Transforming Fuel Stations into Energy Hubs with Cloudics

While big energy retailers can afford to trial and error new innovations and shifts to business operations, small and medium retailers struggle to make ends meet with changing fuel margin dynamics in an ever-changing world. Cloudics aims to resolve those challenges without investing in new on-site technology.

The Cloudics platform enables retailers to turn out-of-date fuel stations into holistic energy hubs at a pace of their choosing.

By integrating operations across self-service convenience, EV charging, fuelling, and car wash services into a central cloud-based platform, retailers can select how they wish to adapt their business to changing demands.

Thanks to Cloudics, we can convert legacy equipment into cloud-driven IoT devices. This means your customer reach and upsell options grow exponentially, but it also prolongs the lifespan of legacy equipment.

At Uniti Expo 2024 in Hall 5, Booth D61, we are excited to demonstrate how our software and hardware solutions contribute to a connected energy station ecosystem.

Central to energy stations, convenience retail demands reliable 24/7 operations

A lot has been said about frictionless technologies for hopping, and whilst retailers are looking at ways to simplify this business and relieve staffing issues, we are all aware of the news around just-walkout technologies and their failures.

Cloudics shopping is going back to the root of the problem to help enable unmanned operations or 24/7 operations during off-peak hours.

Our frictionless entry/exit solution is already in use today, but rather than using the expense and unproven AI technologies to track sales, we leverage self-checkout or mobile scan and pay.

In addition, with our new radar-based security, we can track customer behaviour in-store and warn retailers to check camera systems for spurious behaviour.

World-first established Cloud FCC

Our innovative cloud-based forecourt controller already empowers fuel retailers to effortlessly connect station equipment and devices to the cloud.

It has been in use for over five years and is still going strong. With the constant addition of new dispensers, our solution is ready to go for markets worldwide, and we are now entering new markets in Asia.

With Cloudics FCC, all the forecourt equipment (dispensers, wetstock, price displays, car wash—all become IoT devices) can be managed from the cloud, enabling instant access to control and manage all your station devices remotely without being on-site.

Cloud-based Forecourt Controller reduces operational costs by a huge margin, centralising control and management of the forecourt in a way that cannot be achieved with a physical device. It also simplifies fuel bunkering, keeping a real-time view of B2B tanks and containers at non-public locations.

Charging into the future

In response to the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, we proudly present our newly developed eOPT specifically for EV charging.

It has been integrated with our all-in-one mobile payment app and a versatile Charging Station Management System (CSMS) supporting over 30 charger manufacturers.

Cloudics platform for EV charging is a low-cost way to quickly fulfil payment regulations for the EU and bring additional services to the OPT, such as car washes, parking, vacuum cleaners, vending machines and more.

Read more about Cloudics for EV charging here.

All-in-one mobile app

Whilst many retailers have invested in an app over the past decade, it is now becoming increasingly clear that just like a POS solution, customer apps require investment and planning.

The Cloudics app consolidates all aspects of the energy retail experience, from EV charging and frictionless entry to fueling, subscription-based services, shopping, food, engaging gamification features, and so much more.

Come talk to us about how you can use the app to surprise and delight your customers, driving increased revenue and converting fuel-only customers to loyal shoppers.

About Cloudics

Cloudics stands at the forefront, driving innovation as the energy landscape shifts. Our focus is ensuring retailers are ready for the next generation of fuel and convenience retail, no matter which direction the industry goes.

At Uniti Expo 2024, we will be unveiling current and latest innovations, with the goal of transforming fuel stations into comprehensive energy hubs, without the huge expense of equipment upgrades.

Global reach and borderless possibilities

Our journey spans over 26 years, during which we have achieved significant milestones, including deploying our platform and solutions across multiple regions such as Canada, the Baltics, the EU, and Georgia.

With over 550 stations operating on our platform and more than 200,000 users worldwide, our global footprint is a testament to our expertise and the trust placed in us by our partners.

We invite you to experience the future of fuel retail firsthand at Uniti Expo 2024, Hall 5, Booth D61.

Let’s embark on this journey towards a more efficient, sustainable, and consumer-friendly energy landscape.

