Intelligent AdBlue monitoring from Greenox

AdBlue provider Greenox Solutions has launched a fleet management solution to help operators monitor their bulk AdBlue supplies.

“Paper trails are less prevalent in an industry reliant upon reliable systems of record-keeping,” said Daniel Mozley, business manager for Greenox.

“Everything from tachographs to electronic logging devices, fuel management to driver check-in processes have gone digital. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before AdBlue storage tanks evolved and moved with the times.”

In partnership with Kingspan, the latest range of ‘Smart Access’ tanks manage both vehicle usage and driver identification.

The full range of Access tanks are equipped with submersible pumps and AdBlue approved materials for increased reliability, as well as a Tank Management System (TMS). However, the hardware has been upgraded to now regulate the AdBlue fuelling, allowing analysis and reporting via cloud-based software.

For many operators, knowing a vehicle’s AdBlue consumption is becoming increasingly important.

“The number of requests for management information for cost analysis, job quotations, as well as consumption evidence for the DVSA and transport accreditations continues to grow,” Daniel continued.

“Comprehensive AdBlue usage data was previously only possible by pairing an external fuel management system; however, in many instances, this could not be realised as the distance between tank and card module made the connection impractical, or older fuel management systems did not have capacity to interface with an AdBlue tank.

“The Smart Access tank offers an integral system, providing all the security and features of a stand-alone management system, including full transparency of usage across the fleet – verifying dates and times, the amounts of AdBlue distributed into each vehicle, and by driver, employee or contractor.”

The user database is catalogued on web-based software, allowing users to remotely lock, activate cards and add new drivers instantly, with no downloads onto memory sticks, or connecting via the Wi-Fi router. Whether working from home, the office or away on business, as long as the user has a smartphone, tablet or PC they have full programming and information access.

For national fleet operators, recording individual driver activity at multiple locations is possible by interlinking the AdBlue tanks.

Using a combination of RFID (radio frequency identification) key fobs with Smart ID Cards, a driver can access AdBlue at any site, and with that a digital trace of the driver’s drawings all from the same software platform.

To prevent theft and misuse, locking an AdBlue tank’s cabinet was previously the best security solution, says Greenox; but with the new RFID technology, unauthorised access to stocks is preventable.

Further security can be achieved by configuring driver PIN codes and odometer readings as part of the AdBlue fuelling process. The system also identifies any significant drops in levels, providing a comprehensive level of security whilst tanks are either idle or in use.

Smart Access tanks are also said to be ideal for vehicle operators on distribution sites with shared fuelling services.

Dan Mozley added: “We’ve recently placed several tanks at retail distribution centres, where the site owner has only permitted one dispensing tank. In these instances, the system permits multiple operators to still buy their AdBlue in bulk, yet share a single tank.

“Each operator is assigned their own set of allocated RFID keys and ID cards, and metered dispensing of individual operator can be systematically calculated for recharging and invoicing.”

Usage figures can be analysed hourly, daily or weekly to monitor consumption and usage patterns and do away with the need for manual checks.

As the data is processed in real-time, there is no delay between driver activity and recording the transaction. The number of users is unlimited, which means there is no restriction on the amount of drivers or vehicles. Users can also assign RFID keys and cards to monitor and invoice subcontractors.

The new dispensing tanks can be purchased outright, but it is also possible to take advantage of Greenox’s ‘All-in-One’ tank offering, where only the AdBlue supplied is paid for, over an agreed period.

Dan Mozley continued: “Our supply agreements are very popular as there is zero capital outlay, installation and maintenance are inclusive and GSM telemetry is fitted as standard.

“Operators like that there’s no upfront cost to them, no maintenance bills, and stock management via telemetry means no more daily stock checks. Better management means better budgeting, smarter buying and potential cost savings and with stocks managed via telemetry, it means you can rule out running out of AdBlue unexpectedly.”

Greenox is offering a promotion which allows customers to receive their first 1,000 litres of AdBlue for free when purchasing a bulk tank upgrade until the end of June 2021.

More information on the complete range of AdBlue dispensing tanks and other Greenox AdBlue solutions can be obtained by contacting Dan Mozley. The company is also exhibiting at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham, 31 August – 2 September 2021.

www.greenoxsolution.co.uk
CV Show stand: 5G70