software database is proprietary information that needs to stay secure. Most fuel systems are housed on internal servers, sometimes even on a mobile laptop. With an increase in hacking incidents and the constant threat of theft, the safety of that data is not guaranteed. Moving to an upgraded, web-based fuel management solution significantly increases the level of security. A cloud-based platform ensures data is encrypted and protected by several layers of security behind a firewall. Password protection and permission settings further restrict database access.
A dedicated server farm means data is secure and available when needed. No longer is there a need to perform daily backups or have internal data recovery systems in place. Data is automatically backed up and stored on a managed infrastructure featuring full redundancy. In the event of a failure, downtime or excessive traffic at the primary server, the system will automatically shift to an alternate infrastructure on a redundant server, allowing for uninterrupted access of your data.
Ease of Use
An effective and efficient fuel management system needs to be adaptable to a growing fleet, and easily interface with 3rd party systems to expand management capabilities. Fleet operators need to manage their data when and where it is convenient for them. An intuitive, user friendly, cloud-based software system can be accessed from anywhere that has an Internet connection. Customizable, web-based software with actionable data allows for detailed reporting as well as remote support and login options for troubleshooting purposes. This cloud-based platform also allows for automatic software updates, eliminating the need for fleet managers to manually perform these duties.
Cost Efficiencies
A web-based fuel management system eliminates the need for on-site physical servers or internal network expansion and the addition of more servers, which helps to minimize upfront costs and reduce start-up time. There is no need for server hardware maintenance or repairs. And operating in the cloud also means little or no need for in-house IT support, saving even further on costs.
Cloud-based solutions also offer flexibility in payment options. Fleet managers, especially those in smaller companies, don’t always have the budget for larger upfront costs. Web-based systems allows for peace of mind while knowing what monthly expenses will be.
A comprehensive, cloud-based fuel management system will dispense unleaded and diesel fuel to authorized vehicles/users from on-site pumps, automatically track the mileage of vehicles at fuel up, and record fuel disbursements and costs for billing purposes. Dynamic information is displayed through active and user-friendly screens that help to optimize the user experience. Web-based systems with simple, robust report generators can provide flexibility for report templates to be saved on demand for future use.
Departments, vehicles, and employees should be simply managed and edited. Inventory control should also be easy to manage. A cloud-based, upgraded fuel management system will allow a fleet manager to easily view current inventory levels, measurements, deliveries and alarms at set reorder points. Integration with automatic tank gauge systems provides real-time fuel inventory details.
