The Device Integration Committee develops and/or adopts standards and device message sets to facilitate the integration of all devices and applications within a convenience store both on the forecourt and within the store and includes offsite systems. The objective is to have all devices in a store connected and communicating with each other as well as the home office. The Committee Chair is Ken Ringeman of Gilbarco Veeder-Root. Vice-Chair is Linda Toth of Verifone.
The Committee has both supplier and retailer members and has divided its work into several working groups. These include an architecture group that is responsible for the development of the overall system integration architecture and logical connectivity standards. Working groups have formed to develop messaging standards for auto safes, carwashes, electronic signs, fueling dispensers and tank gauges. Other working groups will be established to complete the suite of messaging standards for other devices, services, and applications in use today and in the foreseeable future. PCATS intends to develop a Certification Program applicable for the Open Site Architecture and the device messaging standards.
The Committee and Working Groups are soliciting the active participation of retailers and suppliers. Retailers are especially needed to ensure that the standards are moving in the direction that will best satisfy retailers' needs both now and in the foreseeable future. Additional supplier participation will ensure that the standards accurately reflect the capabilities of present and future systems. The industry will greatly benefit as the developed standards gain greater traction in the marketplace.
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