Ad-hoc payments regulation for EV: Cloudics eOPT

A lot has already been said about the new Ad-hoc payment regulations coming into force around EVs. Designed to address many issues, including ease of access for users of low-cost EVs and the lack of transparency in subscription payments, the new rules mandate access to a credit card or contactless payment device without the need for subscriptions.

With the new directive already in place within the EU and similar initiatives underway in the UK and the US, such as the NEVI program, the landscape of EV charging is set for a substantial shift.

These regulations must be integrated into national laws, and they are not just bureaucratic changes but pivotal moves towards more user-friendly and transparent EV charging.

What does this mean for operators?

For operators, this translates into a significant investment in infrastructure.

The mandate for accessible credit card or contactless payment options at charging stations means operators must install PINpads at each charger or adopt a more integrated hardware solution to manage multiple chargers.

This is where Cloudics steps in with an innovative and cost-effective answer: the eOPT.

Designed to be a low-cost, asset-light solution, the Cloudics eOPT is revolutionary in its simplicity.

Leveraging the proven Cloudics Platform, all the business intelligence for the eOPT sits in the cloud, meaning that the only critical hardware is the PINpad.

Cloudics leverages the open areas of the PINpad payment flow to place charger control screens, meaning customers can select a charger and pay from the screen itself.

The Cloudics eOPT extends its benefits beyond simple payment flow

Utilising the existing Cloudics CPMS, customers will also be informed about the cost of parking or service on the display for each charger, so they know in advance how much per KW and per minute they will pay. 

For retailers and operators, the Cloudics solution offers an additional advantage: it only stops charging fees for parking when the charger is disconnected, not merely when the charging is complete.

But that’s not all.

Versatile customer journeys thanks to a floating basket

Thanks to the fact that the Cloudics Platform has a free-forming floating basket, that customer journey flow can be used for pretty much any purpose.

This means that from a single transaction, customers can charge their car, book a car wash, order food and drink, and even update their loyalty status.

This flexibility, coupled with the ability to continue transactions on any Cloudics-connected device, be it mobile, self-checkout, or point-of-sale, redefines convenience in EV charging.

A step further with Cloudics FCC

We take integration a step further with our unique Cloud-based Forecourt Controller.

Download the PDF here.

This innovation allows for seamless visibility and control of chargers directly from the Point of Sale (POS) system.

But the integration doesn’t end there; the eOPT also enables the selection of fuel pumps via its interface, offering a unified solution for various forecourt services.

This level of integration positions the Cloudics eOPT as a highly versatile and efficient option for retailers, providing a low-cost, low-maintenance OPT alternative.

Compared to mainstream OPTs in the market, the eOPT stands out for its affordability and ease of service, making it an attractive choice for retailers looking to upgrade their EV charging infrastructure.

Cloudics eOPT is not just a response to the changing regulatory landscape; it’s a forward-thinking solution.

Cloudics eOPT will be ready to install in early Q1 2024 and will be a game changer for the industry. You will no longer need to be concerned about installing a PINpad on every charger, nor will you need to worry about how to monetise your chargers.

Speak to us today to find out how to purchase the eOPT or partner with us.

For more information, visit: www.cloudics.com

Connect with our International Sales Director Gary on LinkedIn.

Cloudics – The Next Generation of App

Over the past decade, the sudden influx and growth of smartphone usage has forced a response from the retail industry.  However, for the Fuel and Convenience sector, we have seen a more cautious approach. On the whole, it is largely due to regulation and the use mobile phones on the forecourt, but as phone safety has improved, regulations have begun to adapt.

One of the biggest challenges we hear when selling Cloudics is the response, “We already have an app.”  There are apps and then there are apps.  The biggest challenge of all is retail companies thinking it is cheaper and easier to build their own app, and this is not something new. Many companies in the past tried to make their own point of sale.  Many companies tried to make their own back-office system.  We know of some companies who tried to make their own fuel controller!

What do all these experiences have in common?

The vast majority failed, discovering that the development was more costly than envisioned, that development leads and IT Managers lead the scope, and then left the company with a huge amount of technical debt which nobody else could pick up. Companies found themselves struggling to keep pace with multi-region retailers because of the experience and features they were bringing into the standard solution.

