The Evolution of Multimedia Dispensers

How Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Q1 created a unique solution for fuel dispensers.

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is often misunderstood, rather than size or strength it is the ability to adapt to the environment that is pivotal to the survival of the fittest. Even as a global market leader it is adaptability that gives Gilbarco Veeder-Root it’s edge, with a long history of working closely with customers and partners to find unique solutions that give them a competitive advantage in an ever-changing retail environment.

In recent years the shift in petroleum industry prices has levied the importance of C-store revenue creating a need for forecourts to improve the delivery of promotions and offers at the pump. It is to that end that the relationship with key partner Q1 has strengthened offering a unique working environment to evolve the possibilities of multimedia integration into dispensers.

Thanks to the professional key account management of Hartmut Mücke Gilbarco Veeder Root was able to understand the customer’s needs and at the same time initiate the necessary development processing in order to reach a successful solution.

Until recently Tokheim had a 17” monitor and Gilbarco Veeder-Root 15”, then Mr Beckmann and his team, including Head of I.T. Mr Herkenhoff, at Q1 entered into a collaboration with Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s team of specialist engineers. The outcome was a 19” monitor specially designed for Q1, integrating the “Zahlz.box”, a multimedia and payment platform, directly into the dispenser display, configuring display heads to have the ability to retrofit where desired.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root adapted the content player to the wishes of Q1 and reprogrammed the layout of the multimedia screen according to their specifications. Implementing Q1’s own font “Qualität”, so that an individual layout was developed and implemented by Gilbarco Veeder-Root engineering.

Customers at the filling station want ease of use, clarity and simplicity, the new multimedia offering for Q1 delivers on all those promises and offers customers first class customer service. The new monitor features a brighter screen which provides excellent contrast even in bright sunlight allowing clear representation of information at all times. Not only do end users have a seemless experience but the service station owners have the opportunity to deliver offers and promotions driving footfall inside their C-store or an additional revenue stream via third party advertising.

The collaboration with Q1 has been one of highly mutual benefits, Gilbarco Veeder-Root has developed the only dispenser with multimedia monitor currently on the market with such a performance and flexibility and Q1 have implemented an innovative system with a start-up mentality that will deliver best in class service to their customers.

This close collaboration and willingness to cooperate and support Q1 has meant Gilbarco Veeder-Root has become the strategic supplier for dispensers and provides a precedent for close collaboration on future projects not only with Q1 but any partner looking for a supplier willing to go the extra mile and work on the evolution of forecourt technology together.