Nov 19, 2021 Your Customers Are Driving Away. DX Monitor® Can Help. Lulu Francois As the Senior Manager of Product Marketing for Solutions here at DFS, I like to think that I have a unique perspective on the industry. But I’m also a consumer and use gas stations to top off my car on a weekly basis like the folks that we serve. Earlier this year, while on a trip with my father, I stopped for gas at a popular retailer in South Texas. When I saw a “Please Pay Inside” error message on the fuel dispenser – and then saw that 17 of the 20 fuel points in this station were displaying the same message – I realized it was a unique opportunity to observe how an inconvenient forecourt experience directly impacts overall sales. So, I decided to conduct an impromptu experiment! Can You Afford To Lose 47% Of Your Sales? How many times have you pulled up to a gas dispenser just to see a similar error message? What is your first reaction when you see that message? I’ve come to believe there are three types of people in this world: those who automatically walk into the store to pay when the card reader is down, those who check to see if other dispensers at that location are working before driving off, and those who leave immediately to find another station to fuel up where they can pay by card at the dispenser. To that store owner, that’s business lost. I decided to park and observe how many customers drove off to a competitor close by to fill their gas tanks instead of going inside to pay for gas. In the 30 minutes I was parked in front of the retail store, I counted 18 vehicles whose drivers walked into the store to pay for gas, and 16 vehicles whose drivers simply drove off to the next c-store, which was at least a mile away in either direction. Because of the card reader error, this c-store lost 47% of the gas purchases these customers were planning to make. They also lost the possible sales from inside the store. In fact, I heard one customer walking out of the store tell someone else, “Don’t bother going inside to pay, the line is really long!” Protect Your Customer Experience With Remote Monitoring Software Will the same percentage of drive-offs happen to other retail fuel sites if their card readers are down? Possibly. How many people drive off — as opposed to going into the store to pay — depends on many variables, including how busy the fuel site is, how many card readers are not working, the time of day and other factors. And if your dispensers are down on a regular basis, customers will simply begin assuming they’re down all the time and will stop coming to you for fuel. However, if the owner/operator had a remote monitoring software in place, like DX Monitor®, they would have received real-time updates on the health of their fueling points and proactively realized something was wrong with their card readers. If a card reader is failing, the site operator receives a real-time alert so action can be taken to resolve the issue. DX Monitor® can help facilitate troubleshooting and analysis without maintenance personnel being physically present at the site. In addition to alerts, personnel can securely retrieve data logs, view the dispenser screen, initiate a reboot and inventory equipment. Gain Control With DX Monitor ® With DX Monitor®, site owners/operators can keep their payment modules up-to-date and secure by: • Enabling dispenser and payment-related software updates through centralized and remote software upgrades • Minimizing the need for site visits to perform software upgrades to save both time and money • Maximizing profitability with remote pricing and alarms DX Monitor® allows management of assets across one or many forecourts, so whether you have five, 50 or 100 sites, you can always know that your dispensers are up and running as they should be 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. For the merchant that I sat and observed that day, DX Monitor® would have prevented a substantial loss of business that might have extended out over days. Next time I’m passing through, I think I’ll drop off a brochure! DX Monitor® is part of the DFS DX™ connected solutions platform. Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/dxmonitor https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/dfsdx Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

June 26, 2024 Driving Connectivity ​ When you think of a service station, you automatically think of a forecourt equipped with fully-functioning dispensers, secure payment terminals, and a well-stocked c-store complete with deals and offers leveraged by loyalty programmes. In theory, you’d be correct; however, technological advancements, changes in consumer behaviour, and new trends within the fuel retail and convenience industry are all reasons why today’s forecourt owners need to look beyond investing in products and solutions that perform on their own, and instead, create a forecourt equipped with products and solutions that work and communicate with each other. Making connections between forecourt equipment – conventional / clean energy dispensers to payment and loyalty systems or tank gauging solutions to your wetstock management system – can add credible value to a fuel retail business and enhance overall success. What is a Connected Forecourt? Simply put, a connected forecourt is a future-ready forecourt. If you were to search for the definition of connectivity, you’d see ‘brought together or into contact’, which also means associate, combine, join, link, relate, unite. So, when we reference the connected forecourt, we mean ensuring all products, solutions, and services are not only available and installed at a service station but also completely connected. A connected forecourt allows retailers to take control of all service station equipment, leverage a better experience for consumers, and enhance the overall future position of a fuel retail business. In fact, a connected forecourt can help bring unrivalled functionality to a service station, whether to seamlessly bridge the gap between clean energy dispensers and EV charging systems to the entire forecourt offering or improve end-to-end site management to ensure instances of fuel loss are identified quickly. Connectivity makes fuel retail businesses stronger. “The role of the service station is really transitioning into a mobility hub. And that brings up the term the connected forecourt,” commented Raf Tormans, DFS Senior Product Management Manager. “A connected forecourt, I think, can be described as a combination of hardware and software solutions that exchange data to improve both the customer journey, and at the same time, increase the operational efficiency of the fuel station.” The goal as a station owner should not only be to increase sales and bring traffic to the forecourt, but to also ensure data relating to those sales is captured accurately and used efficiently to improve the entire station offering, so it’s ready to meet the consumer demands of tomorrow. Is Creating a Connected Forecourt Complicated? Creating a connected forecourt is not complicated or difficult. Even the most basic forecourt equipment has connectivity capabilities. It comes down to what retailers want to do with their service station and equipment and what level of investment they are willing to make. Connectivity, and in turn, digitalization of a forecourt has serious potential to create operational efficiencies, improve retailer knowledge of consumer needs, and ultimately save costs long-term. Connecting a forecourt is not overly complicated; however, it should be done in stages. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗲: 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 The success of a connected forecourt ultimately depends on the real-time data exchange between various pieces of equipment, systems, and technologies on site. This starts with investigating customer needs and expectations and aligning these with commercial objectives, e.g. do they want digital payments, are they (also) EV drivers, do they like real-time discounts? Once you have this information, you can determine the level of investment required and select the right equipment and technologies to build a connected forecourt. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝘄𝗼: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 Next, retailers/forecourt owners need to look at the core services/operations of the service station, e.g. wetstock management, tank gauging, payment, dispensing equipment etc. Ensuring all these fundamentals are connected and can communicate with each other is half of the battle, as once they are connected, they provide retailers with a comprehensive overview of their entire forecourt operation. This level of connectivity also enables retailers to stay in control of their service station at all times, whether in-person or remotely. