How Fuel Management Systems are Installed: The Process from Start to Finish
If you’re looking to invest in a fuel management system for your business, there are several factors and topics to address to ensure that you are getting the right system for your needs. If you manage a small fleet or a larger one, using a fuel monitoring system can be an excellent way to save money, keep your vehicles secure, and improve fuel efficiency.
Here at Fueltek, we pride ourselves on offering customised solutions for a range of industries, from food service to construction, ensuring our customers have exactly what they require. In this guide, we’ll break down the complete journey of installing a fuel management system, beginning with the initial consultation right up until the support we provide after installation.
1. Initial Consultation
The first step in the process of installing a fuel management system is understanding your business needs. Whether you’re a small business or a larger corporation, the right solution depends on the way you use and manage fuel.
For example, Warner Bros. approached us to manage fuel usage more efficiently at their Harry Potter World set in Watford. After a detailed consultation, it became clear that the organisation’s requirements would be best suited to our TankWatch system and FT4000AP fuel pumps.
2. Site Visit and Verification of Specifications
Once we understand your needs, we will schedule a site visit to confirm that your environment is suitable for installing the fuel management system and to identify any issues.
During our work with Godolphin, we conducted a site visit to inspect multiple locations, including their Newmarket base. Here, we ensured that the site was adapted to handle integrated fuel management systems, completing a careful assessment to guarantee that all specifications were met and that surprises were avoided later on.
3. Preparation for Installation
With all the specifications confirmed and any site-related issues resolved, we prepare for installation. This includes:
- Manufacturing: We do not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach and thus manufacture the required equipment tailored to your needs.
- Setting up FMO Software: Where applicable, we’ll take time during this stage to set up our Fueltek FMO system, a cloud-based software that provides reports and management features to be integrated with systems. Once we’ve set up the software, we configure company-specific details like user privileges and reporting preferences.
4. Installing Hardware and Establishing Communication
After the hardware is produced, we install it on-site, including fuel dispensers, sensors, and monitoring systems. Once installed, we establish secure communication between your on-site hardware and our web servers so that you’ll have access to real-time updates for monitoring and reporting. At DASCHER UK, they required a large-scale, above ground fuel storage solution, so we decided to pair the Fueltek FS storage tank with FT4000 pumps for high-speed fuel dispensing and detailed tracking. These installations meant that we were able to provide efficient fuel management for DASCHER UK and increase their operation control across their logistics network.
5. Commissioning and Providing On-Site Instruction
With the hardware installed, our team tests the entire system to ensure everything is functioning correctly. This may include training employees to handle real-time alerts for issues such as leaks or stock level fluctuations. This training is crucial, as it equips your team to handle the system confidently and respond to any issues in a timely manner.
For example, T&M Plant benefited from our in-depth training on how to operate the Data nozzle system to prevent fuel theft, helping them improve both security and efficiency across their fleet.
6. Uploading Data and Integration with Web Servers
Once all hardware and software are set up, we upload the data to our web servers for central access. This integration enables all of your fuel data to be easily viewed and analysed and can even be carried out across multiple locations.
7. Software Training for Effective Use
The next step is ensuring that your team is fully trained to use the software. Our training sessions go beyond basic instruction to ensure you get the most out of the system. For example, when working with Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, we ensured the team understand how to interpret data and use it to improve operational efficiency across their fleet, helping to avoid waste and reduce costs.
8. Ongoing Support and Maintenance
At Fueltek, our relationship with clients doesn’t halt after installation. We provide ongoing support to ensure your system remains working properly, and we’re on hand to assist should you encounter any issues. After the successful installation of TankWatch at Harry Potter World, we were approached once again by Warner Bros. a few months later for a water management solution to address water wastage at hydrants on set.
Our support ensures that each system remains efficient and continues to meet the evolving needs of each client.
By working closely with our clients every step of the way, from consultation to training and ongoing support, we ensure that the end result boosts your fleet’s efficiency and provides you with the tools you need to optimise operations. If you’re ready to see the benefits of a tailored Fueltek solution, get in touch today.
