Certas: simplifying operations with digital fuel cards
Fuelling specialist Certas Energy has explained the workings and benefits of its FuelTapp digital fuel card, which it says can help operators simplify the management of their fleets.
“Fuel is the largest operating cost fleet managers have, and fraud and theft risk adding to this cost,” said Paul Boulton, roadside services product manager at Certas Energy.
“So finding ways to manage this effectively is key.
“Fuel cards go some of the way to mitigating risks. After all, drivers no longer need to carry cash or debit cards, making them a less attractive prospect to criminals.
“That said, fuel card fraud is a growing problem. A cloned or stolen card can cost operators thousands of pounds, and this often isn’t covered by insurance.”
This, says Paul, is where FuelTapp, a free digital fuel card, comes in.
“The central portal is the heart of the FuelTapp system, allowing the fleet manager to control all fuel card functions from one place. This includes adding and removing users, as well as controlling their spending limits.
“Once a user is added, the driver is given a one-time passcode to activate the FuelTapp app which generates a virtual fuel card which can be used at 16 bunkers in the UK. The app, which generates a single use PIN code every 30 seconds, works even if the phone has no access to the internet or is in airplane mode.
“Fleet managers don’t need to worry about drivers losing cards or leaving them at home. If this does happen, the card can be frozen instantly. And drivers can still access physical cards if necessary.”
When traditional fuel cards are lost or stolen, says Paul, it can take as long as 24 hours for the card to be cancelled due to office opening hours or staff sickness.
“In the meantime, fraudsters can spend thousands of pounds. In addition to this, a driver might take a few days to 
notice a physical fuel card is missing, increasing the time for fraud to take place.
“With pay by mobile becoming more common, drivers are in the habit of using their phone for transactions, easing the transition to a digital fuel card. More than this, they are likely to notice a missing phone much sooner, and FuelTapp virtual cards can be cancelled immediately by the fleet manager.”
Fuel cards can provide the necessary data to track and therefore reduce fuel spend, he adds.
“Fleet operators can see where fuel prices are high, and encourage drivers to use other sites. More than this, fuel costs can be billed regularly, helping managers plan their fuel spend.
“Fleet managers are facing a range of challenges. More needs to be done to protect drivers and companies from theft and fraud, but there are solutions available now. Fuel cards help to reduce costs and fraud. But FuelTapp goes one step further, giving fleet managers real time control of fuel cards, preventing fraud before it occurs.”
