Fuel Oil News February 2021 | Page 25

of respondents use an office suite like Office 365 , an HR / payroll solution , and an accounting system .
The top three technology investments fuel dealers are considering for the future are customer-supporting applications , tank monitors , and sales or marketing tools .
More than 10 % of respondents want to update their fuel delivery software within the next year , up 4 % from last year ’ s survey .
2020 Results
Customer-supporting applications Fuel dealers are prioritizing online and mobile customerfacing technology like portals , text communications , e-commerce ordering capabilities , and electronic transactions like online bill pay . This highlights the importance of customer care and retention in the industry .
Tank monitors The ongoing growth of tank monitors highlights delivery efficiency and accurate forecasting as priorities for fuel dealers . Tank monitors also allow for contactless meter readings , eliminating the need for drivers to go on-site .
Sales and marketing tools Fuel dealers are evaluating sales and marketing solutions like CRM software , marketing or email automation tools , and social media platforms . While sales tools support growth , many of these products also focus on maintaining and improving existing customer communication .
Outside of the tools mentioned before , survey respondents are considering investing in technology like :
• Electronic meters
• Business analytics tools for reporting and dashboarding
• Accounting software
• Cloud hosting / storage
• New fuel delivery software
• Routing software
• Point of sale software
• Time tracking software
• Companion mobile applications for drivers and technicians Number of responses : 60
Most survey respondents are satisfied with the technology available to them . When asked what technology the industry is missing , these were the top responses .
Customer tools Respondents indicate a need for more automated customer communication tools like texting or email automation and mobile apps for customers . Generally , respondents are looking for tech that improves the customer experience for millennials and makes it easier for them to do business with fuel dealers .

7 %

Number of responses : 69
2021 Results

11 %

Number of responses : 107
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