The business landscape of the energy sector, especially petroleum, is becoming increasingly uncertain and unpredictable. There are many factors which are challenging and are beyond the direct control and affect profitable operations of the organizations. Petro-retailing markets are evolving rapidly worldwide. These markets are also becoming commercially competitive as well. The role of technology in petroleum retailing needs to be explored in a way that encompasses the interests of multiple stakeholders — viz. supplier, retailer and consumer. Retail Automation solution at petrol stations are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of retail outlet operations and facilitating the management of retail network at the station. Petrol station is the final ‘point of sale’ in the petroleum supply chain. It is also the final touch-point with the end consumer and hence becomes the most important functional point in the entire supply chain. Markets where the price is regulated and uniform, factors such as convenience and product / service differentiation, play a more important role in winning the market share. As prices vary for the same product, customers differentiate outlets not only by quality of the offering and the convenience of acquiring it, but also by the price being charged. In markets such as fuel retailing that sells homogenous products, the importance of price increases considerably, as consumers are not able to differentiate between the product attributes. Therefore, within this type of market in order to successfully retain market share whilst maximizing profit, the issue of pricing is crucial and needs to be addressed. Petroleum automation involves the use of technology also known as the Petrol Station Management System. This system is used to control and monitor various functions in the petrol station. With this retailers can remotely monitor the retail operations of the petrol station, manage prices, promote products, generate data for end of day warehousing and generate reports. AGS undertakes turn-key projects for petroleum retail automation providing monitoring, control and management of petrol pumps with the following major components: Petrol stations can be controlled and managed with the help of:

• Forecourt Controller: AGS monitors and controls forecourt activities. A Forecourt Controller provides solution for efficient management, control and real-time reporting of fuel station activities

• Outdoor Payment Terminals (OPT): The Outdoor Payment Terminal provides control over any fuel dispenser at a petrol station from OPT and from a POS system. It is used to remotely gather data and for analyzing the sale of fuel at the outlet. It has a customer-friendly interface and a design that significantly reduces maintenance issues

• Automatic Tank Gauges (ATG): Automatic Tank Gauging system (ATG) determines the temperature and amount of products in underground storage tanks. It also protects your inventory by automatically detecting leaks in your tanks, as well as eliminating fraud.

• Attendant Tagging Solution (TVD): Custom built to work with Forecourt Communications Controller, the TVD enables forced authorisation of your pumps. Whether you operate a retail service station, a home base fuelling depot or a commercial truck stop, the TVD ensures your fuel is secure.

There are many benefits of petroleum automation. Find out how these systems can improve your petrol station and increase profitability.

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