Category: Blog Commentary
04 March 2024
Did you know that FuelStar has full geofencing functionality, built in as standard? Geofencing involves using GPS technology to set virtual boundaries and enable systems to react to vehicles as they enter or leave the defined area. By tracking the transition in and out of an area, businesses have a transparent view of drivers and deliveries. This can be a very useful tool, helping to set and meet Customer expectations. Read More >>
27 February 2024
Touchstar underwent a thorough IT process review in Feb 2024 to assess cyber resilience. Excited to share Touchstar earned 'Cyber Essentials Plus' status. Read More >>
29 August 2023
Integrating real-time fuel meter data into wider business systems can provide valuable insights and enable more informed decision-making in various areas of fuel distribution and management.
This blog highlights some key benefits and considerations for integrating real-time fuel meter data. Read More >>
04 August 2023
There are three topics that are being discussed a lot in our industry right now. They are decarbonisation, collaboration and digitalisation. But what does this mean for us, and how can you get involved? Read more to find out.
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07 June 2023
In recent years, customer satisfaction has become more crucial for success, and many fuel businesses are now choosing to track this key metric. While factors such as product quality and pricing still play a vital role, the efficiency of fuel logistics has gained significant importance in meeting customer expectations and therefore their satisfaction. In this blog, we will look at the ways in which gas and oil logistical solutions impact customer satisfaction. Read More >>
26 May 2023
To drive productivity, reduce costs, improve security, and streamline operations in the oil and gas sector, organisations can adopt several strategies and initiatives. This blog examines some key approaches to consider. Read More >>
24 May 2023
Integrating real-time fuel meter data into wider business systems can provide valuable insights and enable more informed decision-making in various areas of fuel distribution and management. This blog explores some key benefits and considerations for integrating real-time fuel meter data. Read More >>
21 March 2023
The commercial implications of the move towards hydrogen are significant. The shift from fossil fuels towards hydrogen will impact the infrastructure required to support this change, creating new business opportunities across sectors such as energy and transportation. In this article, we will explore the UK's readiness for hydrogen, with a focus on the commercial implications of the move. Read More >>
17 February 2023
The ongoing rising costs and inflation are unfortunately not new news, and with the UK inflation rate at 10.1% in January 2023, costs are unlikely to decrease in the coming months. It does not seem possible to put this rise in inflation down to one particular event and instead seems to have stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, UK political decisions and economic policies, as well as increasing energy prices and supply chain bottlenecks. Here, we look at how the various rising costs are impacting the fuel logistics industry and the considerations that come along with this. Read More >>
30 August 2022
With the UK on the edge of significant change towards a more environmentally-friendly and low-carbon approach to the transport and logistics industry, renewable liquid fuels (RLFs) are being introduced more to the market.
There are several different types of alternative fuels slowly entering the market and growing the level of competition for suppliers. Whether these renewable fuels are currently a viable option for everyone is yet to be seen but as the demand grows, so will the marketplace. However, is the UK ready for RLFs to become commonplace for businesses? Read More >>
13 July 2022
National and international businesses are continuously innovating, reviewing, and improving operations through harnessing the capabilities of digital technology. Whether this is to enhance operations, streamline processes or introduce business efficiencies, digital practices have, and continue to have a significant impact across all sectors, with the fuel industry at the forefront of digitalisation. Here, we look at the fuel sector and its leading role as a digitalisation front-runner. Read More >>
03 May 2022
The UKIFDA show is regarded by those in the industry as the place to launch new products and services, meet clients and do business and Touchstar has been a regular exhibitor for several decades. Gordon Hyland, Touchstar’s Sales Director for the fuel division, is a well-seasoned business traveller having worked in the airline industry as well as general & fuel logistics. So what prompted him to make such a strong declaration regarding the attributes of UKFDA 2022? Click to read on. Read More >>
21 April 2022
Designing new technology and engines to suit alternative fuel types isn’t a quick solution. It will take years to get it right before new solutions can be introduced to the open market and be competitive options for many businesses. Before we get to that point, it’s important for those within the industry to understand what is currently available and what the future could look like. Read More >>
07 March 2022
Touchstar Technologies Fuel Division is the clear market leader in the supply of Electronic Proof of Delivery systems to the UK fuel sector, with a market share in excess of 70%. The company’s current strategy is focused on expansion into new international territories. An integral component of the strategy has seen Gordon Hyland, Sales Director, attend many of the leading international trade shows in order to establish dialogue with both potential clients and technology partners. Read More >>