Then there was the big one. Security investment was not as good as planned, causing leaks of data, and even fraud.

Do you think it will be any different with apps?

Today, when we speak to retailers who claim to already have apps, they usually have something basic, something to show fuel pricing and maybe some loyalty details.  They claim they are not interested in investing further because they are not seeing the customer uptake they expected, or that people download but don’t use.  But does that mean that apps don’t work, or does it mean your app doesn’t work? In fact, for Cloudics, every seventh fuelling is performed via our mobile payment app in Estonia and we are able to activate 80% of users who download the app through campaigns.

Some retailers have tried to find a way to enable pay at pump, but interacting with fuel controllers can be tricky, especially if you have multiple brands across your estate. The way around that? A QR code on the pump and enable post-pay.  Good idea?  Sure, if you don’t mind your customers being forced to sign 3d Secure every month.  If you don’t mind your customers sometimes driving off thinking they’ve paid.  Sure, if you don’t mind huge unsightly QR codes everywhere. Sure, if you don’t mind the risk!

Why is Cloudics different?

Cloudics touches every single element of the forecourt retail experience from one single app.  Pay for fuel, order food, sign up to the coffee club, even the car wash subscription, charge your EV, scan your shopping, add time to your jet wash, add tokens to your vacuum time, shop and fuel anytime, interact with the store.

Developing a solution that does all that and more, and simply works, takes time, money and effort.  The long-time costs of maintaining the solution, making sure it works on the new iOS version, or the new Android, whilst maintaining backwards compatibility, requires dedicated teams.  And that is why most apps out there, simply don’t attract the users, because there is no user experience.

So now is the time to start thinking about your next generation of app.

Now is the time to think about how to interact better with the customer.  Now is the time to look at ways to get the customer who always pays at the pump, to come inside the store for a coffee. Now is the time to monetize your EV experience, and convince the customer to order some food from the car, instead of just watching Netflix.

Now is the time to move to Cloudics.

For more information, visit: www.cloudics.com

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn.

What is the difference between autocharge and Plug & Charge?

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, understanding the nuances of EV charging technologies becomes crucial. Two terms often heard in the EV charging conversation are Autocharge and Plug & Charge. While they might seem similar at first glance, they are different technologies with unique features and benefits. Let’s demystify these terms.

Cloudics platform expands to the UK market in cooperation with Suresite

Tartu, Estonia and Preston, UK – Astro Baltics, a world leader in cross-business mobile payment and advanced forecourt control technology has entered into an agreement with Suresite, the UK’s leading provider of forecourt payment technology, to use Astro Baltics’ Cloudics mobile platform to power Suresite’s new PitStop mobile platform.

Platform based on Cloudics technology – PitStop

The mobile payment platform will leverage the power of the proven Cloudics technology, already in use in Europe and North America, in order to bring a modern, reliable mobile experience to UK fuel retail.

The Cloudics platform already allows customers to pay for fuel, shop, order food, charge electric vehicles, and much more. That same technology will be available to retailers via Suresite’s new Pitstop, due for release soon.

PitStop Suresite’s innovative payments technology to negate any prolonged holding of pre-authorised funds. The app aims to clear these funds in a timely manner – meaning prompt transactions and less inconvenience to customers.

Benefits for retailers and customers

Benefits for retailers include connection to bespoke loyalty programmes; creating a database of customers available to market offers and upsell. Customer spending habits can be more easily analysed, giving retailers an insight into spending peaks and troughs.

Retailers can also look to leverage the app to enable out of hours fuelling, maximising on daily profits and reducing staff hours. Opportunity for business growth is boosted, with each element of the app available to numerous forecourt commercial outlets.

Additionally, thanks to GPS technology, the customer will know where the nearest fuel retailer is and will be able to pay from within their car without the need for unsightly QR codes.

Collaboration between Cloudics and Suresite

“When looking to enhance our payments offering to our thousands of retail outlets, we knew we needed to look towards mobile technology,” said Nick Horne, Sales and Commercial Director, Suresite Group. “Astro Baltics Cloudics platform was ideally placed to provide the engine to our app by providing a modern, secure solution while future-proofing us by already being ready for EV and more. As we grow our offering within our Connex marketplace, we believe Pitstop will be a prime feature of our customer’s forecourts.”

