European Circuits is delighted to be a chosen supplier of FUELlink’s ‘VINIE’, a first of its kind internet of things product, allowing automatic vehicle identification, odometer transfer and vehicle fuel tank levels to be integrated with their fuel management system (FMS).

Through Bluetooth® technology, VINIE transfers the vehicle’s identification, odometer and fuel tank levels to the fuel management system. The odometer and fuel tank levels come directly from the vehicle’s CAN bus to ensure accurate readings.

VINIE is a versatile system offering different variation and mounting options, which gives customers an alternative that best suits their fleet.

European Circuits manufacture the Printed Circuit Boards, source and assemble the components for each VINIE unit. The product is a great example of the work happening in Scotland at the moment in relation to the field of the Internet of Things (IoT).

John Ashley, Director at FUELlink Systems, said: “We are delighted to work with a fellow Scottish company when making VINIE. Alongside European Circuits’ quality certifications, we find the ease of communication makes getting our product to market more straightforward than it perhaps would if we were to outsource the manufacture further afield.”

On the company’s progression Mr Ashley continued “By demonstrating a proof of concept, we were able to pilot the product with a number of companies, showcasing the benefits of the device, and have since landed significant contracts, including Nottingham City Transport.

At the moment, we’re focused on introducing the product to local authorities, bus operators and haulage firms, but in the future, we hope to diversify and allow companies across industries to take advantage of VINIE’s versatile data monitoring and storage capabilities.”

FUELlink have recently won a major deal with Nottingham City Transport for bio-gas buses. The contract is for the installation of the smart data collection devices onto the environmentally friendly bio-gas buses in Nottingham.

FUELlink’s other customers include Stirling Council and Leicestershire County Council; Lothian Buses, First Bus and hauliers WH Malcolm Ltd and Gist (UK) Ltd.

 

Product Variations and Options

– Vehicle ID: The entry level to VINIE, this variation allows the vehicle to be identified at the FMS without the need of keys or tags, thus ensuring that the vehicle is present at the fuelling point.

– Vehicle & Odometer: This transfers the vehicle ID, current odometer and the vehicle’s fuel tank level prior to fuelling. The resulting data is viewable in the web-based FUELtran system and allows companies to take even more control of their fuel and vehicles.

– Vehicle mounted: Weather resistant casing on the outside of the vehicle.

– Cabin mounted: Mounted on the dash or windscreen without compromising the vehicle’s body work.

 

You can find out more about VINIE by visiting the FUELlink website (opens in a new tab)

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