Going the extra mile: keeping Tamoil’s fuel stations stocked

Introduction

Tamoil operates 225 fuel stations throughout the Netherlands, most of them under its own brand. The company has contracts with several suppliers and sources its fuel from various depots throughout the country. It has outsourced a large part of their planning and transports to Bottomline.

The challenge

Danny de Bruijn, Manager Purchase & Supply: “First and foremost all of our stations need to be stocked at all times. Bottomline’s system is connected to the tank sensors in our forecourts, so their planners can monitor inventory levels and plan transports accordingly. 

“Additionally, the challenge is to optimize the planning throughout the network. Taking into account current inventories at our stations, price levels at various depots, anticipated demand, transport costs and the volumes we’ve agreed with our suppliers. Bottomline has access to all that data, and uses it to plan deliveries for maximum overall cost efficiency. Often based on sensor data from our fuel tanks. But if necessary, for example when a sensor malfunctions, also by using historical or administrative data.”

Why Bottomline?

“We have outsourced a large part of our planning and transports to Bottomline for many years now. And they have proven themselves to be reliable partners. They are definitely willing to go the extra mile, and to do everything that’s technically possible to ensure our stations are stocked. Even, or especially, when circumstances are difficult.”

“For example, we had some problems in recent summers because of a shortage of supply at some depots, because of low water levels in rivers or geopolitical circumstances. And I know that for them, driver shortages can be a problem as well.  Such challenges can put a partnership to the test, but it’s precisely at such moments that Bottomline have made a difference. We know that we can rely on them 24/7, to solve problems together. It’s an excellent working partnership. In fact, at times it feels more like working with colleagues than with a supplier.”

The results

“We’re confident that together we’re doing everything we can to maximize efficiency. Outsourcing your planning means that you place a great deal responsibility for your supply with an external partner. That requires trust, but also transparency.”

“Over the years we’ve finetuned the way our systems interact, so we get periodical reports with exactly the information we need. We regularly review our priorities and possibilities for further optimization. And Bottomline keeps us informed on any issues in the supply chain, and what they’re doing to tackle any bottlenecks. I appreciate that openness: it gives me the confidence that they’re doing everything in their power to solve such issues.”