BENEFITS OF DIGITAL FULL SERVICE FILLING & AUTO LPG GAS PLANT & CAR CONVERSION PLANT

Transcription

1 63 BENEFITS OF DIGITAL FULL SERVICE FILLING & AUTO LPG GAS PLANT & CAR CONVERSION PLANT ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SOLUTION FOR PETROL & LPG GAS PLANT & CAR CONVERSION PLANT

2 64 1 OUR PHILOSOPHY 1.1 Our concept and idea of electronic payment processing for petrol and LPG gas plant forecourt is in response to the growing adoption of electronic payments in Nigeria and globally has introduced service providers to more efficient means of handling and management funds, service providers are becoming increasingly aware of safer means of conducting business, especially in regards to payment handling. The need to deploy electronic payment processing systems at the forecourt stems primarily from the sectors need to increase profitability through loss reduction, by introducing effective business practices. Some notable loss avenues can be accrue to pilfering of petroleum products by filling stations attendants and armed robber attacks targeted at stations handling excessive cash. These attacks have resulted to loss in human resources and revenue over the years, and in some cases closure of the affected stations. Electronic payment system now presents the opportunity to increase business efficiency by eliminating the identified losses through reduction in cash handling, enhance administration process, improve wet and dry stock management/ monitoring provide real-time payment processing and monitoring, fleet management systems, and promote cashless environments. Fraudulent activities commonly perpetrate at the forecourt can be curbed by the introduction of an integrated forecourt monitoring and management system. 1.2 Key Market drivers for E- 1.3 Challenges to adopting E-payment solution A major challenge to successfully deploying integrated payment processing at filling stations is in the provision of a truly interpretable end to-end payment system. The work practices of the filling station attendance have also been known to be a hindering factor in the past. To provide a viable payment solution for the retail petroleum market, CHESS-T GROUP is leveraging its vast network of payment processing system and has taken an active role in encouraging active participation of filling station and gas plant attendants through the use CHESS-T GROUP loyalty schemes. 1.4 Solution Success Factor

3 65 Key Success Factors Availability of Technological platform wide spread Acceptance of Electronic payment system Readiness of Market widely deployed POS terminals Availability of payment cards (debit/cash card) 2 OUR UNDERSTANDING OF MODERN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Our Filling stations and gas plant and car conversion by the nature of their operations are known to generate substantial amount of cash at any given time during operating hours. This, in addition with easy access into the premises, has made them favorable targets for armed robbery activities and other miscreants In view of the above, retail petrol marketers desire to reduce lose in revenue caused by armed robbery attacks, and improve security through cash reduction or eliminating it within their premises. Also notable is the need to curb losses brought about by fraudulent activities such as pilfering of petroleum products by attendants. There is therefore a desire to reduce, if not completely eliminate these practices by installing electronic payment solution capable of preventing pump/dispenser tampering once calibrated. This solution is capable of tying the volume of fuel dispensed at any given time to the sale made, making it impossible to dispense fuel unless a purchase is made through a payment device. Another business requirement is the need to introduce transparency in product sales through monitoring. Station owners would like to monitor every sales made and product delivered to the station at any given time. The solution provides an online portal where dealers, station managers and other authorized stakeholder can view and monitor transaction activities as they occur. In light of the above, the following requirements are desirable: Desirable Requirements Increased Security at the Forecourt

4 66 Revenue Assurance Reduced Pilfering & Thief Account Transparency Improved Operational Efficiency The above requirements can easily be achieved with the introduction of electronic payment processing to filling stations. The CHESS-T solution is capable of monitoring and controlling all activities within the petrol forecourt. 3 CHESS-T VALUE PROPOSITION In line with our goal to provide product and services that facilitates the exchange of value between service providers and their customers, we propose the deployment of an integrated electronic payment processing and monitoring system, designed to control key activities within the forecourt. OUR VALUE BELIEFS Increased Revenue Increased Security Accurate Inventory Management Dynamic Operations increased revenue due to reduce pilfering and theft, increased security at the filling station increased operational accountability due to transparent audit trail of all activities and transactions at the filling station, Improved monitoring of dry and wet stock usage.

