GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Consumers can now display maps, find local listings and print driving directions and coupons from Gilbarco's Encore dispensers with color screens and the Applause media system.
The live Internet connection means all information is in real time. The Gilbarco Applause media system is the first content management system that uses Google's open-content infrastructure to deliver valuable information at the pump.
Consumers can view maps on the pump's screen and locate their destinations. They can also search Google's [image-nocss] local business listings by category (restaurant, hospital, gift shop, etc.) to find the nearest choices. Once a destination is selected, consumers can also print the driving directions at the pump. Easy-to-read instructions are printed on the receipt printer, making it convenient to take them with them in the car.
Getting directions at the pump is safer than using Internet-enabled devices from the driver's seat and far more reliable than just asking a stranger, said Kirsten Paust, vice president of global retail systems at Gilbarco Veeder-Root. We believe consumers will prefer convenience stores that deliver useful information and ultimate convenience. Retailers who use these tools will make themselves more valuable to consumers and gain the competitive edge.
Applause is an extension of Gilbarco's existing SMART Merchandising System for providing promotions, advertisements and coupons at the fuel dispenser. Current users of the SMART Merchandising system will be able to migrate to the enhanced functionality available from Applause media system.
Meanwhile, Greensboro, N.C.-based Gilbarco has expanded its portfolio of pay-at-the-pump security solutions to include Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant CRINDs, keypads and secure card readers. These solutions are easily upgraded to existing fuel dispensers and further enhance the security of Gilbarco's existing outdoor payment systems, the company said.
Said Paust, We also understand that compliance can be costly. Our new line of PCI and EMV compliant CRIND solutions allows retailers to meet these requirements in the most cost-effective manner possible.
The new line of solutions is based on Gilbarco's global payment solution, FlexPay, which has full EMV and PCI certifications. By leveraging this technology, Gilbarco has been able to bring to market-proven and certified payment options, including component upgrades that allow U.S. operators to upgrade components of the system, rather than undertake costly full terminal upgrades. These solutions include a PIN pad upgrade that meets PCI requirements for PIN entry devices, as well as card reader upgrades that protect against card skimming. In addition, these solutions can be implemented on a retailer's existing stationno costly POS software or forecourt wiring changes are needed, it said.
And Gilbarco is exhibiting the world's first hydrogen retail dispenser with integrated payment at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show in Atlanta this week. The hydrogen dispenser is part of Gilbarco's Encore S series dispenser line, which features a lineup of models for alternative fuels such as E85, Biodiesel, CNG and LPG. The Gilbarco dispenser is designed to support the growing number of vehicles that use hydrogen as fuel, and those that will result from the $1.7 billion the U.S. government plans to invest in development.
Gilbarco Veeder-Root is proud to be leading the market in delivery of alternative fuels. We believe hydrogen has great potential over the coming years, and our development of a dispenser reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of the market, said Rob Bondos, marketing manager for Gilbarco Veeder-Root.
The hydrogen model features the same field-proven Gilbarco electronics, which support state-of-the-art payment, security and merchandising systems used on the company's other leading models. In addition, the hydrogen model features the same durable exterior finishes, familiar customer interface and appearance. And this hydrogen dispenser is adapted with special piping, nozzles, putdowns, hoses and manifold to accommodate compressed hydrogen (H2) fuels.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.