Enterprise-level technology has been revolutionizing industries across the world, and the propane industry is no exception. In an ever-changing and increasingly competitive marketplace, it’s important to stay on top of the latest tech, and learn how it can be leveraged to improve your business. Some of the biggest Tech Trends at NPGA 2016 are focused around leveraging mobile devices for fleet optimization and routing, engaging propane consumers with mobile apps, gaining efficiencies with tank monitoring, and integrating with Home Automation and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
It seems like the NPGA 2016 education sessions will address many of these emerging areas of technology in the industry. Below are some can’t-miss sessions that will focus on how new technologies can give your business the competitive edge it needs.
Hope to see you there!
Tech Trends at NPGA 2016 – Education Sessions
Friday, April 8 (9:00 am – 10:15 am) – GROUP A
Benefits of Tank Monitoring: The Road to 60% Average Fill
Presenter: Robert Battye, VP North American, Silicon Controls
The benefits of tank monitoring can be dramatic: reducing trucks, minimizing customer terminations, and creating growth opportunities. Realizing these benefits requires analysis of delivery performance, identifying accounts that deliver savings, integrating tank monitoring into distribution systems, and driving change across the organization. Using U.S. delivery data, we identify the financial opportunity and provide a five-step framework to get started on the road to 60% average fill.
Friday, April 8 (10:30 am – 11:45 am) – GROUP B
Mobile Technology Considerations: Selection, Deployment, and Support
Presenters:Vinny Mullineaux, CEO, Vertrax; Josh King, VP of Operations, Vertrax; Rob Pinney, Project Manager, Vertrax
Implementing mobile technology can help improve safety, save time, extend fleet life, reduce fuel and labor costs, as well as overall expenses, and ultimately drive profits. No other investment in your fleet provides as much instant offense to your operation. However, mobile technology in itself is not a “magic wand.” Partnering with a vendor who understands the dispatch process and has experience assisting fleets through change is equally important. We’ll look at real-life successes to demonstrate what you should look for in an application and ongoing support.
What’s In It For Propane? The Mysterious “Cloud” (Certificate Session)
Presenter: Aaron Cargas, VP of Product & Marketing, Cargas Systems
Cloud computing (a.k.a. “the cloud”) relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to manage software. This broad, relatively new technology is gaining momentum and reshaping the IT industry. But what does it mean for the propane industry? Attend this session for a clear, non-technical overview of cloud computing’s business value.
Saturday, April 9 (9:00 am – 10:00 am) – GROUP E
Smart Gas: Integrating Propane Service with Home Automation
Presenter: Bob Torbin, Director of Codes and Standards, Omega Flex
This session addresses how the propane industry can participate in the emerging home automation marketplace. The Smart Gas System provides homeowners with the advantages of electronic sensors and controls, coupled with advanced gas distribution hardware, to improve life safety and convenience. Learn about smart gas piping and CO alarms, methane sensors, and automatic shutoff valves that ensure the system operates safely at all time, under a wide-range of normal and emergency conditions.
View the full schedule of classes for NPGA 2016.