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 As the world slowly transitions energy use, due to decarbonization and global net zero goals, service stations have the opportunity to diversify and capitalize on a whole new customer base. This allows retailers to ensure their service station remains relevant to consumers who no longer refuel with petrol or diesel; however, service stations must account for how they can connect these new energy types – EV chargers and clean energy dispensers – to existing forecourt infrastructure. A connected forecourt will support the better management of such offerings and enable retailers to have a full overview of what is happening across the entire forecourt, regardless of energy type or preferred payment method, so they can optimize the customer journey from start to finish. How Can a Connected Forecourt Benefit Fuel Retailers and Motorists? The success of a connected forecourt is highly dependent on the exchange of data between the various systems and pieces of equipment that exist on a fuel retail site. It's essential to align consumer expectations with fuel retailers’ commercial objectives, while increasing efficiencies throughout the service station. These efficiencies, in turn, will make it easier for retailers to successfully manage business operations, while making the overall refueling experience better for motorists, e.g. enabling fuel payments and c-store orders to be streamlined straight to the point-of-sale (POS) system, while leveraging media to advertise loyalty and utilizing important customer data for repeat visits. Not only will a connected forecourt automate business operations with little human intervention, it will also positively impact service station throughput and safety. Predictive maintenance to prevent station downtime is one of the key benefits of a connected forecourt, meaning site managers can see what equipment is working and can proactively avoid losing additional refueling opportunities. This helps boost the bottom line of a service station while helping to keep motorists happy, so they won’t fall victim to queuing for an “out of service” dispenser. Safety is also an essential part of the connected forecourt, as camera systems and other devices can be linked to back-office systems to ensure retailers can detect potential problems or dangerous situations. This also applies to safety underground, in terms of wetstock management and tank gauging systems. If properly connected, these systems can communicate with each other to prevent and identify potential leaks to ground, ensuring a site remains compliant while providing a safe experience for motorists when they enter the forecourt. With enhanced connectivity, a forecourt can meet or even exceed customer expectations of convenience and innovation. Digital solutions support forecourts in establishing a smooth customer journey. For example, the ability to accept various payment methods (bank/fleet/credit cards, cash, mobile “tap to pay”) for all energy dispensers, including EV chargers, makes the refueling or charging process stress-free for consumers. This enables drivers to efficiently perform the tasks they need to move on with their journey, such as rapidly refilling or easily paying for fuel, adding to the expected convenience while on the forecourt. An interconnected triad of vital activities can support forecourt owners who want to go one step further to offer adjacent services and new retail experiences to a more demanding clientele. The fuel retail and convenience industry has always been advanced in terms of payment technology and wetstock management, as both areas require a high level of connectivity to various systems on-site as well as remotely off-site; however, consumers and retailers alike will start to see a higher degree of connectivity between more and more pieces of equipment as retailers move towards IoT (internet of things) forecourt integration. This will lead to an enhanced experience for consumers, as forecourt equipment will run better with increased uptime, as fuel retailers can actively monitor dispenser diagnostics while utilizing data to provide tailored offers and loyalty programmes advertised direct at the dispenser through high-quality media screens. Think connected forecourt and think convenience. Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/solutions/site-efficiency https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/products/secure-payment Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

Mar 9, 2023 Sustainability at Service Stations: What Can Fuel Retailers do to Contribute to Global Sustainability? ​ Today, we’re living in a society where the focus on environmental protection and the cultivation of a more sustainable future are ever present. The fuel industry, in particular, has come under scrutiny in recent years, with people looking to business leaders to make drastic changes to their day-to-day operations in order for them to provide more accessible, eco-friendly solutions for global transportation. Not only are fuel retailers seeking to support alternative energies such as electricity, hydrogen, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), but they are aiming to pivot their fuel businesses to one that is environmentally sustainable. The challenge facing forecourt retailers and convenience stores (c-stores) today, however, is that sustainability is not always as straightforward as it may seem. For example, 95% of a c-stores greenhouse gas emissions are likely to come from the products they stock¹; however, fuel retailers don’t necessarily have control over all aspects of their supply chain. Similarly, fuel has an impact on the environment, but fuel retailers don’t choose what kind of cars their customers drive, they service the market to meet demand. Fuel retailers are examining areas where they can have an impact, become sustainable, and contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gases. In this article, we investigate some ways in which fuel retail businesses can do this effectively, while improving business and their customers experience while on site. Helping to Support a Sustainable Future Fuel retailers are under no illusion that clean energy vehicles will become the “norm” overnight, with many having the understanding that Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles will still be in operation long after 2030. Some studies suggest many motorists will more than likely buy their last petrol or diesel car in 2029 with the intention of running it for the next 15-20 years. The Christie & Co Business Outlook Report (Retail section)² highlights that it will take until mid-2040s before electric vehicles (EVs) start taking up 50% market saturation, but that doesn’t mean fuel retailers should wait until then before making investments into sustainable options. There are a few ways in which service station owners can support customers now, while still preparing for a future fuel shift. In fact, it should be treated as a two-pronged approach. On one hand fuel retailers should continue to support conventional fueled vehicles while providing options to make them more environmentally friendly; on the other hand, they should start to think about making investments in alternative energy solutions to support growing demand and meet global sustainability targets. When it comes to conventional fueled vehicles, what many don’t realise is the introduction of AdBlue® helps to convert harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) from diesel vehicle exhausts into water and nitrogen, considerably reducing greenhouse gas emissions; thus, making it more environmentally-friendly than diesel alone. Having this available on site, either via a dispenser or from the c-store, can make a big difference towards sustainability objectives, long-term. On the flip side, if a forecourt starts to incorporate clean energy solutions such as EV chargers, hydrogen dispensers and LNG dispensers, customers gradually become more aware of the fuel options available to them. Alternative fuel vehicles produce fewer emissions than ICE vehicles. EVs do not emit carbon dioxide emissions, CNG reduces harmful emissions, LNG produces 40% less carbon dioxide³ than coal and 30% less than oil, and hydrogen is clean, safe and all around us – making up 70% of matter in the universe. So, are fuel retailers ready for this new wave of consumers? Below Ground is Just as Important as Above Another area where service station owners can influence sustainability on their forecourt is through fuel protection. Now, fuel protection packages are not new to the fuel and convenience retail industry – in fact, it has been a key aspect of the fuel monitoring field since the early 90s; however, fuel management is now much more advanced. Fuel management and monitoring can transform fuel retail businesses while providing a whole new world of environmental protection for the future, significantly reducing the risk of fuel loss to ground. In reality, a great wetstock management solution can prevent instances of fuel leaks to the downstream fuel industry, with experts recognizing the importance of “watertight” wetstock management services to make sure the environment is as protected as possible when it comes to conventional fueling solutions. The detrimental and potentially negative effects of fuel leaks are well-known to not only the fuel industry, but to the public as well. The need for systems that prevent or reduce the probability of fuel leaks to the environment have long been a necessity for fuel retailers of all sizes, yet many sites don’t realise the positive impact wetstock monitoring can have on both fuel retail business and sustainability objectives. The lack of a wetstock management system may be a missed opportunity for many retailers when it comes to ESG strategies. Wetstock management solutions not only help to protect the environment but end-to-end Wetstock management can also enable fuel retailers to have a complete enterprise-view of their fuel inventory. This means that not only are they more in control of their fuel at each and every site they own, but they also only have to reorder deliveries when absolutely necessary – thus reducing their carbon footprint, as they are able to order the right amount of fuel at the right time to sustain business. Everyone Has a Part to Play When it Comes to Sustainability The United Nations (UN)⁴ defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Many people think about sustainability by looking at ways in which they can reduce their individual carbon footprint such as by recycling, reducing single-use plastic, investing in alternative ways to generate power (solar panels, wind farms, etc.), and utilizing electric and alternative fuel vehicles rather than relying on ICE vehicles. Although these are impactful ways for individuals to become sustainable, these tend to be small in the grand scheme of things. But what if fuel retailers made a conscious effort to roll out a series of sustainable initiatives across their network of service stations? Not only would this positively impact their carbon footprint, but it would encourage their customers to think, and possibly become more sustainable. According to the Kantar Sustainability Trends report⁵, the majority of people expressed a desire to pursue some form of environmentally sustainable objectives, yet only a small percentage of are