The Fuel-Tech System

Micro-Alert's unique computerised electronic fuel monitoring system operates within the industry standard PC compatible environment under MSDOS & Windows 9X, NT, 2000 & XP. In-house fuel pumps are controlled by locally designed and manufactured devices which, by being linked to an on-site fuel computer, allow control of fuel issues with:

Key Benefits
Absolute accuracy
Absolute reliability
Absolute security

for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year, without requiring a fuel-pump attendant, or highly-skilled personnel.

A standard PC, suitably modified to fit in a secure, weather-proof cabinet, is located at the site. This computer can control up to ten fuel pumps per site. All necessary driver and vehicle access codes, as well as the site definition with respect to fuel types and pumps, are stored on disk.
The PC also runs the process control software which activates and communicates with the fuel monitors. Every transaction is recorded on the disk after completion. The system can be incorporated in a Network and can use both a normal as well as Cell phone modem to download data.

Initially the system was developed using magnetic cards and keypad input. However, at the request of clients other methods of identification were incorporated. These include Bar Code Lables, Dallas Touch Buttons, Proximaty Cards, Smart Cards and Collar Tag interface. More recently the download and interface of the FM200 On Board Computer has been done.

The Bar Code Lable method of identification has proved to be the most popular and cost effective method. Two types of Bar Code Lables are available . Anodixed aluminium lable with glue backing which is activated when attaching to a vehicle and polyester laminated lables (normally used for the driver identification).

A sophisticated vehicle-fuel database, which runs on the office computer, allows the comprehensive definition of a vehicle fleet, a list of valid drivers, departments and ledger codes, as well as site, pump and tank configurations. Data interchange with the on-site fuel computer is effected either by means of diskettes, transfer within a network or via dial-up modems and now using the GPRS networks. The software also handles internal fuel adjustments and external purchases. Service records for the control and reminders as to when vehicles are due for service can be included.