5 67 4 E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS To meet specific business needs, a prepaid payment card solution with loyalty can be deployed as part of the scheme. These will include; a branded prepaid chip and pin payment card a loyalty scheme to encourage customer use The branded prepaid card is a chip and pin debit which can be used for payment on all payment platforms on the CHESS-T GROUP network. Customers shall be able to fund the cards on various platforms such as bank branches, online, ATMs, POS and Mobile To encourage use of the card and also increase customer loyalty and participation on the scheme a loyalty reward program will be imbedded onto the card. This means that when customers use their cards they get rewards based on set criteria as agreed by the sponsor. The loyalty module on the card allows the card issuer to gather customer specific data which can be used for specific marketing based on the customer buying behavior. 4.1 The Benefit In designing an integrated payment solution for the retail petrol market, market requirements were a driving force. Achieving strategic corporate objectives leveraging partnerships and technologies.. THE BENEFITS ELECTRONIC PAYMENT CARDS ACCEPTANCE PUMP TOTAL FORECOURT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WET & DRY STOCK MANAGEMENT SOLUTION CORPORATE FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REMOTE SYSTEM MONITORING & REPORTING The proposed solution is positioned to increase revenue, reduce operational cost, address fraudulent activities like pilfering, pump tampering, improve accounting transparency and provide remote log in and monitoring facilities.

6 68 The solution is modular, enabling easy integration of payment terminals to existing pumps, while providing the flexibility of supporting more sophisticated future pumps. Pump Unique Strengths Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute CUSTOMER MGT & PERSONNEL DEDICATION DRIVEN VISION CHESS-T GROUP PROFITABILITY OUR SERVICES ICT DRIVEN 5 SOLUTION ARCHITECTURE The payment solution consists of the following components: 5.1 Forecourt Controller The forecourt controller unit (ifusion) is built specifically to monitor and control all electronic activities in a filling station and gas plant. It has been designed to facilitate electronic payments, collate transaction data and control dispenser unit operations. The forecourt controller represents the heart of the solution and showcases the following features; Standalone tamper proof box Connects up to 20 pumps at the forecourt Connects to card readers/ POS devices Control and authorize fuel dispensed by the pumps Collates data from all electronic interfacing devices at filing stations for central processing and reporting Promote reporting of all activities within the station

7 A Mini Mart Solution (supermarket) Mini Marts containing consumables and non consumables goods (dry stocks), can be integrated to the forecourt management system via GLOBAL RetailPAY solutions. This will facilitate payment monitoring and control. Filling stations that operate mini supermarkets will be able to monitor and manage the sale of goods and services using the same infrastructure. Pump payment and authorization can also be facilitated from the mart if desirable. 5.3 Automatic Tank Gauging Systems To monitor the volume of stock received from suppliers and to reduce disparity between the volumes of fuel sold to consumers and that supplied, it becomes imperative for filling station owner to install a tank monitoring system to curb illegal pilfering of wet stock. IFusion is capable of collating and analyzing data from either a manual or automatic tank gauging system. The information gotten can be analyzed and compared with the volume of fuel sold through the pumps. Notable disparity will trigger an alarm. 5.4 Monitoring Interface Extra CARE facilitates remote log in and monitoring of all payment activities at the forecourt. Using this facility, station owners can log in remotely to view and monitor all payments carried out at their outlets. 5.5 Corporate Fleet Management System This solution component enables station owners provide payment monitoring capability for private fleet managers or corporate. The fleet management system enables a corporate take complete control of their vehicles, from the volume of fuel sold to the frequency purchased by drivers and also the vehicle mileage. Station owners with a fleet management system will be poise to provide the needed support and payment processing system for this particular market segments. 5.6 E- Payment Solutions The integrated payment processing solution supports all available variant of payment cards, depending n installed preference. Payment cards supported are magnetic strip cards, CHIP & PIN cards and contactless cards 5.7 Service Centers

8 70 Different service centers located within the forecourt, such as car Wash, vehicle Repair centers and signage can be monitored by simply connecting them to ifusion 6 SOLUTION PROCESS FLOW 6.1 Solution Process Flow (Pump Calibration) 1. The pump is calibrated by the maintenance personnel and the fuel is set. 2. The pumps circuit board is connected (hard wired) to ifusion, 3. To dispense fuel, ifusion authorizes the pump to dispense the volume of fuel paid for. 4. The attendance will only be allowed to dispensed the authorize volume through the pump nozzle, 5. Transaction information is logged by ifusion, 6. If the pump is tampered with, an alarm is triggered and ifusion prevents further dispensing of fuel through that pump. the information is logged in the system 7. The pump cannot dispensed fuel unless authorized by the controller unit 6.2 Solution Process Flow (Card Transaction) (The filling station attendant is the first point of contact to the customer for this solution and would be properly trained to provide the expected service). 1. The filling station attendance can be given a card or a PIN for identification and monitoring purposes, 2. At beginning of shift, the attendant uses his card/pin to log into the system 3. To dispense fuel to a customer, the attendance simple inputs the amount to be sold into the pump display unit or request customer to pay using his/her card on the pos terminal 4. Customer swipe card on pos terminal and inputs PIN 5. POS verifies payment and communicates with IFUSION the amount requested 6. For a valid transaction, ifusion authorizes the volume of fuel to be dispensed through pump. only the authorized volume is dispensed 7. The attendant dispenses the fuel and the POS terminals prints the receipt for the transaction 8. The attendant keeps a copy of the receipt for end of day reconciliation 9. The transaction is captured in the database for record and reconciliation purposes.