“At Astro Baltics, we had already engaged with many UK retailers who were excited by our Cloudics platform, but we knew that to provide an ideal experience, we needed a trusted partner in the UK,” said Gary Szendzielarz, International Business Development Director, Astro Baltics. 

“Suresite’s name kept coming up time and again as a trusted partner to the UK’s biggest fuel retailers, already providing a range of high-quality services. Through our exclusive UK partnership, we will be able to grow our portfolio of services and provide UK retailers with the opportunity to give customers a better fuelling and retail experience.”

“Finding a partner in the UK was one thing, but finding one who wanted to perfect the payment experience for the customer was another,” said Taimar Kallari, CEO of Astro Baltics. “Through Suresite, we were able to ensure we had the right payment gateway and setup in place to ensure the perfect pay-at-pump experience for the end customer. We are excited to see this new relationship blossom.”

Next steps in the UK market

As part of this new partnership, Astro Baltics will also work with SureSite to introduce their new eOPT device to the UK market. Designed to address the issue of card payment at the EV charger, the eOPT will be a low-cost device which can control up to ten charge-points from a single payment terminal, reducing the investment cost for charge-point operators. 

SureSite will showcase the new PitStop mobile platform at APEA Live in Milton Keynes on the 16th of November. Make sure to stop by the stand to see it in action.

Suresite

Established in 1994, Suresite Group provides a range of business-critical operational services for Fuel and Convenience Retailers. Suresite market leading Payment and data solutions, Wetstock management, Training and Health & Safety compliance help over 3,000 stores across the UK run businesses more effectively.

Suresite Group customers and partners include Barclays, Finaro, Worldpay, Timico, Feefo, American Express, Sponge, Greenergy, Cost Cutter, Jet, and others.

Astro Baltics & Cloudics

Astro Baltics has served the fuel and convenience industry for over 25 years, providing retailers with cutting-edge IT solutions. In 2018, Cloudics was unveiled to the public, offering an industry-leading mobile payment platform and the world’s first fully functioning cloud-based forecourt controller capable of communicating with legacy pumps.

Since then, Cloudics has been installed in numerous countries worldwide, including Canada, Austria, Estonia and Georgia.

Cloudics continues to grow from strength to strength, today opening doors to unmanned convenience stores, turning legacy devices into IoT devices, managing EV charge-points and providing the engine which drives customer engagement at the mobile device for any retail environment.

For more information, visit: www.cloudics.com or www.suresite.co.uk

The PitStop mobile platform will soon be available on the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Cloudics team is on the road to NACS 2023

In around two weeks, the Cloudics team is on the road again, and this time it’s big one. NACS 2023 in Atlanta offers to be the biggest convenience retail focused event in the world, and Cloudics will be there on stand.

Authentic experience in fuel retail: it all starts with one word

Much has been said about late Millennials and Gen Z, but the retail world has coined a phrase for what these young adults want; an authentic experience. But what does that mean for fuel retailers?

Seamless synergy: Cloudics integration with Eco Movement

Cloudics management and payment platform for EV charging and energy stations has been successfully integrated with the Eco Movement data platform for a more convenient charging experience.

Cloudics white-label platform Rezzo in partnership with RL Energies, launches in the Canadian EV market

May 2023 marks a milestone for Cloudics & Rezzo collaboration. Phase 1 deployment of the RL Energies charging network in Quebec, Canada, has been completed. A 12-month journey of hard work has paid off, and 20 EV chargers across RL Energies and Belzile energy stations have been set up, with 10 of them being ultra-fast (160kW) and other 10 fast 50kW charging points.

Canadian fuel retailer leverages innovative cloud platform to stay ahead of the competition

In the second half of 2021, Cloudics, a cloud-based platform for energy station management and payments, entered the 9th largest economy in the world.

A white-label solution was established with local Canadian brand Rezzo to offer the Cloudics platform for energy stations in Canada. In just a matter of months since its market debut, Canadian RL Energies, became the first company to utilise the innovative platform.