With information flying as it does between driver, depot and office, the process is better described as a cycle than as a sequence. But let’s break in with the driver making a delivery to a customer. The cradled TouchPC unit in the cabin knows exactly how much product he’s carrying because it has been tracking his every move since he last left the depot. So when he delivers the Fuel to the customer, the truck’s delivery meter sends the data to the TouchPC, which is updated as soon as he’s finished. The driver then unclips the TouchPC and takes it to the customer, who checks the details on the display, signs the screen with a stylus, and is given a signed receipt printed out on the TouchStar integrated or in-cab printer.

Back in the cab, the driver re-cradles the TouchPC, and using GSM or GPRS communications, transmits the data to the back office. In reply, the back office sends the driver a message telling him that one of his customers has cancelled and that another has been added. Because the office knows exactly where the driver is, its staff can calculate the optimum place to insert the new order into his route and even give directions. They also know how much product he has on board, reducing the diesel and man-hours used up. Then it’s off to the next delivery point, and the cycle starts again.

At the end of the driver’s shift, he need not return to the office to drop off paperwork and perform other administrative tasks, as is the case at the start of the next shift. This in effect saves a whole hour of his day which he can spend delivering. Next day, he goes round the vehicle making the pre-shift safety checks, logging each entry into his TouchPC and highlighting any faults, details of which are sent to the responsible department to be addressed at the next possible opportunity. He signs the touchscreen and is given his first delivery instructions. Then he’s on his way, and the cycle continues.

With its large, easy to read touch responsive LCD screen and intuitive software, TouchPC is the pinnacle of the FuelStar System, offering incredibly user-friendly usage. It is designed to withstand everyday use in harsh environments (including explosive atmospheres) and is easy to operate even when the driver is wearing industrial gloves. Simple menus guide the driver through the delivery process, including prompts and checks to minimise the likelihood of errors.

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