9 Solution Process Flow (Cash Transaction) Cash transaction can also be monitored using the payment solution 1. at beginning of shift, the attendant uses his card/pin to log into the system, 2. for cash paying customers, the station attendant request for payment (cash) and inputs value onto the POS terminal for authorization, 3. the POS terminal verifies payment and communicates with ifusion the amount requested 4. For a valid transaction, ifusion authorizes the volume of fuel to be dispensed through pump. only the authorized volume is dispensed, 5. the attendant dispenses the fuel and the POS terminals prints the receipt for the transaction 6. the attendant keeps a copy of the receipt for end of day reconciliation 7. The transaction is captured in the database for record and reconciliation purposes. 7 SOLUTION BENEFITS 7.1 Solution Benefits (Petroleum Marketers) Increased security Promotion of cashless transactions. Reduce attacks. Increased Revenue Generation Reduced pilfering of stock increased revenue generation through 24/7 operation Modular Design structure low startup cost infrastructure grows with business Simplified business operations controller captures all forecourt payment activities simplifies reconciliation through system reporting reduced operational cost optimized staff utilization Remote Monitoring of all station activities Increased efficiency Reduced accounting processes Funds gets paid directly into account 7.2 Solution Benefits (customers) increase convenience continuous service availability (24/7) Faster service provision

10 72 Flexibility of purchase options 8 SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION FACTOR The successful deployment of the payment system hinge greatly on the following factors: 1. provision of satisfactory solutions and services for the different available market segment; a. the general public; i. service for regular work hours (manned service) ii. service after work hours (unmanned service) b. corporate clients: i. corporate fleet management 2. Leveraging existing technology and services a. use of existing payment solutions and services (debit card, Cash card, contactless card, customized loyalty cards) b. Leverage existing payment network 3. Elimination of market entry restrictions: a. Implementation of solutions that meets industrial standards b. Leverage existing infrastructure to reduce entrance cost c. Phased implementation of card transactions at filling stations d. Phased elimination of cash transactions e. Availability of service nationwide f. Adequate enlightenment and marketing campaigns. 9 QUICK WIN (Implementation Strategy) It is imperative that any infrastructure to be deployed must be carefully designed to eliminate introduction of bureaucracy at the forecourt, which can impede the success of the project. In designing the solution, existing infrastructure and systems should be leveraged to take advantage of low capital expenditure. The system has is designed to handle both card and cash transactions. 9.1 Quick Win 1 ( integrating POS payment Devices and ifusion ) This implementation addresses current dispenser units in the market today. It provides for integration of payment terminals to the dispenser units. It consists of the following: online real time POS terminal integrated to pumps

11 73 ifusion controller unit LAN communication network within the station wireless communication link to central Monitoring Database at Chess-T Group daily transaction reports 9.2 Quick win 2 (standalone POS terminals) Standard Pos terminals can be deployed without integrating the terminals to fusion. This option is quick and will require little or no time for implementation. The POS terminal to be deployed is the verifone vx670. The application on the terminal has been built to accommodate additional value added services which can help to generate additional revenue for the dealers. These include: airtime vending balance enquiry cash card loading bill payment 9.3 Quick win 2 (Integrated POS Terminals, ifusion, Wet and Dry Stock Inventory monitoring and management system) this design consists of the integrated payment terminals, together with the inventory management module. The solution component consists of the following: online real time POS terminals integrated to pumps ifusion controller unit LAN communication network within the station wireless communication link to central monitoring Database at CHESS-T GROUP dry/wet stock inventory monitoring and management system tank Gauging system Daily transactions reporting system Analytical reports of inventory system To provide 24/7 service, it is recommended that a fully integrated self service dispenser unit be placed at a strategic location within the filling station to provide service for customers after work hours. 9.4 Value chain Service chain- service provision FORECOURT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

12 74 Eliminate pump tampering & reduced pilfering of product PETROLEUM DISTRIBUTOR FILLING STATION & GAS PLANT END USERS (Our Loyal Consumers) FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS HIGH LEVEL NETWORK PLAN Review & Approval of proposed solution Award of contract for implementation project scoping & documentation integration & Deployment of payment system Testing & certification user Acceptance Tests Go live 9.5 Conclusion Revenue losses accruing from increased armed robbery attacks at major cash processing centers have created a demand for increased security at filling stations. Equally important to the retail markers is losses incurred from product pilfering. CHESS-T GROUP electronic payment solution presented in this proposal provides to the client, a secure means of protecting their investment. The solution guarantees a reduction in product pilfering and increased security brought about by cashless transactions.

