FAQ

 

Enabling Connections... Finding Solutions

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What does PCATS stand for?

PCATS stands for The Petroleum Convenience Alliance for Technology Standards.

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Why was PCATS formed?

The NACS Technology Standards Project began in late 1995 and has had a very successful seven years of developing or adopting technology standards in a number of important areas for both retailers and suppliers. From the beginning NACS has stated that it did not want to be a standards setting or maintenance organization and that at some point the work developed would be turned over to one or more organizations for on-going support. A number of alternative bodies were considered but it has been the overwhelming desire of both retailers and suppliers that the work remain within the petroleum convenience industry. In order to insure that the work continues at a high level the Executive Committee of the NACS Board of Directors directed the staff to develop a plan to create a separate entity that would be self-sustaining and would enjoy the support of both retailers and suppliers. PCATS is the result of that effort.

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How is PCATS organized?

PCATS is incorporated as a non-stock, membership based, limited liability corporation in the state of Virginia. PCATS has non-profit 501 (c) (6) status from the IRS. PCATS is governed by a Board of Directors representing both the retailer and supplier communities within the industry.

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Who may join PCATS?

The bylaws of PCATS state that, "any petroleum marketer, convenience store owner/operator or any of their suppliers or vendors may apply for membership at the appropriate Class in the Alliance by filing an application, together with a check for dues , with the Corporation's Secretary."

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What are the classes of membership?

There are two classes of membership and the benefits, rights and privileges vary by class.

Class A members:

  • are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors,
  • shall have full access to all committees and working groups of the Alliance,
  • have full voting rights on approval of all final standards, and
  • have unlimited, free access to all standards/documents developed by the Alliance.

 

Class B members:

  • are not eligible to serve on the Board,
  • but shall have the right to participate in all committees and to vote to recommend approval of standards developed by those committees,
  • to have access to all of the standards/documents of those committees at no cost,
  • are not eligible to vote to adopt any final standards.

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What are the benefits of membership in PCATS?

As a member of PCATS at the Class A level you will enjoy all of the benefits described below:

You will:

  • have the opportunity to shape the future of standards and the standards effort within the petroleum/convenience industry.
  • have the opportunity to direct how funds collected are spent.
  • be recognized as a leader in the industry and a first mover who considers it crucial to your long term success to reduce costs and improve sales through the adoption of standards.
  • have early access to newly developed standards.
  • be entitled to preferred service and assistance from the PCATS staff in the adoption of standards.
  • receive periodic communications regarding the status of standards of interest to you.
  • have access to the "members only" area of the PCATS web site where members can exchange ideas and help with the adoption of standards.
  • have the right to special discounts on services offered by PCATS - in some cases you may receive these at no cost.
  • have a strong voice within other standards bodies that PCATS will work with, such as on standardization of the driver's license, to insure your needs are comprehended.

 

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Will PCATS be a global standards body?

PCATS intends to become a global standards body. Many of the standards that have been created in the NACS Technology Standards Project have been implemented on an international basis. In addition, the Open Site Architecture initiative will have global applicability. PCATS may be seeking ANSI accreditation and will progress appropriate standards for ANSI adoption and eventual ISO adoption.

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What are the standards that PCATS will develop or maintain?

NACS has transfered the intellectual property rights of the NACS Technology Standards Project to PCATS. PCATS is continuing to work in the areas of POS Back Office integration, EB2B XML-EDI, Device Integration and the Open Site Architecture, and Retail Finacial Transactions.

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How is the day-to-day business of the alliance conducted?

The day-to-day business of the alliance is being conducted by an Executive Director who has been hired by the Executive Committee. According to the bylaws:

Subject to the discretion and supervision of the Board, and in coordination with the Chairman, the Executive Director has the authority to perform the duties specified by the Board, including but not limited to, responsibility for the daily management of the Corporation and general supervision of all its agents and employees, ensuring that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried out, and discharging such other duties as prescribed by the Board. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Alliance and all other employees and agents of PCATS shall report to him or her. The Executive Director shall have the authority to bind the Alliance on any contract, and to engage in any other actions permitted by law or usage, or by action of the Board. Actions taken by the Executive Director in the daily operation of the Alliance shall be subject to ratification by the Board of Directors at its next meeting.

The Executive Director is Gray Taylor.

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