13 January 2022
Much has changed in the past couple of years, with businesses across all sectors having to adapt in ways they didn’t expect. Unfortunately, it seems that 2022 is likely to continue in the same trend, with COVID-19 still impacting both businesses and consumers and returning to “normal” appearing further and further away. However, there are still some predictions we can make about this year for the logistics industry and this blog covers some of the key ones. Read More >>
03 January 2022
Although many parts of the supply chain have implemented technology to reduce manual processes, there is always more that can be done to link up different areas of the supply chain for real-time visibility and information sharing. This blog examines why digitalisation is so important for fuel logistics Read More >>
10 September 2021
Hydrogen power might just be the solution that the transport industry needs. As the technology surrounding hydrogen continues to develop, it’s becoming more evident that it could be the low-carbon alternative to diesel. But how does hydrogen power an HGV? We explore hydrogen fuel, how it powers an HGV and how this technology could impact upon the logistics industry in years to come. Read More >>
27 August 2021
To reduce the current impact that oil heated properties are having, biofuels are being investigated to see if they are a suitable solution. This blog explores biofuels and how they could impact the supply chain. Read More >>
30 July 2021
The supply chain industry relies on the communication of information and data, and if these become disrupted, vulnerable or insecure, it could lead to catastrophic consequences. Without robust and effective data privacy and security in place throughout a fuel logistics operation, businesses run the risk of severe data breaches which could lead to huge losses of revenue and reputational damage.
We look at the importance of data privacy and security within fuel logistics, and how companies can best prepare and protect their operations with the support of a digital optimisation system. Read More >>
15 July 2021
What are the implications of the UK’s hard exit from the EU on key industry legislation? In this blog we explore if Britain’s final separation from the EU will have an impact on the ATEX directives. Read More >>
16 June 2021
Fuel is one of the biggest operating expenses in fleet management, but its costs aren’t limited to general use. According to a poll carried out by Fleet News, close to two-thirds (63.6%) of fleet managers have been victims of fuel theft or fraud; it’s an issue that costs UK businesses millions every year. So how do you keep your fuel – and the operation it powers – secure? This blog provides some tips and techniques to consider for protecting against direct theft from fuel tanks and larger scale theft from fuel delivery vehicles. Read More >>
30 April 2021
Originally set for 2040, the legislation banning the sales of petrol and diesel vehicles has now been brought forward to 2030. The 2030 ban, under the government’s green plan, will have a significant impact across several industries, from automotive to manufacturing, fleet and leasing to fuel logistics distribution. Here, we explore the possible impacts this legislation could have on the fuel logistics industry and the key considerations which need to be taken now ahead of the 2030 ban. Read More >>
18 January 2021
As 2020 begins to feel like a distant memory, it seems more than fitting to look ahead to 2021. As it will for almost every industry, 2020 will be remembered as an exceptionally challenging time for the fuel logistics sector. But what is 2021 likely to bring? This blog examines the trends and events predicted to impact fuel logistics over the next twelve months. Read More >>
13 November 2020
Ensuring a fuel logistics operation is working within the boundaries of compliance, and storing the data to prove it, can take up an inordinate portion of a fleet manager’s time. Relying on a logistics optimisation solution to simplify things not only enables a streamlining of these various forms of compliance, but provides robust digital back up of compliance in action, readily exportable for auditing purposes. Read More >>
29 October 2020
This year has been anything but predictable. Alongside most of the world, the UK has faced a set of unique challenges in 2020, not least new extremes of supply and demand for the many logistics operations that keep the nation going. How many critical industries rely on bulk fuel delivery? This blog takes a look at just a few. Read More >>
20 October 2020
It’s up to fleet managers to ensure their drivers and vehicles are ready for the road in every aspect possible, from legal compliance and health and safety, to fuel management and vehicle maintenance and inspection.There’s a lot to consider, even before a single vehicle leaves HQ. Furthermore, the prolonged nature of the global pandemic means operators need to be even more aware than usual of current and future fuel logistics industry requirements, and therefore ready to deal with unexpected fluctuations in demand. Read More >>
02 October 2020
Here at Touchstar, people are our biggest asset. We strive to find the brightest minds in data capture, logistics optimisation and mobile computing; people who can support our bulk logistics clients in implementing enterprise-ready solutions for greater operational performance. This includes our Business Development Director, Gordon Hyland. With decades of industry experience and specialising in mobile EPOS / EPOD solutions, Gordon brings a keen technical perspective to our bulk logistics division.
