The retail petrol station is a different place to that of old; no longer are you just dispensing fuel, but most now feature a convenience store. Indeed, even the smallest of stations can be seen to include a store, and it represents a viable added stream of revenue. The problems start when you realise you have more to manage all of a sudden, so what can you do to make things easier? You could consider investing in a well-designed C-Store management solution, and many retailers have already taken this route and found it to be very much to their advantage.
The best C-Store management solution will incorporate a number of modules that enable it to successfully integrate your fuel sales, point of sale and convenience goods, combined with automated forecourt operation and payment systems. By streamlining everything into one package with the use of modern wireless digital technology you simplify the way your business operates and save money as a result. There are major benefits to investing in a petrol station retail solution such as this that go beyond automation; indeed, they can be used to enhance security, increase sales and also to handle credit checks.
The foremost part of such a package will be that which attends to the forecourt; you need to be able to dispense quickly and efficiently by remote operation – or even automatically – and to keep an eye on what is happening at all the pumps at all times. In some packages you can incorporate vehicle identification, which is useful if you supply fleets. This system allows the dispenser to recognise vehicles that are registered with the system and dispense automatically; non-registered vehicles need to be activated manually, thus enhancing protection against fraud and theft. This element can also be used to limit output and impose credit restrictions.
For point of sale you need an accurate and useful petrol station POS system, and most of the available C-Store management solutions will include this feature. It will manage payment options on both the forecourt and in the store, plus allow for quick implementation of new stock and products, and also manage the level in the tanks and pumps and keep you informed. Integrated fully with your back office, this area of a fuel point of sale module is essential for perfect operation of the business, and also enables you to add revenue by increasing sales.
The installation of a C-Store management system gives you complete control over all aspects of the business, and allows you to integrate the store and forecourt operations seamlessly. Automatic dispensing can be activated by wireless technology as we have already mentioned, and such technology also lends itself to many other useful features including credit and stock control. Affordable and versatile, such systems can be utilised in a wide variety of ways and will quickly bring your operation into the 21st century.
Even you don’t have a convenience store on site you may be considering implanting one, and they are a proven source of added revenue. Being able to supply drivers with fuel and goods quickly and in one place is certainly convenient, and will be a viable investment for any business. With a fully integrated C-Store management solution running things you have the opportunity to build on your foundation and grow with the times.