systematically changing their This is mainly due to three factors: the options available, knowledge/awareness and cost. By increasing sustainable options on and off the forecourt, fuel retailers can start to take the right steps towards sustainability, making the investment required so their service stations can provide future services and products, and adapt to the changing consumer dynamic – a dynamic that means customers can use their purchasing power to change and drive corporate behaviour linked to sustainability. If fuel retailers diversify the energy options available to consumers, they can check the “options available” box from the reasons why many individuals do not change their behavior. They also tick the box of “knowledge/awareness”. Fuel retailers have an important role to play when it comes to global sustainability. The final box to check is “cost”. Fuel poverty is a real problem all over the world, so providing affordable alternative energy is critical. LNG can help with the cost of living as there is a global market providing a choice of supply – meaning users benefit from price competition, which can lower costs and make refueling more affordable. When it comes to EV, filling up on petrol or diesel is still up to 80% more expensive⁶ than recharging an EV, again making it more affordable for drivers. There is a clear and accelerating demand for climate action in the fuel and convenience retail industry, partnered with transportation, and this represents a significant opportunity for fuel retail businesses. Sustainability should no longer be a question but a signal for action. Useful Links https://www.doverfs-wetstockmanagement.com/ https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/clean-energy Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ¹ https://www.globalconveniencestorefocus.co.uk/features/sustainability-is-opportunity-for-differentiation-in-convenience-and-forecourt-retail/ ² https://www.christie.com/business-outlook-2023/ ³ https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-liquefied-natural-gas-lng#:~:text=LNG%20produces%2040%25%20less%20carbon,harmful%20to%20the%20earth's%20atmosphere. ⁴ https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability ⁵ https://try.kantar.com/analytics-us-dx-wp-sustainability/?utm_term=sustainability%20trends&utm_campaign=Dx+3+NA+-+Sustainability&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=7561553105&hsa_cam=18940656600&hsa_grp=142082195937&hsa_ad=639671026032&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-298541009273&hsa_kw=sustainability%20trends&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAiAl9efBhAkEiwA4TorivLV0gucbsL-62DFkF2xR3aaKWgpYcoCYmHRBHmQaoLbZXjwEuQ8AxoCpDkQAvD_BwE ⁶ https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/11/01/electric-cars-are-still-cheaper-to-run-than-petrol-and-diesel-recharging-vs-refuelling

November 21, 2023 The Benefits of an Effective Wetstock Management System ​ When it comes to Wetstock Management, every drop and second counts. For many fuel retailers, the term “wetstock management” means stock control, tank level measurement or leak detection. But true wetstock management is much, much more. It’s the complete end-to-end management of fuel inventory — from the moment a fuel delivery is ordered, pumped into the tanker and dropped into the storage tank, right through to when it is pumped into a vehicle and accounted for in the reconciliation process. Wetstock management solutions not only help to protect the environment but end-to-end wetstock management can also enable fuel retailers to have a complete enterprise-view of their fuel inventory. This means that not only are they more in control of their fuel at each and every site they own, but they also only have to reorder deliveries when absolutely necessary – thus reducing their carbon footprint, as they are able to order the right amount of fuel at the right time to sustain business. ​ Recently Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) ran a wetstock monitoring proof of concept (POC) across 10 stations for 6 months. Although tank performance across all stations was within legal tolerance, DFS uncovered many previously unseen issues. This included identification of actual losses of fuel equating to 66K litres per year! Real World Results The DFS wetstock management systems detected 4 tank leaks, amounting to approx. 9,875 litres of fuel lost to ground. An estimated 39,000 litres would have been lost had these leaks remained undetected for 12 months. This accurate and early detection of leaks has led to a reduction of environmental risks and financial savings* by significantly reducing loss of fuel as well as leak clean up costs. If the leaks had remained undetected for 12 months, these 4 leaks could have resulted in over 500K Euros in total costs to the retailers. ​ Fuel management and monitoring can transform fuel retail businesses, while providing a whole new world of environmental protection for the future, significantly reducing the risk of fuel loss to the ground. In reality, a great wetstock management solution can prevent instances of fuel leaks to the downstream fuel industry, with experts recognizing the importance of “watertight” wetstock management services to make sure the environment is as protected as possible when it comes to conventional fueling solutions. Trust DFS to help with your Wetstock Management and your journey to a more sustainable future, today. Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/site-efficiency-dx-wetstock https://mck8z77grnhs7brdfbblwy21tvcq.pub.sfmc-content.com/wl5vsmhhywd Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert *According to US EPA statistics, the average clean-up cost for an undetected leak is approx. $130,000 excluding cost of loss of fuel, fines, and reputational impact.

July 10, 2024 Convenience Turned Advertising: Ordering at the Pump The way to bring customers into the store is bringing the store to them. In today’s fuel industry, operating a full forecourt and c-store can be an increasingly difficult challenge. The rise of electric vehicles (EV) is ready to disrupt the market and drive gas station owners to quickly adapt. Beyond that, station operators face heavy competition, slim profit margins and uncertain fuel demand that makes it difficult to plan for the future. With so much uncertainty, the value of in-store sales becomes even more important. Considering high inflation is stretching consumers’ budgets, you may expect shoppers to be less willing to purchase high-margin c-store items. However, a study by McKinsey recently found that middle-income consumers plan to spend on discretionary items at a rate comparable to high-income consumers (Adams et al., 2024). Recent data has also highlighted that c-stores are on consumers’ radars for potential spending on dining. Between 2019 and 2023, c-stores’ share of discretionary dining visits grew from 24.2% of market share to 27.1%, according to a white paper from Placer.ai (Placer.ai, 2024). With consumers open to spending and exploring, now is the perfect time to capture the developing market of shoppers interested in c-stores as a chosen dining experience instead of a necessity. But how can c-store owners gain the attention of these customers on the go? To answer this question, we can analyze why c-store visitors choose to visit a c-store over other dining establishments and the psychology of advertising at the pump. Time is Money Traditionally, consumers choose to shop at c-stores to save time. A survey from CSP Daily News discovered that 57% of consumers say quickly getting in and out is the most important factor in creating a convenient experience (CSP Daily News, 2018). Our annual DFS Future of Fueling report also surveyed over 1000 consumers and discovered that 50% would switch stations for a significantly enhanced experience, ideas for which included faster visits and multitasking capabilities (DFS, 2023). C-store owners should therefore aim to reduce average transaction time. But rushing customers off the forecourt may feel counterintuitive for owners who want to draw people into the c-store. After all, the slower the gas pumps, the longer the ads get to play. But what if you could start a transaction before the customer even enters the store, except without the forethought of a mobile order? Recent technological advancements in self-service kiosk and dispenser integration can create a way to speed up customers’ experiences and drive in-store sales during the short time visitors spend at the forecourt. Data from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) found that the average time it takes a customer to complete a c-store transaction is 3 to 4 minutes. The typical shopper spends 35 seconds walking from the car to the store, 71 seconds selecting items, 42 seconds waiting to pay, 21 seconds paying and 44 seconds leaving (NACS, 2024). Instead, with self-service kiosk capabilities, ordering at the dispenser while pumping gas could potentially reduce transaction time. By using the time the customer would already spend at the pump to select items, c-store visitors could save over a minute, or 30-40%, of the current average transaction. This process also creates a similar experience to in-store or curbside pickup services, which have been a major time and money saver for consumers, small businesses and corporations since the pandemic. Let Advertising Work for You While this option makes sense timewise, there are also many psychological reasons that self-service kiosks at the pump work well as a tool for customers and advertising for owners. Beyond the time-saving benefits, customers enjoy self-service kiosks because it reduces interaction anxiety. People who fear judgment for their order choices or incorrect pronunciation of an item don’t have to worry about a smooth checkout experience. They don’t have to consider the time they are taking from other customers in line behind them and can feel free to browse, make changes or quickly check out to speed up their visit. Self-service kiosks can also reduce decision fatigue. The typical c-store shopper passes by 606 individual product