Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation

Transcription

1 JKccu-FL Meter Service Ltd. /SP Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation Technical Description of the Veeder-Root TLS-350R /^ P/N Rev A July, 1995

2 Veoder-Roofs TLS-350R The TLS-350R takes the time, cost, and errors out of inventory reconciliation. It is an integrated system that automatically collects dispensing data, in-tank inventories and deliveries, and reconciles the totals at the end of each shift, day, and user-definable period. How Automatic Inventory Reconciliation Works The TLS-350R continuously monitors the fuel level in each tank to provide complete, up-to-the-minute inventory and delivery reports. It also interfaces directly with electronic or mechanical dispensers to automatically access metered sales information. At the first idle time after the end of a shift, day, month, or period, or at the push of a button, the TLS-350R combines inventory, metered sales data, delivery data and any manual adjustments to automatically generate a comprehensive reconciliation report. The TLS-350R automatically calculates periodic variance thresholds, based on the U.S. EPA requirement of +/-1% of monthly throughput +130 gallons, and _^ includes them on the Periodic Reconciliation Report. This variance threshold is i programmable so it can be set to comply with local regulations if they are different. A quick look at the report tells you if you're within the limit. In addition, the duration of the period can be programmed to monthly or a specified number of days to match your regulatory requirements. Reconciliation Accuracy & Reduced Labor Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation using the TLS-350R is far more accurate than manual methods. Errors and inaccuracies of manual reconciliation, like tank sticking, transcriptions, inaccurate deliveries, reconciling data, and hand calculations, are eliminated. Meter readings, deliveries, and inventory measurements are gathered automatically by the TLS-350R. TLS-350 and TLS-350R Capabilities The TLS-350R was developed from the same experience and technology base that produced the TLS-350. It has all the operating, reporting, leak detection and alarms features of the TLS-350 and is available with CSLD for 24-hour leak detection without tank shutdown. Additional features include: Monitors up to 8 Tanks using Magnetostrictive Probes 0.1 GPH and 0.2 GPH In-Tank Leak Detection Electronic Line Leak Detection Capability Interstitial/Sump Leak Sensing Capability Vapor Well Monitoring Capability Groundwater Monitoring Capability Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation - Page 2

3 Input/Output Capability Sump and Dispenser Monitoring Capability RS-232 Data Communications Auto-Dial Fax (SiteFax) Modem Remote Display Capability Optional Integral Printer or Remote Printer Interface Option Fuel Manager Software * * Fuel Manager is an optional software enhancement for the TLS-350 and the TLS-350R that provides programmable re-order warnings to prevent costly fuel-out conditions and to help plan efficient fuel delivery programs. TLS-350R Reconciliation Features In addition to the capabilities of the TLS-350, the TLS-350R includes three features key to automatic and accurate reconciliation: Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation (BIR) BIR has the following capabilities and limitations: Capabilities: Up to 36 fueling positions Up to 6 meters (hoses) per fueling position Requires Mag 1 probes Supports most blending applications Limitations: Does not support manifolded tanks Can not reconcile tanks that feed unmonitored fueling positions Can not reconcile fueling positions drawing from unmonitored tanks AccuChart Automatic Tank Calibration A ongoing source of errors that impacts the accuracy of manual inventory reconciliation is inaccurate tank charts. When a tank is installed, dynamics such as tank tilt, deflection, and end shape create large discrepancies between the tank chart and the actual tank size. The TLS-350R reduces this error significantly using AccuChart, Veeder- Root's patented tank calibration algorithm. By comparing metered dispensed volumes with calculated dispensed volumes, AccuChart minimizes errors due to tank dynamics to create a customized tank chart for each tank in the system. The automatic calibration process is conducted through the typical operating levels in the tank as fuel is dispensed. As more data is Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation - Page 3

4 acquired, more sophisticated adjustments are made. Significant improvement is gained in the first few days of operation. The calibration process continues for 84 days. Routine reconciliation occurs during this period. An updated tank chart can be retrieved from the TLS-350R through its RS-232 interface. Automatic Meter-to-Tank Mapping To correlate metered sales to a hose in the correct tank and product, it is essential to establish the relationship of meters to tanks. This correlation is called the meter-to-tank map. The TLS-3S0 automatically assigns each product hose to the correct tank, eliminating the need to manually assign each meter. When dispensing begins, the TLS-350R recognizes a reduction in the intank inventory, and is alerted through its Dispenser Interface Module (DIM) that a specific meter is running. When the metered volume data equals an inventory reduction, the mapping feature matches that meter and tank. At a typical retail site, the tank-to-meter mapping should be complete in two days or less after installation. Blending Applications The TLS-350R can perform Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation in most blending applications. The dispenser must separately meter each product prior to blending. This information is collected by the TLS-350R's Dispenser Interface Module. BIR reconciles each product by tank. For example, at a site with two tanks selling 3 or more blended grades, BIR prepares two reconciliation reports. The TLS-350R cannot provide reconciliation on dispensers that blend fuel prior to the metering process. TLS-350R System Components The following components are required to perform BIR: TLS-350R with Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation Magnetostrictive Probes Dispenser Interface Module (DIM) DIM Installation Kit Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation - Page 4

5 Meter Service Ltd th Street S.E., Calgary Alberta T2G 2Y8 Phone: (403) Fax: (403) Toll Free: ACCU(2228), Magnetostrictive Probes A Magi (0.1 GPH) Magnetostrictive probe is required for each product to be monitored and reconciled. The 0.1 GPH Magnetostrictive Probe for Alternative Fluids is also supported. Dispenser Interface Modules (DIM's) Dispenser communication protocols vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and often from model to model. Veeder-Root's DIM's allow the TLS-350R to interface to most Gilbarco, Tokheim, Wayne, Schlumberger Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals or dispensers. The DIM is an electronic circuit board that plugs into a TLS-350R console. When wired to a dispenser or POS system, the DIM allows the console to gather relevant dispensing information, including how much product has been dispensed from each fueling station. The software for each DIM has been developed under a proprietary agreement with the individual dispenser or POS manufacturer, ensuring high quality and reliability. For electronic dispensers, one DIM is required for each TLS-350R. For mechanical dispensers, one mechanical DIM supports up to 4 mechanical dispensers, and up to 8 DIM's can be installed. DIM Installation Kits The installation kits vary for each DIM, and include all adapter boxes and cables for installation. Different lengths are available. One installation kit is required for each DIM. Supported Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems The TLS-350R can be installed with most popular Gilbarco, Tokheim, Wayne, Schlumberger Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals or dispensers. Refer to the TLS- 350R Application Guide for specific information on each supported POS system. Remote Communications Additional benefit from the TLS-350R's accurate reconciliation reports can be obtained by automatically providing them where they are needed. Using SiteFax, an optional internal auto-dial fax/modem, reconciliation reports can be automatically faxed to remote locations. Remote Control, Vender-Root's windows-based tank and compliance management program, can also collect shift, daily, and monthly reconciliation reports, and store them in databases for record keeping and analysis. Automatic Business Inventory Reconciliation - Page 5