A new generation fuel management system has been implemented by the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS). The investment was necessary to replace an ageing monitoring system which was no longer fit for purpose.
In addition to the implementation of Merridale FuelFX management and reporting software, the programme includes the installation and maintenance of Merridale Auditor FX control units at nine depot fuelling points. These are located at the headquarters in Aylesbury and eight other principle stations within the county’s operational network.
[quote]So for us it was critical to have something that was reliable and robust. And we wanted a system that would be supported properly and not compromised by future demands to pay for upgrades.[/quote]
Each of the Merridale Auditor units is linked to the central administration computer. Currently four are wired directly into the BFRS corporate network, via data ports where these are accessible; while the remainder use BT landline telephone modems. It is intended to replace the latter in due course in order to achieve a totally independent communications infrastructure.
The challenge
BFRS operates a fleet of 57 fire appliances from 22 strategically placed stations. The availability of depot fuelling is an important aspect of operational planning. Mobility is crucial. In addition to the traditional appliances, BFRS has 120 cars and general purpose vehicles. Key personnel are also given access to depot fuelling facilities and the facilities are also used by third party public sector organisations.
“So for us it was critical to have something that was reliable and robust. And we wanted a system that would be supported properly and not compromised by future demands to pay for upgrades,” said Gordon Wylie, BFRS Group Manager for Property.