As our management systems continue to evolve, Gordon shares his thoughts on the latest developments at Touchstar and the wider bulk logistics market. Read More >>
25 August 2020
What does it mean to be ‘digitally fit’? For bulk logistics firms, digital fitness means embracing the technologies that enable them to optimise their services and the ways in which they deliver them. These technologies include the software and hardware that support the planning, optimisation and delivery of bulk logistics operations. This blog looks at some of the most significant benefits digital fitness can create for the bulk logistics industry. Read More >>
31 July 2020
Earlier this year, a major deal was struck for a bulk gas distributor to transport hydrogen to the capital, where Transport for London (TfL) will use it to power 20 hydrogen-fuelled double decker buses from September. It’s a move seen as a big step for the UK’s hydrogen infrastructure and eventual plans for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Could hydrogen fuel cells become the driving force behind the bulk logistics sector? This blog weighs up the viability of hydrogen as a fuel for bulk logistics operations. Read More >>
08 July 2020
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been a uniquely challenging time for the logistics sector. Never have the world’s supply chains faced such a universally seismic set of circumstances, nor one that is likely to have such far-reaching consequences. Yet the challenges of COVID-19 have been, and continue to be, somewhat different for the logistics industry than that of other areas of business. Read More >>
26 March 2020
Many logistics workers in the UK are now considered ‘key workers’ in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This means that, rather than staying at home, healthy logistics workers can continue to keep the nation’s supply chains moving, carrying out essential duties that ensure we all have what we need during this period of uncertainty. Read More >>
24 February 2020
Fleet insurance for bulk logistics, or courier business insurance, enables a bulk logistics business to cover all of its vehicles on a single policy, with one renewal date and one expenditure to manage. It’s obviously a compulsory expense, but this can mean it’s a cost that fleet managers don’t really think about or look to limit, until there’s a sharp hike in their premium. Read More >>
12 February 2020
A new optimisation solution is a considerable investment and, if your business has a functioning bulk logistics system in place, you may feel that it’s worth putting up with the odd feature that doesn’t do exactly what you need it to. But there will come a time when your current system’s shortcomings start to add up, resulting in a situation in which not upgrading could cost you more in the long run than making the switch. Read More >>
28 January 2020
According to the green campaigners Business for Social Responsibility, freight makes up around 15% of the world’s energy demand. It’s therefore easy to see why it’s under pressure to do its part to meet targets to reduce emissions and fossil fuel consumption.
The Paris Agreement is of course stimulating change and there are numerous initiatives, existing and new, aimed at reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.
There is some focus on cutting emissions through efficiency – streamlined lorries, speed limiters, and using technology for more efficient route planning are just a few of the options that are more common-place for road transport and logistics. But while these all have merit, campaigners say that going further on less fuel is not going to solve the problem globally, which covers road, air, rail and sea. Instead it requires a more radical approach to reach carbon neutrality, i.e. renewable cleaner energy, biodiesel fuels and electric vehicles. Read More >>
26 November 2019
A recent comprehensive review on the future of the transport and logistics industry by PWC explored the key themes that will impact on the sector and the strategic drivers that will affect the industry in the next decade. The paper made clear the considerable advantages and efficiencies these developments will bring. However, research from Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Statista pours cold water on the idea of enthusiastic moves to a technology-enabled delivery industry. Read More >>
31 October 2019
Sadly, you don’t have to look far to find proof of how vital ATEX regulations are to modern-day industry. As the two European Directives that govern the management of explosive atmospheres, ATEX covers the minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers, as well as the equipment and protective systems used in such environments. Read More >>
02 October 2019
Whether a fleet consists of five vehicles or 500 plus, certain management issues are universal. Challenges change as impacting factors shift, but any firm that relies on a commercial fleet, including bulk logistics companies, must find ways to address and work around them. Read More >>
26 September 2019
Managing a bulk logistics operation digitally, as well as leveraging the data that a digital solution collects and generates, is becoming more vital by the day. According to PwC, more industry experts name transport and logistics (T&L) as the sector to which data and analytics will be most impactful. Despite this, only 28 percent of T&L companies rate themselves as ‘advanced’ on digitisation.
