Unlocking a New Market for a Convenience Store Chain

Introduction

An East Coast convenience store brand looked to expand by launching new travel center locations, but its POS system wasn’t fit for the transition. By collaborating with Kitestring, the retailer gained the right functionality to serve its key customers and go to market on schedule. 

Problem Statement

The retailer’s current system does not support the specific payment demands of a new market. Issues included:

1. The company’s system lacked support for high-speed diesel (HSD) purchases and over the road (OTR) fleet cards. Both payment systems are required to serve trucking and shipping company customers at interstate travel centers.
2. Few systems support HSD transactions, and OTR fleet cards are dominated by a single payment provider, which complicates contract negotiations.
3. The retailer’s current software provider charges them for minor changes, impacting their budget. The store chain wants the flexibility to make changes and reduce costs.

Solution

Kitestring applied its industry experience to lead a selection study to evaluate systems that support HSD and OTR cards. We then assisted with the discovery and implementation of the new solution to control scope and keep the retailer on track for its planned opening date.

Methodology

• A Platform-agnostic Survey of Potential POS Systems

• • • Jobs-to-be-done Analysis: Survey current POS software and document every task the new travel centers must accomplish at an individual and systemic level.
    • Vendor Demos and Scoring: Perform a selection study on all vendors supporting HSD and OTR cards. Tabulate results and deliver a recommendation. 

• Discovery, Design, and Planning

• • Custom Software Development: Apply detailed technical plans and processes to implement our recommended solution targeting an expedited launch deadline.
  • Minimize Customizations: Work with the convenience store company to anticipate the needs of a new architecture to control costs and preserve timeline.
• Implementation and Modernization 
  • Launch and Execution: Deliver program management, architecture support, business requirements, and testing strategy for travel center’s new POS system.
  • Long-term Planning: Created a roadmap to upgrade all store systems to modern platforms.

Key Results

1. Met Expedited Timeline: Our experience with the retailer’s software provider enabled us to remain on schedule.
2. Control Scope: Discovery for POS systems typically takes 3 months and includes 30 customizations. We reduced this to one month with less than 10 code customizations.
3. Accelerated Launch: Store chain will have its new POS software ahead of schedule with ample testing time.

Conclusion

Kitestring applied its industry knowledge and templates related to POS requirements to find the right software solution that would allow the convenience store chain to open their first travel center in less than one year. Our ability to provide guidance with technical knowledge, experience, and preparation enabled the company to meet its ambitious deadline on budget. 

How can Kitestring enable your company to reach its goals? Wherever your business needs to go, let’s talk about finding a solution that will fit your needs.