category displays during an in-store trip (Explorer Research, 2024), which can be overwhelming for people just trying to get in and out. Instead, by having a few items initially suggested at the pump, customers can make decisions quicker without weighing every option available. This concept of suggesting items is beneficial for station owners making advertising decisions as well. Studies show that people judge their options based on the first item they see, also known as decision anchoring. By displaying prepared hot foods first, for example, owners can control what food options customers compare their decision to and increase the likelihood they choose the first few items displayed. Kiosk technology has a proven track record of success in this way. Multinational fast food company Yum Brands found that average kiosk sales see 10% higher spend than front counter sales (Maze, 2023), partly due to psychological determinants like decision anchoring, upselling and reduced interaction anxiety. Instant gratification is another factor that promotes purchases at the pump. There is a vast amount of research that proves the psychological effectiveness of impulse buying, and the same principles apply here. Spontaneous urges to spend money are innate and kiosk and dispenser integration is especially effective for triggering that urge. A similar experience would be social commerce, or shopping through social media. Users can find items and immediately buy them without leaving the platform. In the same way, c-store customers can look for items without leaving the pump. The difference is that not only can they order easily, but c-store customers can also get their purchases quickly without having to wait days for delivery like social media users. Finally, the technology of the dispenser and kiosk integration is also impactful in influencing purchase decisions. A study from the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services found that touchscreens increase consumers’ preference for products that bring them happiness or pleasure over products they absolutely need and have considered purchasing (Zhu & Meyer, 2017). Just like social commerce, users are encouraged by the interface to make choices that create positive feelings and make them quickly. Owners should be careful not to become the very problem they are trying to solve though. If too many upsell or special offers appear, kiosks could potentially slow consumers down during their purchase and cost them the time they had hoped to save. However, kiosk solutions that merely suggest and put key products at the forefront can provide a good middle ground to benefit owners and consumers alike. Takeaways In conclusion, the option to self-order from the pump, easily pick up purchases in-store and shorten trips while still selling in-store products benefits consumers as well as store operators and owners. Customers achieve the quick turnaround they look for in a c-store visit while fulfilling all their fuel and food needs. In the same vein, owners can expedite food preparation, facilitate a positive customer experience and draw visitors to the store — including ones that may not have purchased anything before — through strategic advertising. Going forward, self-service kiosks at the pump are just one of many considerations c-store owners may have to make as technology and consumer behavior change, but looking at the potential for in-store sales indicates it may be an essential one. Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/solutions/consumer-experience/dx-market https://reports.doverfuelingsolutions.com/future-of-fueling-2023/p/1 Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

July 26, 2022 Your Network Choices are Critical. Here’s why ​ New to networking and need a crash course? Wondering whether you’ve done all you can to protect and future-proof your business from hackers and criminals? We conducted an in-depth interview with Annika Birkler, Senior Product Manager for Connectivity at DFS, and Courtney Hamby, Sales & Support Manager at AvaLAN (a DFS company), to understand how your networking decisions can impact everything from user experience to station security. Read on to see what our experts have to say. Why Network Security Matters in Fuel and Convenience Retail Question: We talk about network security and MNSP, but a lot of people are wearing many hats running a business and don’t have time to become experts in this. Can you describe in the simplest of terms how these work and why they’re important? Just as you maintain a private internet network in your home to transmit files between devices, make online payments, and store personal information, your business needs the ability to communicate between dispenser and store systems. This is where secure networks come into play. That technology began as serial wired systems with cables running underground between fuel dispensers and stores. Over time, it’s advanced to wireless options that are faster, more secure, and easier to maintain. Our latest technology in DFS Wireless Connect acts just like an invisible Ethernet cable connecting fueling points to stores in the most secure way so credit card and personal info can’t be stolen while being transmitted on the forecourt. The transition to Ethernet communication systems offers the higher speeds now required to transact with EMV payments. Question: Why is network security so critical for retailers and c-store owners? Consumer and payment data are constantly transmitted from dispenser to store, and the unique outdoor payment model of a fueling station puts it at higher risk than networks locked behind shop doors. It’s important for anyone with a gas station to protect this data in addition to business-sensitive information such as on personnel or store financials. Criminals not only can intercept sensitive personal or payment data but install viruses if they manage to break into the system. Question: Should smaller chains or independent store owners really be investing in this? The U.S. is behind other markets in EMV implementation, but now that it’s catching up, criminals are looking for the next weak point after card skimming improvements. C-store owners not implementing top security measures – particularly smaller independently owned locations – will be the weakest link as bigger retailers upgrade security. So really, networking investments are important for any fuel retailer of any size. What to Consider When Choosing your Network Question: Can’t someone just capture sensitive data by plugging a “Network Skimmer” into an open network port inside the dispenser? How can I secure the Ethernet ports inside my fuel dispensers? Wayne Ovation® fuel dispensers have door security sensors to alarm site managers of tampering. This can happen even faster at sites implementing DX Monitor® to track dispenser functionality in real-time. DFS Wireless Connect in dispensers with Anthem UX® prevents unknown devices from connecting by managing Ethernet ports on wireless devices. They operate in Managed mode, as well as extending the secure payment zone all the way out to the dispenser. If you try to mimic an external unit or subscriber unit, the network doesn’t recognize the unknown device and won’t transmit. Overall, if the wireless unit detects any funny business (invalid logins, reset attempts, improper setting configuration) it will wipe itself of data before that gets into the wrong hands. Question: Is it really just about payment security? It’s not just about what transmits from dispenser to store systems [payment data], but what flows out as well. Fuel dispenser technology is advancing at a quick pace, and c-stores have more options than ever for sharing promotions and in-store information out to customers on the forecourt. With secure wireless networks, larger media packages for store promotions and important dispenser communications can be sent to dispenser screens with improved connectivity. Retailers won’t be able to send those over limited serial wire setups. Operating in managed mode on some DFS dispensers, non-secure data such as media is separated from the secure payment data. This minimizes risk of tampering with payment data when implementing new cloud services on gas stations. It’s an all-around more secure setup, minimizes what's included in the PCI audit, and is a better experience for both customer and site owner. Question: We often hear “connectivity is key”. Explain this. If your network is disconnected, you face downtime. It’s a severe drawback because the whole station can go down and quickly cost you valuable business. If a wired system goes bad, you have bigger problems that will inevitably require higher cost and take longer to repair. If your wireless unit goes bad, you simply swap an individual component. Accessibility is a key win when it comes to investing in a wireless Ethernet network. You no longer need to worry about digging down to buried wires, allowing for much quicker installation, maintenance and upgrades. The technology of DFS Wireless Connect is essentially “plug and play”. Authorized technicians can install one in minutes to keep your forecourt up and running. With secure connectivity, you also have the value of future-proofing and accommodating add-ons without extensive downtime. DFS Wireless Connect is designed for scalability. It can be used for any Ethernet data transmission on your forecourt, and as your forecourt grows or upgrades, there are no concerns regarding system bandwidth. Wireless units can easily be added without any downtime. Connectivity Impacts Experience Question: The need for speed is real, but why should we care about speed in terms of customer experience? When you have a legacy system such as FlexPay Connect (BCRM) or Wayne Connect, you have to wait for each dispenser to finish “talking” before another one can begin transmitting. Users can experience this delay as lag. When there are plenty of nearby options for fueling, it could be enough of a deterrent to keep them from coming back. With Ethernet connections, dispensers can simultaneously connect and transmit. Secure Wireless Ethernet increases transaction speeds for a better customer experience. Question: Finally, what makes AvaLAN noteworthy when it comes to selecting a networking solution and managed network service provider (MNSP)? AvaLAN has been designing communications solutions specifically for the fueling industry for 17 years. Our products are made to have best-in-class security and are easy to install and maintain. We’re expanding on our connectivity offerings, and will soon introduce AvaLAN MNSP, a Managed Network Service Solution that will seamlessly integrate with other AvaLAN and DFS products yet remain agnostic for various site configurations. AvaLAN is a leading market solutions provider for high speed secure wired and wireless networking. DFS has a combined history of 450 years in the fuel and convenience retail space among our legacy brands, and the addition of AvaLAN in 2021 further strengthens DFS’ position as a leading global provider of end-to-end customer-focused technologies, services and solutions specifically in this industry. ​ Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/partners/avalan Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

