ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
Accurate, real-time information can help turn hurdles into opportunities to gain a competitive edge.
Bruce C. Bott President ADD Systems www.addsys.com
What are the opportunities for the industry as COVID-19 restrictions start to ease? Companies needed to quickly change the way they do business with the onset of the pandemic. It was certainly a challenge, but also an opportunity to go above and beyond to meet new expectations. It was an opportunity to really please customers and solidify their loyalty. Although the restrictions are now easing, customer expectations are still high. In the convenience store industry, “convenience” has been redefined. More people want a frictionless experience, and it’s a trend that continues to be a real opportunity. To compete successfully now, companies have to change the way they do business for the long term. On the fuel side, opportunities exist as demand grows and people eagerly start to get back on the road and head back to work. There is opportunity here to gain new customers and take advantage of the increasing activity. With prices rising at the pump, there is a chance to make up for the past slow year. Why is technology important for operations today? In business you always want to do more, and technology lets you do that without adding additional resources.
36 | FMN Magazine SPRING 2021
During a challenging time like 2020, you had to do more. You couldn’t stay status quo and still remain in business. Technology helps businesses make the right choices and provides the tools to implement change quickly. When the business environment is shifting rapidly, your data is key to quickly recognize and understand the changes. Accurate, real-time information is incredibly important to help you make good decisions in your stores. What’s selling and what isn’t? Are people buying the same amount of coffee? Are your high traffic hours shifting? Is your contactless mobile ordering and curbside delivery paying off? All important information to help you make the right decisions. Technology helps you gain insight into your business so that you can not only weather a shifting landscape but also thrive in it. In the fuel delivery business, automation is paramount. Prices and supply change quickly, and technology can give you timely data to ensure profitable loads. Also, with the strain on the workforce due to challenges with the pandemic, automation can help you run with fewer hands and add new accounts without having to add personnel. Can you elaborate on the opportunities for fuel businesses? With fuel delivery, the dropping volume meant that protecting margins FuelsMarketNews.com