| Precise measurement of transported fuel by Elinoil |
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Emphasis Telematics, the leader in the fleet management field, has already installed the e-TRACK solution in more than 450 companies in Dr. Papapanagiotakis George, Technical Director, Emphasis Telematics Mourikas Nikos, BSc MSc, Supply & Fuel Delivery Manager, Elinoil S.A. The Need The company utilizes a fleet of 35 self-owned and 75 leased liquid fuel transport tankers, as well as 3 self-owned tanker ships which it uses exclusively for the transport of liquid fuels to the island of the . The size of the fleet and its special fuel delivery circumstances, form these specific needs: - The best possible servicing of the gas stations, which is the main operation of the above fleet. Deliveries have to be made within specific time windows. The goal was to achieve a reliable measurement and tracking of the transported fuel, in real time. To offer information on the geographic location of the tanker which transports the order, as well as the estimated time of arrival at the station. - The most productive utilization of the tanker fleet and the daily execution of deliveries. (along with related time restrictions and other restrictions) in the most economic way. The high cost of the vehicles (fixes and variable) and the substantial participation of the transport costs in the overall product cost, demand the utilization of available capabilities, something that can be achieved with the fleet management solution in combination with the measurement of fuel, for the minimization of the transportation cost and the possible loss of transported fuel. - The safety, first of the personnel (vehicle drivers) and second of the transported products. The high value of the transported fuel, combined with the extended delivery schedule to the stations, creates the need for the ability of the driver to instantly and discretely alert predetermined individuals of an emergency situation. The alert message must include the licence plate of the vehicle in danger, its geographic location, and its status. - The reliable and continuous tracking of a multitude of gauges and measurements, targeted at the long-term extraction of conclusions in relation to the transportation operations. These measurements had to do with: vehicle cost centers, personnel and product, actual stop duration at each station (mean times and allocation), actual driving duration from the centers to the station, etc. The Solution The fleet management solution, e-TRACK by Emphasis Telematics, was called upon to offer a solution to the above needs. The implementation of the system includes innovative solutions, in accordance with the above needs. It includes the following characteristics: Telematic equipment for the ships - Electronic unit for ships which includes satellite tracking and GPRS communications for the transmission of data in real time. - Local network for the interface with the sensors. Observance of safety specifications for the interface of the sensors. - Fuel level sensors (1 sensor per tank). - Fuel temperature sensors. - Local workstation for the overseeing of the installation and printing of forms. The workstation operates on a PC. Telematic equipment for tanker trucks - Electronic vehicle unit which includes satellite tracking and GPRS communications for the transmission of data in real time - Local network for the interface with the sensors. Observance of safety specifications for the interface of the sensors. - Fuel level sensors (1 sensor per tank). These sensors were installed on the tankers which accompany the ships as well as on the tankers which distribute heating fuel and fuel to marinas. - Panic button inside the driver cockpit. Installed in a discrete location and easily accessed while driving. - Automatic accident notification system caused by impact or overturning of vehicle. - Installation according to ADR anti-explosion regulations.. Development of custom report based on the specific needs described earlier.
Implementation – Conclusions The installation of e-TRACK began in October 2002 and was completed in the middle of 2003. In 2009 an upgrade of the system to its newest platform began which was completed at the end of 2009. This way Elinoil maintains its position as a pioneer among Greek energy companies with multiple benefits not only for the company and its employees but also for its customers and associates. These benefits extracted from its cooperation with Emphasis Telematics are outlined below: • Safety: The safety of Elinoil’s personnel as well as its associates is a basic priority for the company. It is achieved by the measurement of the quantity of transferred goods, by sea and by land, in combination with the recording of the product position. • Consistency: The measurement of the quantity of transferred goods allows for the reliable and automatic certification of the delivery to the customer. One of the basic qualitative goals of the company is the consistency in the delivery of its products to its customers and their timely notification in the event of problems or delays. Also, specific statistical info is gathered with the purpose of improving delivery procedures. • Reliability: The various departments of the company are supported according to their needs by accessing real time data as well as by analytical reports. This data can refer to quantity and status of transported goods, and actions taking place during the delivery (loading, unloading, etc.)
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Elinoil is a private Greek energy company with many years of experience in their field. It has a growing national network of over 550 gas stations, holds an important position in the coverage of Greek industrial energy needs, offering liquid and solid fuel as well as lubricants, operates in the heating of homes and buildings, owns a leading position in yachting with the supply of fuel and lubricants to recreational boats, while at the same time supplies the shipping industry in Greece and abroad with lubricants.
