By: Tyson Reid

When operators think about the center of a fueling site, they often point to the pumps or the point of sale (POS) system. These are the technologies that customers see and touch every day. But the system that quietly keeps everything running is the Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG).

The ATG doesn’t attract much attention, but it connects to nearly every critical function. It monitors inventory, manages compliance, communicates with payment systems, and clears the way for transactions. In fact, every time fuel is dispensed, the ATG is involved. If the ATG goes down, the site goes down—the pumps don’t pump.

 

The Hidden Hub

Far from being just a leak detector, the ATG acts as the site’s traffic controller. It confirms transactions, monitors fuel levels, and ensures compliance checks are in place before fuel flows. Without it, accurate records aren’t kept, compliance can be jeopardized, and sales grind to a halt. It is, in many ways, the heartbeat of site operations.

Yet despite this central role, ATGs are often treated with a “set it and forget it” mindset. Pumps and POS systems are updated regularly because they are customer-facing and tied to revenue. By contrast, many sites still rely on consoles installed decades ago. As long as the lights are blinking, operators are reluctant to make a change – even if the hardware is outdated or no longer supported.

This approach carries consequences. Large chains tend to move quickly if there’s a problem to solve, as downtime at a high-volume site can mean thousands of dollars lost in just a few hours. They know every minute matters and preemptively seek out solutions that reduce downtime and maintenance. Smaller operators often take a different approach. For them, the math looks different: replacing an old console feels costlier than the occasional downtime, even if that calculation proves shortsighted. If the ATG console is still running even after 20 or 30 years, they keep it on the wall until if fails. This difference in approach is one reason why many ATGs in the field today are far past their prime.

When an ATG fails, the impact isn’t just technical. Pumps shut off and sales stop. Customers leave frustrated and may not come back. Missed compliance tests or inaccurate records can lead to fines. And small maintenance issues that could have been fixed earlier become costly repairs. The stakes are higher than many realize, which is why giving the ATG more attention is critical.

 

Protecting the Site

The good news is reducing this risk doesn’t require a major overhaul for everyone. A few proactive practices can go a long way:

  • Keep the ATG and firmware current
  • Place consoles behind firewalls, change default passwords, and limit external connections
  • Check integrations between ATG, POS, and payment systems regularly
  • Train staff to read and respond to alarms appropriately

 

For sites running ATGs that are decades old, however, there’s only so much maintenance that can be done. Obsolete systems may not support the latest security updates, probes, or compliance requirements. At that point, replacement becomes less about upgrading and more about protecting the site from downtime and regulatory risk. Investing in a modern ATG isn’t just about new features, it’s about making sure the system that keeps the entire site running can do its job reliably.

When ATGs are prioritized, the benefits are clear. Sites often experience fewer outages and smoother throughput, with less money lost to downtime. Maintenance becomes more predictable and less expensive. Modern ATG platforms can even improve day-to-day usability, with digital sensors that reduce wiring costs and touchscreen interfaces that make training faster for staff.

The ATG may not be customer-facing, but it is the system that keeps the fuel site running. Treating it with the same priority as pumps and POS systems is one of the simplest ways to protect profitability, compliance, and reputation. When the ATG is strong, the whole site is strong.

 

Tyson Reid, Senior Manager, Product Management, Dover Fueling Solutions. Headquartered in Austin, TX, DFS has a strong global manufacturing and technology development presence, including facilities in Brazil, Canada, China, India, Italy, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information about DFS, visit www.doverfuelingsolutions.com.