September 14, 2023 When it Comes to Conventional Fuel Dispensers, what is the Cost of Change? ​ Despite the move towards decarbonization, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are still prevalent in most markets and, according to some reports, will be in use long after 2030. However, motorists continue to embrace greener transport, with many drivers considering which clean fuel is best for them, while fuel retailers are wondering which investment is best for business. With so much change, why is replacing conventional fuel dispensers so important? The answer? Aging dispenser equipment will eventually need to be replaced to avoid breakdowns, as normal equipment wear and tear could lead to nozzles becoming inoperational, resulting in forecourt congestion and queuing. New dispenser equipment would also ensure retailers are able to provide motorists with the best technology and user experience to cater and adapt to increasing consumer expectations. In terms of longevity and low total cost of ownership (TCO), offering a mix of both clean and conventional fuels on one forecourt is a sure-fire way to satisfy consumer trends while staying one step ahead of the competition. For modern businesses, change is not only healthy but essential for success; however, managing change comes at a cost. So, what is the cost of change should you decide to replace your conventional fuel dispensers? What is the Cost of Change? Simply put, the cost of change is how much money you will need to pay to change or upgrade your service station. When it comes to fuel retailers, they will have to take into consideration the costs associated to install new equipment, remove old equipment, as well as any impact to revenue (e.g., due to out of use dispensers, etc.). No matter the industry, cost of change is something many will have had to take into consideration at one point or another, however, the change and uncertainty associated with the energy transition, as well as consumer trends, make the cost of change more prevalent. It’s important to compare the potential costs of change versus not implementing anything at all. While it can seem easier to maintain the status quo rather than cause upheaval, the reality of doing nothing or delaying action could end up costing you more money in the long run. Another way to look at it is this – can you afford to not keep your service station relevant, welcoming and operational at a time when your competitors are making investments to ensure longevity? Why it is Important to Look at Alternatives? In recent years, the energy sector has seen a dramatic increase and focus on sustainable and clean energy sources, such as electric and hydrogen vehicles. Although there are more electric vehicles (EVs) on European roads today than a decade ago, the population of electric cars is only predicted to be around 17% by 2030 (according to the 2022 European EV Charging Infrastructure Masterplan). In addition, hydrogen has only recently been introduced as a strong choice for long-haul, heavy duty vehicles and other commercial transport in the last few years. This means that over the next 10 years, there will still be many motorists who haven’t yet made the switch to cleaner fuels. In turn, this will result in the need for many petrol and diesel nozzles to remain in operation to refuel the remainder of the car population. Can fuel retailers be expected to effectively serve customers well into 2030 without replacing fuel pumps? While developments in clean fuel infrastructure continue at pace, there is still a place for traditional fuels on the forecourt, particularly as the average lifespan of an EU ICE car is 12 years. Even though ICE car sales are decreasing, it’s pertinent to note that 2022 sales remained strong, with 52.8% of passenger car sales registered as petrol or diesel across the continent. Fuel retailers will be required to carefully balance the needs of their customers during this period of transition and will have to invest in the replacement of aging conventional fuel dispensers at least once during this period, alongside their clean fuel investments. Replacement of conventional fuel dispensers are needed to bridge the “gap” as motorists’ transition to cleaner fueled vehicles; thus, driving the need for the fuel retail and convenience industry to tailor their offering to match the evolving car population and mobility needs. Challenges and Calculating the Cost of Change? When it comes to replacing fuel dispensers, it’s not always a straightforward process. There are many things that should be taken into consideration, such as how best to secure a new dispenser to the ground. For example, what installation frames already exist and how easy will it be to anchor a new dispenser? And how does the new dispenser connect to existing systems, such as the point-of-sale? In this section, we look at some common challenges when it comes to cost of change, and how the new EMEA DFS dispenser ranges – Tokheim Quantium®, Wayne Helix® and Wayne Century™ 3 fuel dispensers – solves these challenges. Civil works - Dispenser Footprint Problem: Dispenser size matters when evaluating options to replace an aging dispenser, as big differences in footprint might lead to an increased cost for civil works. Solution: Each dispenser in DFS’s new product range has been optimized with a small footprint to ensure an easier on-site fit, wherever needed. Advantage: This eliminates the need to break out existing pump islands to install a new pump cradle, limiting installation costs for low TCO. Civil works – foundation cradle Problem: Replacing an aging dispenser with a new fuel pump could lead to additional costs to install a new pump cradle. Solution: The new DFS dispensers have an optional adaptor plate which ensures secure fixation into the existing space – both for legacy DFS dispensers, as well as other dispenser models. Advantage: This eliminates the need to break out existing pump islands to install a new pump cradle, limiting installation costs for low TCO. Pump Island Pipework – inlet connections Problem: Replacing an aging dispenser may lead to increased costs to modify pipework for inlet connections to the new dispensers. A new replacement dispenser might not connect to existing systems. Solution: The new DFS dispensers have been engineered so inlet positions are similar to legacy DFS dispensers and other dispenser models available on the market. Advantage: This eliminates the need for pipework modifications in the island, resulting in minimal installations costs for low TCO. With DFS dispensers, every little detail is taken into consideration to minimize site downtime and installation costs, making the process (and cost) of change as streamlined as possible. Little things really do make a big difference. Why Change to a DFS Dispenser? Engineered with field-proven global components and corrosion resistant materials, the new EMEA DFS dispenser ranges offer exceptional reliability, accurate fueling, enhanced safety and low TCO. Retailers looking to upgrade can rest assured they are investing in a dispenser built to last. Minimal Drift Fuels differ from country to country and can attack component materials and seals, causing leakage or dispenser breakdowns. The robust design of the new DFS dispenser ranges utilize high fuel resistant materials, so no special meter is required for harsh fuels. This makes the Tokheim Quantium®, Wayne Helix® and Wayne Century™ 3 dispenser ranges incredibly versatile, as the meter can handle a broad range of fuel types and is more likely to continue to deliver optimal performance as fuels evolve when compared to other dispensers available on the market. Additionally, all three dispenser ranges have certified accuracy and exude superior stability for minimal drift with all fuel types over the lifetime of the dispenser. Reliable Quality and Performance Constant day-to-day operational use can cause dispenser components to wear over time, leading to breakdowns and nozzle outage, which in turn reduces trading capacity, however, DFS dispensers are built to last. Engineered with high-quality materials and field-proven components, DFS dispensers also encompass strong corrosion protection to deliver reliable performance time and time again, ensuring nozzle availability for full trading capacity – not to mention less maintenance requirements for low TCO. Low TCO Limited maintenance access or complex methods for field interventions can lead to higher costs for parts and labour. The Quantium®, Helix® and Century™ 3 fuel dispensers are specifically engineered to maintain accuracy, requiring less maintenance and service interventions over the dispenser’s lifetime. In fact, these dispensers have been designed to make maintenance both safe and efficient for shorter service interventions. Each model in the new EMEA dispenser range benefits from quick-hose connectors and DFS patented double bump pipework connections to provide less impact on trading capacity and minimize maintenance costs from