GreatGas

GreatGas is a national oil company based in Ireland that operates 70 sites across the country. The company wanted to establish Ireland’s first unmanned network of sites and selected TSG as its partner to help develop the concept. TSG handled the project management and provided assistance with regulatory paperwork, right through to the installation and maintenance of all the equipment. Paul Farren, General Manager at TSG Ireland, said, “We consulted with the banks, credit card companies and the regulator to help provide a viable unmanned solution. Working closely with our client, GreatGas, we developed a solution that is not only profitable but also safe and secure for the public.”

Ray O’Sullivan, Managing Director of GreatGas, explained, “We are, of course, delighted to be the first to launch this concept in Ireland. Our philosophy is quite clear – reduced refuelling times, overheads and fuel prices, resulting in more satisfied customers. Safety and security are paramount on site; we have 24-hour monitoring via CCTV and a security firm, as well as the latest environmental management systems in place. People cannot drive off without paying for the fuel, as payment is first authorised by the bank on their debit or credit card.”

TSG provides a comprehensive solution for the station, ranging from assistance with regulatory paperwork right through to the installation and servicing of all the equipment. At the GreatGas sites, Tokheim has supplied its Quantium dispensers with integrated payment terminals. TSG installed Quantium dispensers fitted with Crypto VGA DITs at the fully unmanned sites.

All operations are managed via the Fuel Homebase solution, which connects to dispensers, gauges, pole signs and OPTs. Credit, debit and fuel card transactions are authorised via OASE. Security on the unmanned network is managed via Tokheim EYE, and a control room enables the pump to be released for unleaded transactions (a unique regulatory requirement for the Irish market).

In addition, an unmanned site such as the one at Dublin Airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, which is very convenient for early or late flights to and from the airport, as well as for customers filling up before returning their hire cars. Another unexpected benefit for parents is that they can keep an eye on their children at all times and avoid the hassle of having to take them out of the car just to pay for petrol.

GreatGas aims to roll out this model across the country in the coming year. The new model not only allows motorists to refuel more quickly without having to pay at the shop, but it also offers the added benefit of reduced overheads for GreatGas, which the company then passes on to its customers. In addition, an unmanned site such as the one at Dublin Airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, which is very convenient for early or late flights to and from the airport, as well as for customers filling up before returning their hire cars. Another unexpected benefit for parents is that they can keep an eye on their children at all times and avoid the hassle of having to take them out of the car just to pay for petrol.