Technology’s impact on industry shows no sign of slowing, and there’s never been a better time to make the switch from paper-based management to a digitised bulk logistics system. Read More >>
18 July 2019
Going digital has the power to revolutionise a bulk logistics organisation from top to bottom. With benefits that go far beyond simply reducing paperwork, managing operations digitally can help a business boost efficiency, save money and generate invaluable business data insight. But, if you’re in the market for a digital optimisation system for your bulk logistics firm, what’s the best way to compare your options? Read More >>
08 July 2019
Implementing operational change can be a tall order in any organisation. However, companies in the logistics industry may resist change more than most, especially when it comes to digitisation. Despite relatively widespread awareness of the benefits of digitisation across the logistics industry, a recent survey of 98 middle- and senior-level supply chain managers found that cultural resistance is the biggest roadblock to digital transformation. We’ve taken a closer look at the pain points bulk logistics companies might come up against when looking to implement a logistics optimisation solution, and some of the ways you can overcome these to secure executive and driver buy-in. Read More >>
08 May 2019
Next generation wireless technology is just around the corner, with major 5G network deployments expected to be rolled out by 2020 promising faster and more reliable connections. 5G technology will dramatically enhance connectivity across networks, and also have a significant impact on the subject of one of our earlier Technology Trends: The Internet of Things (IoT) Read More >>
16 April 2019
Many of you will remember the 'Iron Man' exploits of Touchstar's own Mike Smith (head of our Bulk Logistics team) from a few years ago. Well time marches on … and so does the intrepid Mr Smith. His challenge this time it is a 50km hike over 24 hours through the challenging peaks of Arran Read More >>
05 April 2019
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term that can be difficult to define, perhaps because the technology sounds too futuristic, or its applications too hypothetical. Bu the reality is that IoT is here now, and it has been for many years. In fact, most people and business use the IoT on a daily basis - even if they are unaware of it at the time. In bulk logistics, IoT is a real gamer-changer. Read More >>
22 February 2019
Much like a black box on a car, telematics devices for bulk logistics fleets work by recording information about the way each vehicle is driven and reporting it back to fleet managers back at base through mobile connectivity. Read More >>
22 February 2019
According to respected market analysts Gartner, Global IT spending is set to increase despite Brexit, recession and tariff rumours. Gartner predicts global IT spending will reach $3.8 trillion in 2019, an increase of 3.2% from 2018. If the ‘gloom and doom’ predictions prove correct and Brexit helps to trigger another recessionary period, notably for the UK, why on earth would business organisations contemplate spending increases? This article explains why IT spending in a recessionary period can be critical to survival. Read More >>
15 January 2019
Big Data is a term that is used to describe huge volumes of data that can be analysed in order to discover patterns and trends. This can help organisations review and improve almost any aspect of their business in order to make better decisions in the future. Bulk logistics produces large amounts of often unstructured data, and Big Data solutions can take that data and allow smarter strategic thinking around how to improve processes, increase efficiency and create new opportunities. Read More >>
06 December 2018
Monitoring the progress of bulk logistics delivery is not without its challenges. Short of accompanying each and every one of your drivers on their drops, can you really keep on top of every snag, blind spot and pressure point that can affect the efficiency of your service? Not without a logistics optimisation solution capable of addressing some of the most common bulk delivery fleet management problems. We’ve taken a closer look. Read More >>
16 November 2018
When it comes to bulk logistics, customers want their shipments delivered accurately, with less lead time than ever before, and to kept aware of its progress in real-time. The immediacy of digital commerce means customers are becoming more demanding all the time, and less forgiving when things go wrong. When exceeding your customers’ demands means providing the highest possible standards of operational performance and then some, there’s really no room for error. Read More >>
08 October 2018
Like any other industry, the bulk logistics sector is subject to a huge variety of ever-changing factors and influences, ranging from the technological to the social, the economic to the geopolitical.
While focusing on your own operational performance is key to success, no commercial organisation can afford to only look inwards. Here are the bulk logistics industry trends that should be on your business radar.
