Optimizing fuel depots with the Depot Stop Portal

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

The Depot Stop Portal (DSP) is revolutionizing how fuel depots and transport companies collaborate by preventing unnecessary trips to incorrect depots. By proactively communicating outages caused by fuel shortages or other disruptions, the DSP helps save time. The service, developed in collaboration with Preem, OKQ8, and Circle K, paves the way for a more efficient transport sector.

CHALLENGE

Technical limitations – obstacles to global expansion

Depot stops have been managed through an outdated, locally hosted .Net C# solution that has been both buggy and difficult to administer. The previous portal has limited possibilities for international expansion, especially to the USA. The cost of the locally hosted solution has also been very high—approximately 100,000 SEK per year—which created the need for a complete overhaul.

SOLUTION

From local to global with a React and Firebase-based solution

Knowit was tasked with integrating new depots and products. We took an innovative approach by transitioning from a locally hosted .Net C# solution to a React and Firebase-based solution, enabling rapid global expansion, lower costs, and high scalability. A new, user-friendly administrative interface allows customers to independently manage depots, products, and stop events. The system can easily handle real-time data and proactively communicate stops to users worldwide by leveraging Google's ecosystem of cloud services. For example, Google Cloud Pub/Sub keeps users updated. With support for multiple time zones and geolocation, the DSP can easily be used internationally. An interactive map now displays active depots and stops in real-time. By switching to cloud-based hosting with Google, costs were drastically reduced to 1,000 SEK per year.

RESULT

A Solution that paves the way for growth and continuous development

Three companies are currently connected and pay monthly fees to use the service, and the new admin interface simplifies the integration of new companies. The project is stable, and customers contribute their own improvement suggestions. The system and the new solution with React and Firebase have been bug-free since version 2.0.0 and are regularly updated. The next planned development includes a native app to deliver push notifications directly to drivers and allow them to register via the app.

With the Depot Stop Portal, we have a solution that is both cost-effective and easy to manage. We see clear improvements in our ability to develop and enhance the system.

Matilda Norling, Management Leader

Knowit.

How the solution contributes to Agenda 2030

The solution contributes to several of the UN's global goals for sustainable development, particularly:

Goal 9: By modernizing and digitalizing the fuel depots' outage systems, the DSP contributes to creating more sustainable and efficient infrastructure.

Goal 12: By reducing unnecessary trips to depots, the DSP decreases fuel consumption and thereby lessens environmental impact.

Goal 13: By optimizing logistics and reducing carbon emissions from unnecessary transport, the DSP helps combat climate change.