Heartland Payment Systems Introduces SmartLink ProDistributor

LAS VEGAS -- Heartland Payment Systems is launching SmartLink ProDistributor, a next-generation network services and inventory monitoring solution for the petroleum and convenience store market, the company announced. SmartLink, powered by FuelQuest, combines state-of-the-art network security and connectivity with FuelQuest ForeSite's automated inventory control and planning, according to the company.

"By adding FuelQuest’s ForeSite inventory technology, the SmartLink ProDistributor solution will become even smarter, giving retailers the ability to comprehensively monitor fuel inventories with on-demand polling, connect their network securely, and is designed to resolve problems easily before they arise," said Michael Youngkin, Heartland's director of client network solutions. "By offering real-time inventory visibility, this solution helps retailers of all sizes become more profitable and efficient."

SmartLink consolidates multiple in-store devices onto a single lower-cost, high-speed broadband circuit with a distributed network to allow constant business continuity, according to the announcement. The technology transmits both transactional data and back-office information, and offers PCI-DSS network compliance and scales for single-store and multi-store operators.

New features include inventory planning that allows for real-time inventory status and forecasting with automated data capture; Inventory control enabling variance detection based on daily close results; exception indicators that provide warning of non-compliant inventory conditions; a real-time, map-based view of fuel inventories and alert conditions; and software as a service model model for rapid deployment requiring minimal effort, infrastructure or maintenance, according to the announcement.

"We are proud to partner with Heartland Payment Systems and combine the strengths of both companies in a unique retail offering," said Casey Zandbergen, FuelQuest's vice president of strategic initiatives. "By adding ForeSite to SmartLink ProDistiributor, Heartland helps retailers combat rising and volatile fuel prices by reducing fuel costs and ultimately improving margins."