PSO has completed more than 1,450 New Vision Retail Outlets (NVROs) in the past seven years - an industrial record and a milestone. The company has achieved a number greater than the total retail outlets (New as well as Old Vision) of any other oil marketing company (OMC) in Pakistan.
During this period, several fast-track jobs were undertaken and each New Vision retail outlet was constructed in a record time, averaging 1.75 days per site as compared to the normal construction period of 1.83 days per site.
Complementing the company's Plastic Cards (Loyalty, Corporate, Fleet and Prepaid) initiative, Pump Controllers were installed at the New Vision Retail Outlets, as part of Retail Automation Program, to streamline the flow of transaction data from the fuel-dispensing unit to the Point of Sale (PoS) terminal.
This means that from the time of fuelling to making payment against PSO Cards, the entire operation is automatic and without any intervention from the pump attendant, thus, ensuring security, reliability, accuracy and convenience for the customer.
The pump controller maintains complete history of all the fuelling transactions made from the dispensing units. So, if a customer wishes to check back the amount or the volume dispensed in his vehicle after he/she has driven off the outlet, the information can be made available just upon pressing a button.
PSO also took a lead and started conspicuously displaying fuel prices on the monolith signs to inform its customers. Now, to be well prepared for fuel- prices deregulated scenario in the country, the company is in the process of automating these price signs and controlling them from the head-office, thus, changing the prices instantly and offering customers the benefit of competitive fuel pricing.
To enhance the company's corporate image and to promote PSO products, we installed Mega Zoom Signs and Mega Hoardings at various retail outlets countrywide. Also, to provide hassle-free service to our customers, the company embarked upon the Retail Automation Program. With this system, all forecourt sales are electronically-monitored and collated to prevent variation in sales by attendants and the customer is also satisfied that the billing is both accurate and stress-free.
OIL STORAGE:
PSO is striving for modernisation of its storage locations thru the use of automation. Tank truck loading automation system is yet another example of PSO's effort of modernising its storage locations. The system, being implemented at KT-A, Sihala and Machike Terminals, would result in improving monitoring and control at terminals' loading activities with reduction in manpower, manual paperwork and real-time record keeping.
The system would ensure accurate handling of products, resulting in improving the control over product losses. Spill protection devices would enable increased safety during filling operation. Real-time activity logging, customised report generation and system expandability to entire terminal automation, including decanting, pipeline receipts, pumps control, etc, are the additional advantages that would benefit PSO in the longer run.
Revamping of Lubricants Manufacturing Terminal, Korangi, was undertaken keeping in view the company's vision of continuous improvement in quality and standards by utilisation of the latest, efficient and state-of-the-art equipment and processing plants. The project included complete revamp of entire electrical system, PLC-based automation of blending process through automatic batch blending system, automated can manufacturing and can filling machines.
The aviation station located at Allama Iqbal International Airport is exclusively operated by PSO and provides aircraft refuelling services to our valuable customers on 24/7/365 basis thru safe and environmental-friendly hydrant system. The aviation facility located at Lahore is the first of its kind in Pakistan equipped for all facilities required as per international aviation standards.
PSO has adopted the latest inventory management systems that include the world's best terminal automation, radar gauging and flow metering systems. SAAB radar gauging system, having custody transfer accuracy, has been installed and commissioned at all vertical storage tanks of HSD and PMG. This would enhance our capability of inventory management by using HMI software, the latest proven technology and customisation of various reports and alarms. The system would enable us to monitor the entire tank farm activity on a desktop computer monitor screen. The metering system is also being used in product filling activities for product reconciliation and cross checking with manual reading for better controls and handling of POL at our storage locations.
SOME OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OIL STORAGE INFRASTRUCTURE OF PSO ARE:
-- Development of Storage Terminal JIMCO, Mahmood Kot and its connection to PARCO through pipeline.
-- Development of Storage Depot Lalpir and its connection to PARCO through pipeline
-- Development of Storage Terminal ZOT, Port Qasim, and its connection to jetty through pipeline.
-- Construction of first-ever floating roof tanks at Zulfiqarabad Oil Terminal.
-- Integration of inventory management system and motor-operated valves of these tanks with SCADA system.
-- Development of storage terminal at Machike, Sheikhupura, connected with pipeline to PARCO.
-- Rehabilitation of deteriorated storage tanks at Keamari. Extension/ modification of pipeline networks connected to jetties.
Keeping in view the operational requirements, the upgrading of existing loading/ unloading facilities has been carried out which includes:
-- Steel structure gantries with foldable swing ladders
-- Modification in pipeline system as per the hydraulic analysis to ensure maximum utilisation of facility
-- Metering system
-- Movable loading arms
-- Development of proper slop system to cater to overfilling, leakages and spillage
-- Development of hard standings as per the standards
-- Development of proper Checking Bays to ensure exact measurements of products and smooth traffic flow.