less parts and shorter labour times. Safe and Secure Manoeuvring and handling of new dispensers during installation can pose a major QHSE (quality, health, safety and environment) risk, but the new DFS dispenser range helps mitigate that risk, as each model in the Quantium®, Helix® and Century™ 3 dispenser range has been engineered with embedded lifting holes in the base frame. This helps facilitate the safe and efficient manoeuvre of dispensers during installation. With other dispensers, lower quality sealing components have a higher risk of developing leakage, again causing a QHSE risk. The DFS Piston meter is specified with a high-quality elastomer seals, and the pumping unit and filter-pot is specified with high-quality flour silicone seals and o-rings for increased durability. This provides a strong resistance to ever-evolving fuel grades, energies and additives to prevent leakages from developing, as well as lowering the QHSE risks and maintenance callouts. Improved User Experience When motorists go to a service station it can often be busier than expected, with many drivers parking up at the nearest available dispenser to refuel – whether the fuel tank is on the same side as the dispenser or not. Often, great force is required to pull out a hose retraction mechanism to properly reach the tank inlet on the opposite side of the vehicle, so users can adequately refuel. The Quantium®, Helix® and Century™ 3 models have been designed with the end user in mind. With a range of different hose reach mechanisms available, long hose reach with less pull force can come as standard. Not only does this make it easier for motorists, it ensures optimal forecourt flow as motorists can park and fill up from every pump island position. Balancing Change Investing in change is not always an easy decision to make, especially with so much uncertainty in relation to global decarbonization and net zero goals. For many, it will be simpler to forgo change altogether until industry direction becomes clearer; however, this might come at a high cost – from mounting maintenance fees and dissatisfied consumers facing more and more dispenser breakdowns to aging equipment or disappointment from lack of availability of clean energies. For many, change - and the cost of change - is daunting, but if fuel retailers wait too long to leverage the technology needed now, they are going to fall behind competition and risk not being part of the future forecourt. If fuel retailers must replace aging equipment, then many will want to invest in a dispenser range designed to last – a range that provides reliable, long lasting quality to ensure less service interventions for low TCO. DFS is committed to providing leading products and solutions to its customers, regardless of which energy they choose to distribute and retail. Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/fuel-dispensers https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/clean-energy-dispensers Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert References

May 8, 2021 Building a legacy of reliability Hector Trabucco, Vice President and General Manager of Latin America, Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) The story of Dover Fueling Solutions® is marked by innovation and evolution. Moreover, it’s built on a solid foundation of safety, security and reliability. When the company founders of Wayne Fueling Systems – one of the legacy brands under DFS – first met with investors in 1891 seeking $10,000 to create the Wayne Oil Tank Company, they had no idea they were founding what would become one of the world’s leading suppliers of fueling systems. Now, it’s quite possible there’s not a single driver on Earth who hasn’t used a Wayne fuel dispenser. Our company continues to celebrate a legacy with several brands and products that have changed not only the industry, but the way people live their daily lives. And while we are a global company, I’m especially proud to share the impact we’ve made in Latin America. Driving Innovation in Brazil At DFS, listening to our customers has always been the cornerstone of our business practices. In the late 1920s, when several customers in Brazil expressed interest in purchasing locally-produced gas pumps and paying in cruzeiros, we listened. By 1930, the Wayne subsidiary Equipamentos Wayne do Brasil, S.A. was set up in a small Rio de Janeiro storefront with only three staff members. The operation quickly flourished and twice had to move into larger quarters, eventually settling at what would become our current location on Timbo Avenue in 1955. Since then, we have continued to learn, grow and listen. Today, our Rio de Janeiro facility is the primary assembly plant for all Wayne fuel dispensers sold in Brazil and other South American countries. It is also the main assembly plant for Wayne products exported to most countries in the Middle East and Africa, as well as customers in large parts of Asia Pacific. Moreover, in 2004, what started as a modest operation became the sole global production center for the machining and assembly of Wayne’s core hydraulic components, including meters and pumping units. Providing security with Wayne Now, we look to the future while remaining focused on what our customers care about most. In Brazil, like many other parts of the world, there are concerns about fraud and therefore a huge demand for security. A fuel dispenser is a piece of transference equipment for a highly essential and strategic product, so the challenge to maintain its security is huge. It’s not uncommon for some in our industry to look for disloyal, unethical or disrespectful competitive advantages, which encourages and stimulates the fraud market. However, because DFS – through its Wayne brand – has a legacy of secure and reliable technology, our company has become the biggest trailblazer in anti-fraud protection. Since the beginning, we have cultivated a culture of wearing the customer’s shoes. Therefore, in addition to building robust, quality equipment, our biggest investment is to ensure Wayne dispensers are the reliable, secure and innovative choice to fuel your dreams, both as a gas station owners and end customers. Over the past 90 years, Wayne® has emerged as a leading technology provider in the fight against fraud based on our sophisticated control platform. An investment in such secure equipment translates into being recognized for preserving the image and reputation of the establishment that purchased it. More importantly, this smart purchase allows the entrepreneur who owns a gas station to focus on his or her business, because with Wayne technology, security is inherent. Continuing traditions of safety Our company leaders regularly hear from customers who say choosing Wayne® fuel dispensers has brought significant improvements in the security of their business. This is one of the greatest compliments any company can receive. And at DFS, the safety and security of our customers is always top of mind as we design and build our products. Our highly complex software, designed specifically to combat fraud, makes it impossible to generate source codes by reverse engineering. In addition to the security features, the advanced electronics in our dispensers provides statistical information, including calibration history among other diagnoses. In addition to having the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology INMETRO certification from the Brazilian regulatory agency that evaluates compliance requirements for automotive products manufactured in or exported to Brazil, our products are also certified by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). A global leader in safety, the equipment sold from our Brazil facility is then distributed worldwide. Reliability. Innovation. Security. At Dover Fueling Solutions®, it’s more than what we do – it’s who we are. We are proud of our progress over the past 130 years, and we will continue driving the industry forward with our leading products and solutions for many years to come. Useful Links http://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/dispesners http://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/contact-us Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

December 13, 2023 Are LNG Fleets Powering Your Festive Deliveries? ​ The festive season means an increase in deliveries around the world as everyone gets ready for arguably the biggest gift-giving occasion of the year. With the amount of deliveries skyrocketing, it means the emissions of vehicles used to deliver them also see increased numbers, which resulted in last December seeing emissions double compared to normal months. In fact, emissions from transport have been on the rise since 2021, nearly rising back to pre-pandemic figures, with heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) being the second largest contributors only behind cars. It’s understandable that the holiday season is a busier time for transport logistics with 130 million cards and parcels delivered by Royal Mail in the UK in 2022 and Denmark exporting and transporting over 10 million Christmas trees. ​ The natural increase in HGV and long-haul deliveries within the season means many companies may be looking at alternative fuels to reduce the emissions produced. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) could be that solution, and many may not realise some delivery companies are already employing them for deliveries. With the concentration of LNG refueling stations increasing across the continent, the majority of which are in Western Europe and Asia, many of your presents ordered from depots might actually have been shipped using LNG fleets. Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) has offered expert insight into the benefits of LNG, as well as identifying which of the big brands you might not have realized are already invested. Why use LNG? Natural gas is still an abundant resource that can be utilised as LNG to act as an alternative fuel source to traditional fuels. On emissions alone they offer a welcome change, producing 40% less carbon dioxide than other non-renewable fuels making it one of the cleanest fossil fuels available. Plus, with LNG being clean burning and bio-LNG being created from organic waste, CO2 emissions can be reduced up to 100%. A huge benefit is that it’s imported into Europe and the UK from several markets around the globe, meaning it’s not expected to see cost increases like can currently be seen with electricity. Nor is it connected with the price of oil, so it can result in being 10 – 25% cheaper than diesel depending on your market. For HGV drivers, LNG doesn’t take away from the driving experience or the performance of the vehicle but in fact offers one very important positive: they are compliant with current and expected future emission standards. Not only will this mean that vehicles fuelled by LNG should be able to enter environmental zones toll-free, but they will also play a huge part in delivering a net zero 2050. One additional benefit, especially over the festive period, is LNG engines are 50% quieter than diesel engines, meaning they’re within territory for a peak quiet certification for a peak Quiet Truck in Silent mode of 71dB(A). This means that loading times can be more flexible to provide a greater quality of life in city centres, as well as being an improvement for late-night holiday deliveries to not disturb quieter areas. ​ If you’re planning on getting your festive food delivered to your home, it’s likely it was delivered by a fleet employing LNG as its chosen fuel. Major supermarkets have been investing in LNG, and in the UK alone, two of the giants, Tesco and Asda, have both made the switch. This trend has continued throughout Europe with Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona, EDEKA in Germany, and Dutch chain Albert Heijn improving their efforts to employ the use of LNG in their fleets. Lidl is another chain that has been pushing for alternative gases within its fleet, employing both LNG and compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel their delivery services in Switzerland. Beyond supermarkets, major international delivery companies are investing more in alternative fuels like LNG. DHL has forecast a reduction in carbon emissions by 2,200 tonnes through replacing 20 diesel vehicles with LNG specifically for its M&S fleet. Amazon has become a powerhouse in deliveries globally and in 2021 added 1,000 CNG trucks to their European fleet, showing how prevalent the shift towards these alternative fuels has become. Evri and UPS have followed suit and have begun investing heavily in LNG to expand the eco-approach to transport logistics. This means that many of the parcels delivered to you this winter ready to give to family, friends, and loved ones could be shipped or delivered by a vehicle utilising an LNG engine. The shift towards LNG being incorporated into transport logistics strategies marks a much wider evolution in the way the transport and shipping industry approaches its fuelling. Consumer behaviours are also transitioning as they become more aware of how sustainable and environmentally friendly the products they buy are, including how they are delivered. Knowing their orders are being delivered in a way that isn’t contributing to further emissions can offer the environmentally conscious consumer greater peace of mind this festive season. After all, isn’t a greener future for generations to come one of the greatest gifts of all? Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/clean-energy-dispensers https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/clean-energy Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert https://www.eceee.org/all-news/news/toxic-fumes-are-comin-truck-pollution-will-double-over-christmas/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f6agnFRoVaoOGOV7QrlqfNTt2zAZBR5L/view https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rA0K5nq6XiFA87-xOXq4wGkw08WSffF8/view https://uk.worldoptions.com/news/christmas-logistics-facts-and-figures https://ec.europa.eu/transport/infrastructure/tentec/tentec-portal/map/maps.html?layer=11,12,13,14,15 https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-liquefied-natural-gas-lng#:~:text=LNG%20produces%2040%25%20less%20carbon,harmful%20to%20the%20earth's%20atmosphere https://www.calor.co.uk/commercial-gas/solution-for/transport/lng https://www.ey.com/en_pl/law/the-role-of-carbon-neutral-lng-in-the-energy-transition https://www.voslogistics.com/sites/default/files/assets/files/Vos%20Logistics%20Whitepaper%20LNG%20EN%20(web).pdf https://www.offshore-energy.biz/tesco-to-fuel-its-hgv-fleet-with-bio-lng-uk/ https://www.volvotrucks.co.uk/en-gb/news/press-releases/2020/december/asda-scales-gas-fleet-fast-with-huge-volvo-fh-lng-order.html#:~:text=on%20renewable%20fuels.-,Asda%20is%20taking%20delivery%20of%20202%20Volvo%20FH%20LNG%20tractor,more%20than%2080%20per%20cent https://www.offshore-energy.biz/spanish-supermarket-chain-mercadona-to-add-40-lng-powered-trucks-to-its-fleet/ https://www.iveco.com/en-us/press-room/release/Pages/German-supermarket-chain-EDEKA-to-convert-its-700-vehicle-fleet-to-low-CO2-by-2025-with-IVECO-S-WAY-LNG-trucks.aspx https://www.ngva.eu/practice/lidl-switzerland-uses-biogas-trucks-for-service/ https://www.dhl.com/gb-en/home/press/press-archive/2022/dhl-introduces-20-bio-lng-trucks-into-m-s-fleet.html https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/van-news/2021/11/18/amazon-to-add-1-000-gas-powered-iveco-trucks-to-euro-fleet#:~:text=Amazon%20has%20signed%20a%20deal,will%20be%20delivered%20in%202022 Evri adopts multi-fuel solution for multi-asset delivery fleet (fleetnews.co.uk) Bikes, EVs and LNG trucks: How delivery giant UPS is steering 'beyond diesel' | GreenBiz

Nov 29, 2021 Innovation Will Fuel Our Success: Transformation Tips For Fuel Site Owners And Operators Jocelyn Sexton, Director of Marketing and Communications at Dover Fueling Solutions®. Originally published in Forbes magazine online. Nov 15, 2021, 07:15am EST Marketers and professional communicators are keenly aware of the once-unthinkable disruptions the Covid-19 pandemic has created in the global economy. In the fueling industry, as we begin to work our way out of the initial shocks and interruptions of normalcy, recovery continues to pose its own unique challenges, particularly for the customers we work with. Right now, our industry is tackling issues like fuel shortages (paywall), which can be disruptive to economic activity and supply chains. Even once those areas stabilize, we will still need to figure out how to solve long-term challenges like the need to produce cleaner energy while ramping up to meet the energy demands of a growing global population. And of course, our customers want to run profitable businesses. ​ I saw these concerns firsthand in early October 2021 when I attended my first industry conference since December 2019. Participation was down a bit, but hopes were high. And while it was fantastic to finally meet some customers, distributors and co-workers face-to-face (although often while wearing a mask and maintaining distance), we confirmed that some structural changes — like the shift to remote work and the necessity for virtual meetings — might really become permanent. There are also more immediate, day-to-day challenges site owners and operators face that have been magnified by Covid-19 and our long journey toward a post-pandemic period. At Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS), I work with a team of professionals dedicated to helping our industry solve these issues. Here are my recommendations for addressing them. Stand Out From The Crowd One of the most common challenges I see fueling station owners and operators face is how to help people understand who they are — and what makes them different from the station down the road. Of course, this is not unique to our industry; creating a brand with a unique and differentiated value proposition is key to the success of all businesses. But gas stations can seemingly blend together, and fuel serves as a commodity. Now that more people are staying at home due to the shift to remote work (U.S. travel in millions of vehicle miles is down from 2019) — differentiating yourself as a brand is more vital than ever. When our customers ask us how best to achieve this, we usually start by recommending they consider the forecourt consumer experience. In the fueling industry, the “forecourt” essentially refers to the area outside the store, including the fuel dispensers, the parking lot and beyond. Innovation in this area was previously limited to incremental improvements in lighting, signage and adding consumer conveniences. But the most advanced of today’s fuel dispensers make customers feel like they are interacting with giant iPads, and one secret to making them truly your own lies in your branding. Customize your forecourt with your logos and colors, of course, and think about how to use digital transformation to create something truly special. Think that aspect of the engagement experience through to ensure it’s the most accurate possible representation of your brand. Know When It’s Time For A Change Like many industries, fueling is a traditional one — with roots that go all the way back to the industrial revolution. Many companies in our industry could benefit from digital transformation. But the barriers to implementing technology can be formidable, from paying for it to implementing and managing it. Even the terminology itself can be intimidating. Cloud services, Internet of Things (IOT) devices, augmented reality: These are not terms or concepts many of our clients are familiar with. So education and patience are key. When you are ready to begin your digital transformation, make it a successful one by thinking about what your customers’ unique needs and desires are, and then build your strategy around solving those problems. Consider what your competitors are doing. Can you offer something different? Leverage industry resources, like blogs and other sources of industry information — and don’t allow a limited budget to deter you. There are digital transformation solutions available at almost every price point, including many products and services that you can customize to your needs. Jocelyn Sexton is global Director of Marketing and Communications at Dover Fueling Solutions®, overseeing brand awareness & demand generation Useful Links https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2021/11/15/innovation-will-fuel-our-success-transformation-tips-for-fuel-site-owners-and-operators/?sh=29987221af42 Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​

