GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Gilbarco Inc. has announced a major field trial program for Passport Version 6. The program includes 60 sites and simultaneous certification with multiple networks, including ExxonMobil, Chevron and Concord Buypass (Sunoco, Valero and generic).
New features in Passport Version 6 include a generic third-party loyalty interface, an automated software upgrade process, Payment Card Industry (PCI) security enhancements, a price sign interface, cash-based fuel discounting and a forced day close feature.
Passport's [image-nocss] open architecture enables Gilbarco to release software with such a large scope. Using one core point-of-sale (POS) application, with plug-ins for the network and site peripheral interfaces, Gilbarco can deliver new functionality to the field quickly, it said, across numerous network platforms simultaneously.
Gilbarco said that Passport is the first such product in the industry to offer a generic loyalty interface. This interface enables any loyalty program of the retailer's choice to interface with Passport and simplifies implementation and standardization of loyalty programs across the retailer's sites. A customized transaction process based on the selected loyalty program optimizes the cashier and customer experience.
Automated software installation and upgrade process reduces errors and decreases installation time on initial system installation. It also automates installation of subsequent major and minor version upgrades and includes system diagnostics and recovery features to increase overall system uptime.
PCI security enhancements include strong encryption to protect cardholder data and enhanced security for data access, retention, and reporting.
Passport uses Milwaukee interface to ensure the retailer has a wide selection among price sign vendors, it said. The interface supports both LED and scrolling signs.
Cash-based fuel discounting enables automatic fuel discounting both at the pump and POS for cash payment. It reduces credit card transaction fees and enhances loyalty among cash customers. The feature also supports fuel discounting by grade to encourage higher-margin fuel sales.
Retailers can maximize customer rewards and enhance loyalty through cumulative fuel discounting in conjunction with discounting by card type and car wash purchases Passport currently offers.
The forced day close feature enables the retailer to establish a programmable time for the store close to improve control. The fully automated process requires no user interaction and an alert system with programmable text eases employee transitions.
Also, Gilbarco has entered the second phase of its Encore color screen program, with the installation of backward-compatible color screens at several locations across the country. Backward compatible means that no POS changes were required. The sites also use Gilbarco SMART Merchandising to promote in-store merchandise, onsite quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchises and advertise local events.
We believe in the potential color screens deliver, said Tommy Hunt, president of Calloway Oil. They will help us reach out to our customers on the driveway and make them hungry enough to come inside the store for our offerings. They will play a big role with the development of our delis and create a tie-in with our fast food co-brands and tenants. We hope to use the color screen to put green' in our pocket.
The color screen option to Encore S enhances user instructions and promotional content by supporting colorful still images and future streaming video and animated graphics. The SMART Merchandising system provides customizable promotional content with selectable coupons that consumers can redeem immediately inside the store.
Built on Intel processors and the Linux operating system, Encore dispensers with color screens deliver advanced features such as multimedia support for advertising, browser options for web-based applications, multi-language support and remote access.
Customers and third-party developers are encouraged to develop applications for use through the operating-system-independent interfaces being developed. Open source/Linux represents the most significant all-encompassing and long-term trend in the software industry for faster application development and richer content.
Greensboro, N.C.-based Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Gasboy are major suppliers of integrated fuel control, site management and support services for petroleum marketers and commercial fueling enterprises worldwide.
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.