United Oil deploys Lantronix’ ManageLinx with EDS 1100 to remotely access hundreds of service stations

As a growing business, United Oil faced the challenge of implementing and managing its remote access infrastructure. Prior to implementing Lantronix’ ManageLinx and EDS1100 solution, it had to deploy separate routers and firewalls for each location – configured specifically for a station’s unique location and network. This resulted in dozens of different user interfaces, reporting systems, network configurations, and support issues as a result of managing disparate systems. United Oil required a much simpler solution to match the needs of its large, expanding business.

“A key driver for our business is the ability to effectively manage our customers’ fuel inventory with as little stress on station-owner resources as possible,” said Don Bridinger, IT Manager at United Oil. “After an exhaustive search, we selected Lantronix for their technical expertise and ease of implementation. In less than an hour, their team had our first station up and running, network-enabling our location and delivering data through a centralized, standard interface. Not only do we anticipate significant time and cost savings, but this will also free up our employees to focus on what’s most important to our company – reinforcing our “I Got It” culture and customer service attitude that’s made us a successful enterprise.”

The first phase of the Lantronix’ ManageLinx and EDS 1100 implementation centralises the management function, and enables deployment across multiple stations for gas tank level monitoring. Highlights of the project include:

* Rapid connectivity deployment – remote access in a hostile environment, enabling quick and easy deployment
* Built-in scalability – ManageLinx with EDS 1100 was designed to easily scale, to meet future growth needs for United Oil. The EDS 1100’s will be configured at headquarters and shipped out to customer locations, ensuring plug-and-play installation

“United Oil is a perfect example of a business model ideally suited for ManageLinx – disparate business units with a wide variety of new and legacy systems, some networked-enabled and some not – all requiring the sharing of sensitive, mission-critical data with a headquarters location,” said Lantronix President and CEO Jerry Chase. “We are thrilled to be working with the United Oil team, and look forward to helping them save time and money, and to their continued success.”