Novemer 17, 2023 Fueling a Successful Private Label Strategy with DFS Anthem UX® ​ In recent years, convenience stores have recognized the importance of offering private label products to differentiate themselves from competitors and boost profitability. On the consumer side, private label food brands have become increasingly popular as affordable options that still offer quality and value. The Hartman Group, a consumer research firm, found that 91% of consumers agree a good experience with private label products makes them trust a store more, with 74% saying they shop at a store specifically because of the private label brands. Many successful c-store retailers have expanded to include private label fuel brands, yet there are opportunities in the forecourt and beyond fuel itself to build a successful private label strategy with multimedia screens built into the DFS Anthem UX® platform on the Wayne Ovation® fuel dispensers. Here are a few key multimedia tactics for captivating customers, enhancing brand awareness and driving private label sales. Grab Attention with Visual Content on the Dispenser Multimedia fuel dispensers present a unique and captive marketing opportunity, with a 1-to-1 focused audience in customers fueling their vehicles. Displaying engaging visual content related to private label products enables c-stores to grab customers’ attention during this otherwise idle moment. In marketing, this attention-grabbing opportunity is called Zero Moment of Truth (ZMOT), and it’s the first of four key points in the consumer journey that influence a purchase and affect loyalty. The ZMOT happens when shoppers recognize a need or want, then gather information to fulfill it. A well-crafted video advertisement showcasing the quality, value and uniqueness of private label offerings can pique curiosity during the ZMOT and drive customers to purchase in the store. Multimedia dispensers also allow marketers to drive brand awareness through the Rule of Seven, which states it takes an average of seven interactions with a brand before a customer acts. By running an ad at the dispenser, retailers put their messaging in front of high-frequency fuel customers multiple times and achieve the Rule of Seven more efficiently. Highlight Private Label Benefits with Media C-stores must effectively communicate the benefits and differentiators of their private label products to entice the customer to purchase. For example, one promotional strategy enabled with the Anthem UX® platform comes through dual-zone media – allowing stores to show national offerings on the upper zone and private label brand promotions on the lower zone. Through a dual-zone media comparison, stores can emphasize positive differentiators in price, size, quality and other features between private label offerings and major national brands. Advertising a private label product alongside a national counterpart can elevate private label benefits, building awareness, trust and loyalty over time. Custom content on dispenser screens can also be a tool for educating and informing customers on quality sourcing and production processes behind private label offerings, which further build credibility and trust among those who may be hesitant to try private label items. Content highlighting nutritional information, product origins or sustainable practices positions private label products as reliable and conscientious choices, enhancing their appeal. Leverage Cross-Promotion and Upselling to Build Your Brand Advanced fuel dispenser screens offer an excellent opportunity for cross-promoting and upselling private label products. By integrating offers on video screens, convenience stores can encourage customers to consider complementary items within their private label range. Dayparting, a common screen advertising strategy, entails targeting audiences with ads at specific times of day based on trending demands and behaviors. For example, offering up a private label coffee option with breakfast ads could target morning commuters, whereas chip add-on offers could aim for afternoon snackers, both maximizing campaign performance. Such a strategy helps increase the visibility and desirability of private label products while simultaneously boosting overall store sales. A study by Cadent Consulting Group found that 54% of millennials say the availability of a store brand influences their choice of retailer. Designing video advertisements and incentives that appeal to this and other demographic audiences can help secure a strong consumer base for private label product lines. Custom content on the Anthem UX® platform can further be used to deploy targeted private label campaigns and loyalty offers for specific demographic groups. Building a Brand-Differentiating Private Label Strategy In the competitive landscape of convenience stores, a successful private label strategy can be a game changer. Leveraging the multimedia digital screens on the Anthem UX® platform presents a unique forecourt opportunity to engage customers and drive in-store sales of store brand products. Deployment of at-dispenser content designed for driving awareness, highlighting benefits and differentiators, and promoting cross and upsell campaigns can help c-stores build a thriving private label strategy that sets them apart from the competition. Useful Links https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/consumer-experience-dfs-anthem-ux-platform https://www.doverfuelingsolutions.com/fuel-dispensers Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert The Hartman Group report entitled “Brand Ambition: Food and Beverage Private Brands & Beyond.” https://www.hartman-group.com/webinars/2112427415/path-to-purchase-the-role-of-brand-in-guiding-shoppers-choices-report-highlights Cadent Consulting Group. eMarketer: Private Labels Influence Retailer Choice - Cadent Consulting Group Cadent Consulting Group (cadentcg.com)

October 3, 2023 Consumer Experience at the Pump: The Future of Fueling ​ Retaining frequent fuelers and winning new customers are on every fuel and convenience retailer’s list of priorities. As consumers demand faster, more seamless and more personalized retail experiences — especially younger consumers — fuel station and c-store owners will have to keep pace to remain competitive. In a recent report, Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) surveyed 1,003 consumers to better understand what they’re looking for from their fueling experiences. Understanding consumer behavior and expectations is critical to the success of fuel and convenience retailing, so we set out to answer questions like: Does the quality of a consumer’s experience matter when they’re choosing a place to fuel up? What kinds of technology or services at the pump do consumers truly appreciate? And which do they ignore? Here are some of the top takeaways from our second annual Future of Fueling report that retailers can leverage. Half of consumers would switch gas stations for a better experience It will come as no surprise to most station owners that consumers prioritize fuel price and location most when choosing where to refuel. But, when asked how much their experience plays a role in the decision, many consumers had strong opinions. DFS found that 50% of consumers are likely to switch fuel stations if a competitor offers a significantly enhanced experience. Among millennial consumers, this number increases to 60%. For retailers, these findings spotlight the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences to retain and grow market share. Ads at the pump are catching the attention of younger consumers, driving c-store foot traffic Advertising and media at fuel dispensers have become increasingly common and more technologically advanced. How do gas station customers view them? DFS polled the perspectives and experiences of consumers, finding more than half (51%) notice ads on or around a fuel pump. Nearly one-third (32%) of consumers said fuel pump commercials and ads have convinced them to enter a convenience store. And that number jumps to 46% among Gen Z and millennial consumers. Consumers are paying attention, and fuel station owners can capture and hold it even more by balancing advertising and entertainment or information, like weather and traffic reports. Consumers predict a faster, more productive future of fueling DFS asked respondents to make their own “future fueling predictions” by envisioning how technology or innovation might one day improve their experience. Common themes arose across consumers’ predictions, including improving productivity at the pump, speed, ease and accessibility — all of which retailers should evaluate in their customer journeys. Productivity — Many consumers view the time they spend refueling as an opportunity to multitask, imagining technologies like on-demand TV, car maintenance “report cards,” and c-store ordering systems. Speed — Consumers also see innovation potential in the speed of their gas station visits, with suggested improvements focused on quicker payments and faster-flowing fuel. Ease — Many respondents envision greater convenience while refueling, such as having options for an email or text receipt, a more automated fueling process, and smart pumps that know their preferences without asking. Accessibility — Some consumers believe technology can support gas station features that suit a wider variety of individuals, abilities and needs. For more insights on consumer sentiment around the current and future state of gas stations and convenience stores, explore DFS’s full interactive report and research findings. Read the full report at: https://reports.doverfuelingsolutions.com/future-of-fueling-2023 Back to DFS Insights Speak to an Expert ​