13 75 10 APPENDIX 10.1 Functional components of the integrated payment system This section provides a more detailed description of the individual components that make up the electronic payment and inventory management system Electronic payment cards (contact and contactless cards) The payment cards to be deployed for the solution can either contact cards (Magnetic strip and chip cards) or contactless cards. They are made from the standard size plastic durable PVC materials with adequate memory capacity. POS TERMINALS (EFTPOS/ ISLAND CARD READERS) EFTPOS terminal are outdoor payment devices specifically designed for use in fuel marketing operation both, for accepting payments for service at payment processing locations. They are integrated directly to CHESS-T GROUP payment infrastructure to support real-time online processing and settlement of payments made at these location. The terminal is also able to function in off-line mode when required. Card Readers and Payment Devices This terminal will produce receipt for each sales indicating the amount purchased. Forecourt Controller Unit Forecourt, The central controller unit is a technology platform from which control systems for the oil industry have been created. The controller is designed specifically to provide concurrent, real time interfaces to the wide range of electronic devices that are used to market petroleum products. IFUSION Payment authorization details from the EFT pos terminals are transmitted to the controller to authorize dispensing of fuel and gas through the pump after payment authentication has been made. The controller controls the dispensing of fuel by controlling the pumps. The controller has been designed to provide a solid state architecture, which is tamper proof, and does not operate on any mechanical disk drives or third party operating systems for its core operation. This ensures that the controller is online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and able to operate in the sometimes harsh environmental conditions which exists in the petroleum industry. In addition to providing site control, the

14 76 controller acts as a data acquisition system, accumulating data from all applications and devices operating on the site, to create a comprehensive report Monitoring system Display console - The visual console is a vital aspect of the reporting process. It provides a graphical real-time dispenser status display of forecourt as well as full dispenser control. The visual console uses scroll or multi-line functionality to display up to 64 dispensers. Monitoring Display console - Some of the following configurable menu accessible to the operator is: shift control : start of day, shift change and end of day Tank delivery entry scheduled calibration tests change of operating made attendant bag payment forecourt manager application Application Implementation Forecourt provides real-time online site product management. All management functions are accessed via a selection of tabs. The key data analysis function of the system is achieved through provision of the following: Comprehensive range of wet stock reports covering an extensive array of the forecourt wet-stock applications. Direct access to SQL database (interbase) Custom imports/ exports with other external management systems.

15 77 DIGITAL CAR DIAGNOSTIC DEVELOPMENT Benefits 1. Read Codes 2. Erase Codes 3. View Freeze Data 4. Data Stream: Entire Data list, Custom Data list 5. Special Tests: I/M Readiness, MIL Status, 02 Sensor Test, On-board monitor test, EVAP system test, Vehicle Info 6. Code Lookup Details Display: Backlit, 160 x 160 pixels Operating Temperature: 0 to 60 C (32 to 140 F) Storage Temperature: 20 to 70 C(-4 to 158 F) Power: 8 to 18 Volts provided via DLC Unit Dimensions: 126 mm x 8 mm x 2 mm (Length/width/thickness) Test Cable Length: 0.9m Deployment 1 x Creader v main unit 1x USB cable 1 x User manual LAUNCH OBD2 C-RECORDER collects real-time engine data such as ignition Timing, Fuel Trim and Engine Speed, among many other variables. Additionally, it will also read DTCs for cars compatible with OBDII and EOBD. Outlook Records OBD II data stream from ECM Records trouble codes stored in the ECM On-line software updates

16 78 Specific * Vehicle Coverage: all OBD II compliant vehicles, including CAN * Recording Time: 24 hours * Data Sampling Rate: 2s Ideal Usage OBDII: ; 5AE J1850VPW; 5AE PWM EOBD: KPW CANBU5: Technical This mobile data recorder for vehicles (data logger) allows garages and workshops to record and save EOBD and OBD 2 DTC and live data streams on test drives. The recorded data files can be transferred on a PC via an U5B cable and analyzed for further diagnostics. The LAUNCH C-Recorder is well suited for DTCs that occur while the vehicle is driving. The LAUNCH Data logger will be connected with the BD2 diagnostics interface and the customer is doing his normal drive routine until the error occurs again. The Live data streams and trouble codes will be saved and stored on the C-Recorder device. The garage can connect the C- Recorder with the PC to analyze the data in the workshop. The LAUNCH C-Recorder can store several test drive files and record up to 24 hours continuously. Despite the relatively low price, the LAUNCH vehicle data logger is powerful and an important tool within every workshop. The C-Recorder is compatible with all EOBD and OBD 2 vehicles with Diesel and Petrol engines. The C-Recorder has been awarded by the American Motor magazine as a top 20 tool in 2008.