DHL: BP Retail Petrol Forecourt Ordering System

Web-based Stock Ordering System for DHL Supply Chain Customer, BP

Remote Software Integrates with Backend System and Chess Empirica WMS Warehouse Management System

 
We developed and delivered a web-based ordering system for its established customer, DHL Supply Chain. The technology met a requirement from DHL’s customer, BP, operator of a retail petrol forecourt network, and simplifies the stock ordering processes within multiple franchised outlets.
 
 

Situation: Avoid expense and complexity

One of the key drivers for the system was to provide a cost-effective means for forecourt operators and franchisees to place stock orders. It was felt that a web-based product would be well suited to smaller franchise sites without in-house systems or those wishing to avoid the expense and complexity of networking across sites.
 
 

WMS and Ordering systems: Seamless integration

The system was designed as a ‘front-end’ central ordering facility for outlet managers. It integrates with DHL’s Midlands-based distribution centre’s bespoke ordering system, designed and supported by Chess – which integrates with DHL’s existing ProWMS Warehouse Management System.

The web-based stock ordering system enables users at remote petrol forecourt sites to manage, purchase and store stock for the operator network. Products include food, snacks, drinks, tobacco, gifts, car care and other promotional items. When implemented, the average despatch from the distribution centre was over 80,000 cases – close to 30 million cases per year.
 

Web-based order tracking software

The functionality in the web-based stock ordering software was designed to help forecourt operators place orders quickly and simply. They are able to access order history giving data on past order profiles and can use templates from previous orders to create new ones. An overview screen gives current account status information and helps keep track of expected orders.
 

Dedicated extranet for secure stock ordering

The stock ordering system is accessible via a dedicated extranet, a dealer focused software system which provides a number of additional business tools. For this reason it’s easy to access, with user validation built into the extranet access process. During pre-live testing the system was extensively penetration tested for data security and vulnerability issues.
 
 

Video tutorials: user-friendly for fast uptake

The stock ordering software was equipped with online video tutorials which use a human voiceover, explaining how to perform key system operations like placing orders, creating templates and using the product catalogue. Downloadable PDF files are available to explain all aspects of the system.

The initial implementation was highly successful and resulted in minimal support issues and user feedback was excellent.