Shell Plans Gas-Station Monitoring System

Shell Oil Co. is working on an "e-Station" system that will link individual gas stations with corporate systems, which will let Shell monitor and improve its retail operations and reduce operating costs, according to the company.

Using IBM's wireless technology for monitoring and diagnostics applications, Shell will gather information about gas stations' lighting, gas pumps, car wash, and other operations, and use that data to determine the need for repairs or supplies. Shell has not determined which stations will be used for pilot testing.