High-tech logistics behind snacks to go

Petrol stations are a hot spot: these facilities on the roadside offer more and more varied services in addition to just supplying vehicles with fuel. They include a broad range of catering facilities, including numerous vending machines, which supply vehicle drivers & co. with snacks and drinks when they are on the road. Reverse vending systems and cash machines are often part of the local infrastructure, too. However, complex high-tech logistics operations are needed so that final consumers can use the machines without any problems.

The supply chain not only involves the delivery process, but also positioning the unit at its final point of use and the assembly work at the site. The sensitive machines initially have to be transported to the various sites in a manner which ensures they are not damaged in any way. Special equipment and trained employees are necessary to secure them on the trucks. Once the machines arrive at the petrol station, there may be obstacles like steps to overcome before the machines arrive at their installation location. The front panel of the machines can be removed so that they can be transported on a pallet truck. The logistics professionals can align the machines using adjustable feet to ensure that they are absolutely level. Another key challenge involves the preparation work for installation and positioning the unit at its final place of use. This is because the safety requirements in highly sensitive areas in the proximity of fuel pumps are particularly stringent.

Any work at petrol stations is always associated with risks, as the latter can affect operations. Setting up vending machines at a site normally takes place during opening hours, too. In addition to having an in-depth knowledge of how to handle vending machines, the issue of occupational health and safety for work at petrol stations is vitally important. In order to keep the public at a distance and protect them from noise, sparks, fragments flying through the air and dust, the areas are usually secured by means of traffic cones, posts with chains or mobile barrier systems. Electric shocks and explosions are other possible risk scenarios, and protective measures such as locking and tagging as well as taking measurements to ensure that there is no gas in the air (no verifiable concentration of inflammable gases) must also be implemented. Safety shoes, a compulsory helmet and long-sleeved workwear are also mandatory.

Having personnel with the relevant training and meeting extensive documentation requirements are absolutely vital when operating in this field. In addition, work at petrol stations may only be carried out with the knowledge of the persons responsible. Transparent communication is particularly important: who is performing which kind of work at what time and which risk is involved? And how is this knowledge being used to work safely? First, a job hazard analysis (JHA) needs to be performed. This constitutes the basis for systematic and successful health and safety management.

Overall, installing vending machines at a petrol station involves complying with numerous stipulations. So-called high-tech logistics specialists handle these requirements at the sites so that they do not become challenges for the machine provider or the petrol station operator. They are responsible for the roll-out and project management, transportation and assembly work as well as possibly dismantling existing machines as part of an overall logistical solution. If necessary, the sales personnel can receive instruction about the products, too. Even after the machines have been set up, end-to-end solutions also include aftersales services such as maintenance, unit replacement, retrieval and customising. The ordering party has a real benefit here: it does not have to coordinate matters between the various trades and service providers. The overall responsibility is passed on to the logistics specialist and this specialist guarantees that all the tasks are performed properly.