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Mastering FMS Terminology: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the world of fuel management systems (FMS) can be a daunting task, especially when faced with myriad technical terms and industry jargon. At Banlaw, we understand the importance of clear communication and strive to make fuel management as accessible as possible. With this comprehensive guide, we aim to demystify FMS terminology and provide you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about your fuel management needs.
Banlaw can help you gain a deeper understanding of the fuel management landscape, enabling you to enhance your operations, improve efficiency, and ultimately, save on fuel, maintenance, and compliance reporting costs. So, let’s dive into the world of FMS terminology and equip you with the tools you need to master this essential aspect of your business.
What is a Fuel Management System?
A fuel management system (FMS) is an integrated solution designed to monitor, control, and optimise the usage of fuel within an organisation. The primary goal of an FMS is to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and minimise the associated costs and environmental impact. By employing a combination of hardware, software, and advanced technologies, an FMS enables businesses to track fuel consumption, monitor inventory levels, and identify potential areas of improvement.
Fuel management systems are widely used across various industries, including transportation, logistics, mining, and construction. They are particularly beneficial for organisations operating fleets of vehicles, heavy machinery, or other fuel-intensive equipment. By implementing an FMS, businesses can gain greater control over their fuel usage, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions that contribute to overall sustainability and cost savings.
Glossary, A-Z of FMS
- Advanced Controller: A Banlaw ResTrack™ Field Controller with advanced functionality for mobile refuelling applications (service trucks), managing numerous fluid dispensing functions simultaneously, monitoring storage tank levels, and, on a project by project basis, deploying advanced functions such as automated stock rotation and the integration of electronic safety systems (SIS/SIL).
- Auto ID: An identification technology integrated within the dry break refuelling hardware from Banlaw, which enables the fuel management system to uniquely identify each piece of plant equipment. Auto ID solutions are also available for Splash Fill refuelling, Long Range vehicle identification, or the identification of operators using swipe cards and fobs.
- Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG): A system that monitors fluid levels in storage tanks, providing real-time data on fuel inventory to enable stock reordering processes and detecting potential leaks.
- Banlaw ResTrack™ Controllers: The central unit of the fuel management system, which manages local fluid access and security while accurately capturing data such as tank levels, fuel dispensed into equipment, fluid moves between storages, and more. Xpress, Advanced, Tank Side, and Mobile Controllers are all types of fuel management Field Controllers from Banlaw
- Banlaw ResTrack™ Resource Management Software (RMS): An enterprise software solution for measuring, managing, securing, and reporting upon industrial fluids, which can be installed on a corporate network or as a vendor-managed online fuel management system.
- Banlaw ResTrack™: A trademark for Banlaw’s overall fluid management connected technology framework, which helps in measuring, managing, securing, and reporting industrial fluids (Software + Field Controllers + Connected Fluid Transfer Hardware and data collection technologies)
- Banlaw SecureFill™: A trademark for Banlaw’s secure user and equipment identification technologies that enable fuel security and reliable data collection.
- Biodiesel: A renewable alternative to diesel fuel, made from plant or animal fats and oils, which can be used in diesel engines without modifications.
- Bulk Fuel Storage: The storage of large quantities of fuel in tanks, typically at a centralised location, for use by an organisation.
- Calibration: The process of adjusting the settings and measurements of fuel dispensing and transfer metering equipment to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
- Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): A liquid solution used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel engines.
- Dry Break Coupling: A highly reliable coupling system designed for diesel refuelling and other industrial fluid transfer processes, known for its toughness and safety. Dry break couplers are designed to separate into two fluid-tight components, avoiding leaks.
- Electronic Fuel Management System (EFMS): A computerised system that monitors and controls fuel dispensing, inventory, and reporting, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of fuel management.
- Fleet Management: The coordination and organisation of vehicles, machinery, and equipment used by a business, including fuel management, maintenance, fleet utilisation planning.
- FMS: A fuel management system for managing the receipt, storage, and dispensing of important fluids.
- Fuel Card: A payment card specifically designed for purchasing fuel and related services, allowing for easy tracking and management of fuel expenses.
- Fuel Dispenser: A device that controls dispensing of fuel into vehicles or machinery, typically located at a fuelling station or on-site facility.
- Fuel Inventory Control: The process of monitoring and managing fuel levels in storage tanks to ensure sufficient supply and minimise waste.
- Fuel Management Software: A software application used to track, monitor, and control fuel usage, providing data and insights to help improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Fuel Reconciliation: The process of comparing actual fuel usage with recorded transactions to identify discrepancies and ensure accurate fuel management.
- Fuel Tax Credit Reconciliation: A process of accurately calculating and claiming fuel tax credits with the tax office, such as the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
- Fuel Transfer Pump: A device used to transfer fuel from a storage tank to a vehicle or machinery, often used in conjunction with a fuel dispenser.
- Fuelling Station: A facility where vehicles and machinery can refuel, typically featuring fuel dispensers, storage tanks, and other related equipment.
- Global Positioning System (GPS): A satellite-based navigation system used to track the location and movement of vehicles, helping to optimise routing and improve fuel efficiency.
- Leak Detection: The process of identifying and locating leaks in fuel storage tanks or pipelines, helping to prevent fuel loss and environmental contamination.
- Long Range RFID: A type of identification technology that uses radio frequency identification to authenticate people and machines, helping to mitigate fuel theft or simplify access to multiple fluids for approved machines.
- Overfill Prevention: Devices and systems designed to prevent storage tanks from being filled beyond their safe capacity, reducing the risk of spills and environmental damage.
- Remote Monitoring: The use of sensors and communication technologies to track fuel levels, usage, and other data from a distance, allowing for more efficient management and control systems.
- Tank Monitoring System (TMS): A system that tracks the fuel levels in storage tanks, providing real-time data to help manage inventory and detect potential leaks. Also known as Automatic Tank Gauging / ATG, Tank Level Measurement / TLM, Remote Tank Level Monitoring and more.
- Tank Side Controller: A Banlaw ResTrack™ Controller designed to monitor fuel levels of 1 to 8 storage tanks simultaneously.
- Telematics: A combination of telecommunications and informatics used to collect, store, and transmit data from vehicles and machinery, often used in fleet management and fuel management systems.
- Vehicle Tracking: The use of GPS or other technologies to monitor the location, movement, and usage of vehicles, helping to optimise routing, reduce fuel consumption, and improve overall efficiency.
- Xpress Controller: A Banlaw ResTrack™ Controller designed for simple deployment of us to 4 fluid transfer functions as well as automatic tank gauging and other fuel security and fuel management system functionality.
