Case
GreatGas
GreatGas is a national oil company based in Ireland that operates 70 sites nationwide. The business wanted to establish Ireland’s first unmanned network of sites and selected TSG as its partner to help develop the concept. TSG looked after the project management, assisted with legislative paperwork and installed all of the equipment. Paul Farren, TSG Ireland, General Manager said, “We were in consultation with the banks, credit card companies and the legislator to help provide a viable unmanned solution. Working closely with our customer, GreatGas, we developed a solution that is not only profitable but one that is safe and secure for the public.”
Unmanned gets green light in Ireland
The first unmanned service station opened in Dublin at GreatGas’s, Airport Road site. One of the key factors was the change in law that came into effect late in 2010, regarding the dispensing of petroleum on an unmanned site. TSG consulted with the local government for more than two years, to help bring about this change in the legislation. GreatGas then liaised with the local Dublin Fire Officer, who approved Airport Road as the first unmanned site in Ireland to sell petrol and diesel.
Ray O’Sullivan, Managing Director of GreatGas, explained, “We are of course delighted to be the first to launch this concept in Ireland. Our philosophy is quite clear – reduced fuelling times, overheads and fuel prices – resulting in more happy customers. Safety and security is paramount on the site; we have 24 hour monitoring via CCTV and a security firm, as well as the latest environmental management systems on site. People cannot drive off without paying for the fuel, as payment is first authorised by the bank on their debit or credit card.”
Our philosophy is quite clear – reduced fuelling times, reduced overheads, reduced fuel prices and more happy customers. Safety and security is paramount at all times on the site, with 24 hour monitoring via CCTV and environmental solutions.
How does TSG's unmanned solution work?
TSG provides a complete solution to the station from assistance with legislative paperwork, right through to the installation and servicing of all of the equipment. On the GreatGas fully unmanned sites, TSG installed Tokheim Quantium dispensers fitted with Crypto VGA DIT’s.
All operations are managed via the Fuel Homebase solution, that connects to dispensers, gauges, pole-signs and outdoor payment terminals (OPTs). Credit, debit and fuel card transactions are authorised via OASE. Security on the unmanned network is controlled via the Tokheim EYE and a control room allows for release of the pump for unleaded transactions (a unique legislative requirement for the Irish market).
Benefits of an unmanned station
The unmanned service station not only allows motorists to fuel quicker without having to pay at the shop, but it also has the added benefit of reduced overheads for GreatGas who then pass this saving on to their customers.
In addition, an unmanned site like the one at Dublin Airport is open 24/7, 365 days a year which is very convenient for early/late flights to and from the airport, as well as for those customers filling up before returning their rental cars. Another unforeseen benefit for parents is that they can keep an eye on their children at all times, without having the hassle of getting them out of the car just to pay for fuel.
By using outdoor payment technology to complement their business, retailers can reduce congestion on the forecourt, giving a convenient alternative to customers in a hurry. Fast lanes dedicated to pay@pump are also a simple but effective way for busy sites to prevent customers driving away because their forecourt is jammed.
