HOUSTON — Shell is finalizing indoor EMV deployment with more than 11,000 of its sites fully indoor EMV operational. Almost 80 percent of the Shell-branded retail network is now fully Indoor EMV compliant, with the remainder expected by spring 2017.

EMV (Europay, MasterCard and Visa) is the global standard for card payments using payment cards with an embedded computer chip and special authentication technology designed to reduce fraud.

"The Vantage platform has afforded sites faster and easier deployment of indoor EMV software while significantly minimizing site downtime and eliminating the need for a technician's visit," said Craig Schneider, vice president and general manager marketing, Shell Americas Fuel Sales and Marketing. "We are confident that we will experience the same success with our outdoor EMV program."

Shell is shifting its focus to delivering outdoor EMV on its network as full deployment of indoor EMV approaches. The company stated that it is fully committed to ensuring all Shell-branded sites are EMV hardware and software ready ahead of the October 2020 liability shift date. Development of the outdoor EMV software solution is currently in progress and has a pilot planned for late 2017.

The company is encouraging sites to become EMV hardware ready with new dispensers or upgrade retrofit kits. EMV hardware equipment is available for Shell wholesalers and dealers through Wayne Fueling Systems and Gilbarco Veeder-Root.

Additionally, Shell and Wayne Fueling Systems are offering a direct purchase program for both new dispensers and retrofit kits, and Gilbarco Veeder-Root is providing dispenser and retrofit kits through its distributors.

"We're excited to bring our wholesalers and retailers a high value dispenser program that will help lower their EMV investment costs," said Juan Kemp, general manager operations, Shell Americas Fuel Sales and Marketing. "Our top priority is to continue delivering programs and technology that protect the Shell brand and lead to better customer experiences."

Additional details of the outdoor EMV program will be announced in the second quarter of 2017.