Read More >>
28 September 2018
Stacks of paperwork don’t often add up to operational efficiency. And for bulk suppliers responsible for transporting their precious cargo across miles of open road, inefficient processes prevent them from being able to react and respond with professional agility. The nature of the business may be mobile, but arduous working practices can slow even the most pioneering bulk distributor. Read More >>
26 July 2018
It’s been over two years since the vote on Brexit, yet many still remain divided over the best plan to take UK forward following its scheduled departure from the European Union on March 29, 2019. In the logistics sector, just as among the general public, opinion is split. But one thing for sure is that there will be an enormous effect for logistics players on both sides of the English Channel no matter the final deal. Read More >>
11 May 2018
Data is crucial for most businesses these days, but some types of information are more valuable than others. For fleet managers, vehicle movement data is perhaps the most useful; when utilised properly, it can lead to better decisions, improved safety and some impressive cost reductions. Read More >>
28 March 2018
On May 25 this year, the EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) will come into force, marking the biggest change to UK data protection legislation in two decades. The update will impact businesses and workers across all sectors, including fleet managers. Today, to manage a fleet of vehicles and drivers effectively, you need data, and much of it comes under the ‘personal’ category. And, seeing as GDPR compliance will be a statutory requirement, it’s crucial you understand what actions to take. Read More >>
02 October 2017
The global fuel industry, while still colossal in size, has endured a challenging few years of weak demand and low prices. Understandably, most oil and gas businesses are looking for ways to boost revenue and market share while reducing overall costs. Read More >>
25 July 2017
Today’s delivery drivers have a lot to think about while they’re on their rounds: multiple mobile devices, confusing paperwork, navigation systems and more. It needn’t be the case, however. Technologies like those provided by TouchStar can be used to bring everything together, reducing the risk of human error and boosting overall productivity. Read More >>
22 June 2017
As consumers and businesses evolve, so too must the logistics industry that supports them; the sector may have existed for centuries, but it has always transformed to keep up with its users’ needs and expectations. This article runs through some of the major steps forward the industry has taken. Read More >>
12 June 2017
Fuelstar streamlines your fuel distribution process by recording both bottled and metered deliveries to your customers in a single order, cutting down on paperwork and adapting to the type of delivery in hand. Read More >>
09 June 2017
There’s no doubt about it, being a fleet manager is one of the toughest jobs going when it comes to spinning the multiple plates of managing time, costs and people. Fleet managers are always exceptionally busy, but sometimes even when they are fully on top of their duties there still may be opportunities to improve their business. But these opportunities are often hard to identify or, in some cases, hidden completely Read More >>
09 June 2017
Vehicles and new technology are often thought of as having a close relationship. The latest models are usually stocked full of new gadgets, designed to improve safety, offer more entertainment or help with navigation. But the truth is that vehicle manufacturers have lagged behind the IT industry for some time. The latest advancements in in-car technology are usually improvements that have previously been offered through mobile devices and other forms of tech. Read More >>
30 May 2017
Fuel contamination within a large commercial tanker can be costly error, reducing the quality of the product and damaging a business reputation. New technology systems such as the Electronic Proof of Delivery system can reduce the risk of contamination by logging movement of produce at all times. Read More >>
19 May 2017
Our innovative vehicle inspection system is designed to help drivers stay compliant and even improve productivity with minimal fuss, allowing defect reports, to be submitted at any time so problems get fixed quickly and easily. Read More >>
20 April 2017
Technology’s impact on the logistics sector has been huge to say the least, but it will only continue to help businesses if it’s always evolving to meet their changing needs. That’s exactly why TouchStar is – and always will be - committed to improving its products. Here is how. Read More >>
20 April 2017
Logistics businesses generate huge volumes of data. Now, the DVSA want your information and by so you’ll be part of their earned recognition scheme. Find out more. Read More >>
13 April 2017
Adequate maintenance of your fleet of vehicles can cut your business’s running costs and streamline spending. By maintaining your vehicles properly – whether they’re HGVs, vans or cars – you stand to make significant savings in the long run. Read More >>
03 April 2017
Fuel tankers are large delivery vehicles carrying dangerous materials and so require a high-level of care to ensure that they are working to optimum standard. The law requires drivers of such vehicles to carry out daily walkaround checks, inspecting various aspects of the vehicle to ensure everything is working as it should be.
This daily walkaround check must be recorded, a task which is often seen as onerous and filled with paperwork. Frequently, issues arise with regards to poor handwriting preventing some of the information being read or paperwork getting lost or damaged in the cab. As such, companies are looking to new technology to find ways to improve this process. Read More >>
10 February 2017
A recent report looking at the logistics sector in the UK has shown a slight rise in confidence among businesses. Following four successive reports of a fall in confidence levels, this rise is seen as significant, although the level still remains lower than the highs of 2014 and 2015. Read More >>